Changing your oil yourself may seem easier and less expensive than getting it done by an experienced mechanic, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, unless you are a qualified mechanic, you may unknowingly make errors as you go. These mistakes can be costly and dangerous in the long run. Read on for more information regarding the common errors that an inexperienced person may make when changing a vehicle’s oil.
Not Keeping Track
One of the biggest mistakes that happen when you change your own oil doesn’t actually have to do with the job itself. It’s when you don’t keep track of the frequency of the oil changes. It’s easy to underestimate or overestimate when you should do the next oil change if you’re not keeping a record.
Not Replacing the Drain Plug Washer
On some vehicles, the oil drain plug uses a soft metal washer to seal it. These washers aren’t usually reusable because they get crushed in the process of tightening down the drain plug. If you don’t replace the washer when you change your oil, you could end up with a slow leak.
Overtightening the Filter
When you change your own oil, it’s common for an inexperienced person to tighten the new oil filter too much. If you overtighten it, the next oil change will be much more difficult than it has to be.
Not Using the Right Oil
Choosing the wrong type of oil could damage your vehicle. By working with a professional, they will know the exact type of oil your vehicle needs without question. However, an amateur can easily find incorrect information online or misunderstand the owner’s manual.
Save yourself all these potential problems and let the experts at Quality Lube Plus change your oil for you!