Most of these vehicles have an oil life indicator system that lights up on the instrument panel when the oil is due for change, and this considering other factors considers the oil as 'worn out' This system is normally more flexible than the absolute 3000 miles one, though extra frequent changes are advised for the engines' overall health. If one decides to go by the oil life indicator, do not go beyond 10,000 miles before you change the oil. Subsequently, one needs frequent oil changes; because as the oil grows older, it weakens and accumulates deposits. This is easily justifiable because of the cheap price and couples with the oil change meaning that one has to change the oil filter frequently. At the beginning, make sure cleanliness for spills is attained through having clean rags as well as newspapers within your access range. This is much easier if the vehicle is being hoisted on a jack or standing on ramps at least at the end of the collision where the damage is believed to have happened. Become familiar to the location of the oil drain plug and filter, ensure the engine is at normal working temp and then safely jack up the car. Locate yourself under the vehicle and unscrew the drain plug after removing the under vehicle splash shield and place a drain pan to capture the falling oil. The final process is just to remove the plug and wash it and then put it in the right place and ensure it is well fixed. Slide the drain pan beneath the oil filter, position an oil filter wrench to get a grip and remove the old filter and finally examine the new filter and the old one for compatibility. Lightly wipe the base where it is to be mounted, check for gasket which may have got stuck and lubricate the gasket that comes with the new filter. Bolt all the tools and then lower the car and pour fresh oil through the filler opening because spilling is avoided by using a funnel and add the necessary amount of oil. Switch off the engine and look for the oil leakage and take a second look at the dip stick; if it is low, you add more oil. It is advisable to check for leaks and also oil levels after few uses after an oil change has been done. Eliminate the used oil in an appropriate manner with a view of taking it to a center where it will be recycled. The Oil Life Monitor is designed to keep an eye on engine conditions and to advise when the oil must be changed; to reset, the ignition key and throttle pedal must be operated in a certain way. If the system is equipped with a driver information center the use of the fuel information button will enable the resetting of oil life system.
