In the south, a man can be measured by his money, his popularity, or his truck. It is a great southern tradition to buy off-road vehicles for work or play. While driving through Alabama, it is easy to see that having a truck seems to be the normal, but having a big truck with raised, all terrain tires and a winch is just better. One reason the south loves huge trucks is the pastime of mudding. Mudding is when a group of friends gets together the day after a long night of rain to hit the back roads in search of excitement. A dream spot for mudders would be a large field with a two or three foot mix of sloppy mud. To mud correctly all one must do is drive fast, turn sharp, and try not to flip!
This pride for mudding and for their truck is present in almost every aspect of the vehicle from cleaning to do-it-yourself maintenance. Instead of taking their truck to the shop or local express oil changing facility, it is very common for one to take meticulous care of the engine by doing oil changes themselves. It is necessary to have a light background in auto mechanics to do the oil change because every car is different in certain areas, but the general technique works for any car.
First, to prepare for an oil change, there are certain materials that are necessary to own before beginning the process. These items include the automobile service manual, oil rags, a funnel, oil pans, new motor oil, a socket set, an oil filter with filter wrenches, and a ratchet set. You should also always do your oil changes in a safe, cool environment to prevent any hazards.
Once all of the necessary supplies are gathered, prepare for your oil change by wearing older clothes and finding a suitable spot to do the change. Be sure that the area chosen has a secured, level surface. Once the car is in park, turn off the engine, and engage the parking break. This will limit the risk of any accident. Luckily, with a truck, it is usually easy to access the engine and undercarriage but if the vehicle has a low clearance, you must raise it by driving onto ramps and securing it. This can be done by placing wooden blocks behind the rear tires.
After the truck is securely positioned, open the hood and remove the oil cap. Next, lie under the vehicle on your back and locate the oil drain plug. This plug can normally be found near the front center of the truck. If you are having trouble finding the plug, refer to the owner’s manual for the exact location. Once the oil plug is assessed, grab your oil pan and place it directly under the plug. After that, use the socket wrench to carefully break the bolt loose. Place the socket wrench aside and remove the plug by hand. Be prepared for a rush of warm, or even hot, oil. Let the oil drain into the pan. This may take several minutes. After all of the oil has drained from the truck, clean the oil plug and reinstall it. Be sure to begin reinstalling the plug by hand then complete the tightening with a wrench or socket. It is important to not over tighten the plug.
Next, find the existing oil filter. The filter should be located on the same side as the engine. Place the oil pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil that may still be inside. Use an adjustable oil wrench to unscrew the current oil filter. Remove the oil filter. Wipe the area of any spilled debris with a clean oil rag. After that, lubricate the filter and attached rubber seal with a rag dipped in the fresh oil. Finally, screw the new filter on by hand. It is not necessary to tighten it with a wrench because there is a chance you could rupture the filter.
Following the replacement of the oil filter, it is time to add the fresh oil. Find the oil filler cap that is located on the top of the engine. To make adding oil easier, use a funnel to pour in the oil. Begin adding oil slowly to prevent spilling. A typical automobile will use about four to five quarts of oil. To find out what oil a specific engine takes, refer to the owner’s manual. Once all oil is into the engine, replace the oil cap. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, check the dipstick, and add more oil if necessary. Check the area around the oil drain plug and filter for oil leaks. If a leak is discovered, tighten the cap where the leak is noted. Pour the used oil that was collected into a plastic container after it has cooled. To properly dispose of the used oil, take it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop.
In conclusion, showing pride for your vehicle is a concept taken to heart in the south. Changing you own oil can avert any costly mistakes, save you money, and prevent you from listening to a greasy person make up problems with a perfectly running truck when you just want a simple oil change. As explained, it is quite simple to complete this task which should be done approximately every six months. It is very odd to hear good things about the southern tradition of big trucks, back roads, and mudding in other parts of the U.S., but one thing is clear, a trip to a muddy hole with close friends and an oversized vehicle can easily fix that.
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