7 steps to a professional oil change

Get the Bardahl Pre-Drain Cleaner. It will remove all types of deposits to facilitate their evacuation during the oil change, thus preventing the new oil from being contaminated. Pour the bottle (a maximum of 10% of the sump's maximum capacity, as indicated in your vehicle's user manual or on http://www.bardahloils.com/fr) into the oil reservoir. Then, run the engine for 15 minutes to ensure the additive circulates well through the oil system. After that, turn off the engine.

Place the car on jack stands or a lift. Regardless of the option chosen, the vehicle should ideally be level and, most importantly, stable. Think about your safety! Additionally, during the oil change, always wear gloves because, while the engine oil drains more easily when it's slightly warmed up, too high a temperature can cause burns.

Open the engine hood and remove the oil filler cap to allow air to escape. Then, go under the engine to unscrew the oil pan drain plug using an appropriate wrench. Make sure the drain pan is placed underneath. If possible (depending on the vehicle), loosen the oil filter as well to ensure that the entire oil system is properly drained.

While the oil is draining from the pan, you can take care of the oil filter. If you haven't done so already, loosen it using an appropriate wrench. Be sure to place a cloth around and underneath it, as some oil will escape. Dispose of the old filter (following recycling regulations) and install the new oil filter*. Before screwing it in, remember to coat the sealing gasket with oil to avoid damaging it when tightening. If you're using the same cap to close the filter, clean it (with Bardahl Brake Cleaner, for example), replace the O-ring (sealing ring), and don't forget to coat it with oil. Screw it back on carefully and finish tightening with the wrench, gently (often, a quarter turn is sufficient).

*Depending on the type of filter and its position, you may be able to fill it with new oil before installation. This prevents air from entering the oil filter.

Once all the used oil has drained, you can close the oil pan. Don’t forget to use a new gasket for the drain plug to ensure a perfect seal. Screw it in by hand and gently lock it with the appropriate wrench. If you need to apply between 10 and 30 Nm of torque, tighten it by half a turn. If you need to apply between 30 and 50 Nm of torque, tighten it by three-quarters of a turn.

It's time to add the new oil! Insert a funnel into the oil reservoir and pour in the amount recommended by the manufacturer. You can find the capacity of your oil pan in your vehicle’s user manual or on [http://www.bardahloils.com/fr](http://www.bardahloils.com/fr).

Once the oil has entered the pan and you've closed the reservoir, you can start the engine briefly to help the oil flow more easily and to ensure the oil filter is saturated, if it hasn't been already.

Next, check the oil level using the dipstick, ensuring you never exceed the maximum level. Overfilling can cause excessive pressure, abnormal wear on seals, significant clogging of various pollution control components, and even engine runaway. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to catastrophic engine failure by deforming the connecting rods and crankshaft. If you're far from the maximum (as the oil-soaked filter may slightly reduce the level), top up carefully, making sure not to exceed the maximum level.

Don’t forget to take your used oil to a waste disposal center, a garage, or an auto center with appropriate recycling containers.