Oil change on a low-profile car

JM19 · 11-04-04, 02:02

I'm getting ready to change the oil in my car for the first time. I'm very excited about doing it as I am a "hands-on" kind of person, but I'd like some pointers just to make it successful and hassle-free. I've done some research based on articles from various motor oil manufacturers and I feel as though I can get the job done right the first time.

My car is a '99 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It has a very low clearance, and I was wondering if using ramps would be helpful to gain access to the drain plug and filter?

Also, what are some basic "accessories" that I will need to get the job done correctly?

I am thinking of going with a synthetic such as Mobil1. I recently had my oil changed at a "quick-lube" type of place where they used another synthetic brand (Pennzoil) and I can say that I like the feel of it in my car. Is there any special type of filter I should use? I was thinking just for the sake of brand familiarity, I would go with the Mobil1 filter.

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bill D · 11-04-04, 02:04

To make the oil change but not the filter change easier and done while the oil is nice and hot I use an oil extractor. Got mine from Overtons.com but many places sell. I also have seperate tubes I ordered from the manufacturer for use with other fluids.

I understand the Mobil 1 filters to be among the best in the industry.

Bill D · 11-04-04, 02:08

Here's mine ,Griots sells the same

Lowejackson · 11-04-04, 02:18

Whatever way you get the oil out, do it when the oil is warm but not hot.

If you are draining, check and clean the bolt and use a new washer. A torque wrench is always a handy tool and so is a filter wrench.

LouisanaJeeper · 11-04-04, 02:22

see below

xhaust50 · 11-04-04, 02:28

I got a 93 Talon, similar ground clearance, and I can't get my car up on a ramp because the front valence is too low. I find it easiest to jack up both sides and put jack stands under the front of the car (make sure it's the frame). But first, let the car idle for a few minutes to get it at operating temperature so the oil will flow out easier.

You will need:
5 quarts of oil
oil filter
drain pan
socket
breaker bar or use wd-40 type product to loosen drain plug
filter wrench
rag

It's really easy after you do it the first time. Like mentioned above, make sure to wipe down the drain plug before you put it back on, and add a ring of oil around the new filter before you install it.

Bill D · 11-04-04, 02:32

Probably irrational but ramps scare me, my other car fell off those Rhino ramps as I was trying to pull up on it, :scared It punctured one real good.

For the Audi's first oil change, I read how dreaded it is to break the oil filter seal since its put on by an air gun at the facotry

. So every day for a week straight I sprayed the filter with some Kroil and it definitely helped get it off

I hope to own this some time:

dcswd · 11-04-04, 02:35

agreed with xhaust50!

After you do it once, I dont think you will ever take your car in to get it changed. You dont want those people messing with your car anyways

splattj · 11-04-04, 02:51

If you can't get up on ramps or get a jack under the car, you can drive up on a 2"X4" and then you should be able to get a floor jack to a jack-point. I highly recommend using jackstands. If you can't get a jack under the car, I doubt you'd like being under it if it falls.

JM19 · 11-04-04, 02:52

Thank you for the help everyone!

I can definately say that the picture of the Stang on the ramps reassured me that my car will not have any clearance problems when it comes to driving on the ramps. Though I do not drive a Mustang, I can estimate that my car would roughly have the same clearance.

Is 5 quarts of oil generally the standard when it comes to refilling? I checked with the owner's manual, and it said that the engine holds 4 quarts of oil and the filter holds .5 of a quart of oil. Therefore, would I refill my car with 4.5 quarts of oil? Or should I just fill with 4 quarts based on the amount held by the engine?

Hopefully I will be able to have a successful first attempt. I am very meticulous when it comes to maintaining my car, and I can say that doing a basic maintenance procedure myself will definately reassure me that my car is being cared for with the highest standards!

splattj · 11-04-04, 02:56

If you drain the oil and change the filter 4.5 will be perfect. It is on my Eclipse.

JM19 · 11-04-04, 04:48

Quote:

Originally posted by splattj
If you drain the oil and change the filter 4.5 will be perfect. It is on my Eclipse.

As a fellow Eclipse owner, do you use ramps during your oil changes? Also, do you find 5W-30 or 10W-30 to be the best?