How to do an oil change on a car
Changing the oil on your car is actually quite simple, saving you the cost of taking it to a mechanic. Check out the video or download the printable guide to get started. Remember to check what engine oil you need by using our Shell LubeMatch tool or checking your car’s manual.
How to do an oil change on a car
Title: How to do an oil change on a car
Duration: 3:25 minutes
Description:
A how to video to show someone how to change the oil on a car
Shell Motoring Tips - How to do an oil change on a car – Transcript
[Background music plays]
Atmospheric, storytelling and soft background music; the same music continues throughout the video.
[Visual transition/change]
Screen starts with a white backdrop as the shell lock-up enters from the right of the picture while the video title text slides into the middle of the screen.
[Text displays]
How to do an oil change on a car
[Narrator]
Changing the oil on a car is actually quite simple. We’ll show you how to do it yourself.
[Visual transition/change]
Screen transitions to a page that lists the product names and pictures detailing exactly what a user will need to be able to perform the task of changing the oil on a car.
[Text displays]
What you’ll need:
- Shell LubeMatch or car manual
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Adjustable wrench
- Electric screwdriver
- Drain pan
- Wipes
- Funnel
- Oil filter
- Oil
[Narrator]
Here’s what you’ll need. Shell’s LubeMatch online tool or the car’s manual, oil, a pair of gloves, a pair of safety goggles, a car jack, jack stands, an adjustable wrench, a strap wrench, a screwdriver, a drain pan, some wipes, a funnel, an oil filter and oil.
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the first step of the process.
[Text displays]
1 – Get ready
[Visual transition/change]
Screen transitions into a white walled workshop with various red coloured tools, equipment and car maintenance items in the background.
The shot is taken from the point of view of the mechanic, and you see the mechanics left hand rise up and stop in the middle of the screen. The mechanic is wearing blue gloves and has a smart phone open on Shell LubeMatch.
[Text displays]
Get the right oil
[Narrator]
Before you start, make sure you drive around a bit to warm up the engine, and check what engine oil should be used by visiting Shell’s LubeMatch online tool or by checking your car’s manual.
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the second step of the process.
[Text displays]
2 – Jack up car
[Visual transition/change]
The screen changes to a shot of a red car, and the mechanic walks towards it carrying a car jack. He places it centrally beneath the car, and with both hands he quickly moves the handle in an up and down motion as the car elevates on its back two wheels. The camera then zooms in underneath the car, and the mechanic places the two jack stands equidistant from the centre and the edge of the car, creating a secondary support. The mechanic then removes the car jack.
[Text displays]
Raise the front
[Narrator]
Find a flat surface to park on, jack up the car, and slide the jack stands into place, and raise up the front until it becomes a secondary support point.
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the third step of the process.
[Text displays]
3 – Drain Oil Tank
[Visual transition/change]
The screen changes to a shot of the workshop, and a counter with various pieces of equipment. The mechanic then lifts a pair of safety goggles with their left hand, and the screen then changes to the mechanic opening the car bonnet and securing it. The mechanic then unscrews the oil filter cap and places the lid next to it.
[Text displays]
Remove the oil filter cap
[Narrator]
At this point, put on your safety goggles. To allow for a better oil flow, unscrew and remove the oil filter cap on the top of the engine.
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic then uses an electric screwdriver to unscrew and remove the engine guard, placing it out of the shot.
[Text displays]
Remove the engine guard
[Narrator]
In some vehicles, you need to remove the engine guard to reach the oil-drained plug. To do that, slide under the car on your back and unscrew the engine guard.
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic then places a red tray beneath the vehicle and uses a spanner to remove the bolt at the bottom of the oil tank. Once the bolt is unscrewed, black oil flows out.
[Text displays]
Remove oil drain plug
[Narrator]
Grab an oil drain pan and find the oil drain plug – it’s a bolt on the bottom of the oil tank. Position the pan underneath the plug before you unscrew it. Slowly loosen and unscrew the plug, rotating anti-clockwise.
[Text displays]
Let the oil drain out for 30-45 mins
[Visual transition/change]
The screen then shows the mechanic wiping their hands with a pale yellow cloth, and an animated clock appears centrally in the shot, signalling time passing. The mechanic then vigorously re-screws the bolt back in, using a spanner to secure it and wiping beneath the car with the cloth. They then remove the tray, which is now full of black oil.
[Narrator]
Now grab a cup of tea or coffee while the oil fully drains, which can take 30-45 minutes. Once the oil is fully drained, screw the plug back into place, making the sure the copper seal is in place - but don’t over-tighten. Remove the drain pan from under the car, along with any other tools.
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the fourth step of the process.
[Text displays]
4 – Replace oil filter
[Visual transition/change]
The screen then transitions back to the workshop, where we see a red workstation with tools scattered across the surface. The mechanic then picks up equipment, slides the now empty tray beneath the car again and removes the existing filter by twisting it in an anti-clockwise motion. Residual black oil spills out as the mechanic removes the filter from its place.
[Text displays]
Remove the old oil filter
[Narrator]
Now the oil’s drained, you can change the oil filter. Locate the filter in the engine bay under the bonnet and remove the existing filter by twisting anti-clockwise. Be ready for any residual oil drips.
[Visual transition/change]
The screen then transitions to the mechanic dipping their right finger into a grey bottle and rubbing the rim of the new filter three times anti-clockwise with oil.
[Text displays]
Rub some oil on the rim of the new filter
[Narrator]
A useful tip is to wipe a little fresh oil around the seal of the new oil filter. This creates a better seal and will make it easier to remove the next time you do an oil change.
[Text displays]
Screw on the new filter
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic then reaches beneath the car and using their right hand screws the filter in repeatedly and quickly until it is securely in place.
[Narrator]
As you twist the new filter into place, make sure not to over tighten or cross the thread.
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the fifth step of the process.
[Text displays]
5 – Refill oil
[Visual transition/change]
The screen transitions to the workshop, and poised overlooking the open car bonnet, the mechanic unscrews the lid of the oil and places it down.
[Text displays]
Pour in the oil
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic - still overlooking the open car bonnet - places an orange funnel into the relevant hole and pours the bottle (labelled Shell Helix Ultra) into the funnel.
[Narrator]
Now pour in the right amount of fresh oil, using a funnel.
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic then pulls the dipstick out by pulling on a yellow toggle, revealing a long black stick which is then wiped clean using a yellow cloth and placed back in its holder. The mechanic immediately removes it once more to check the oil level, wiping it once more and putting it back in place.
[Text displays]
Check the dipstick
[Narrator]
Once the new oil has been poured in, allow a minute for it to settle. Then remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and replace it. Almost immediately, take it back out and check the new oil level. Add further oil and repeat the checking process until it’s full.
[Visual transition/change]
The mechanic then removes the orange funnel and using their left hand screws the oil cap back on.
[Text displays]
Screw on the oil cap
[Narrator]
Screw the engine oil cap back into place
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the sixth step of the process.
[Text displays]
6 – Run engine
[Visual transition/change]
Screen transitions to the mechanic getting into the red car, sitting down and turning on the ignition. Lights flicker across the dashboard as the engine begins running.
[Text displays]
Start the engine
[Narrator]
Start the vehicle and let it tick over for a few minutes to let the oil warm and circulate, enjoying the new smoother sound of the engine. Then switch off the engine and after another couple of minutes re-check your oil level and add if necessary
[Visual transition/change]
Page transitions to a white screen with text instructing the viewer that this is the seventh step of the process.
[Text displays]
7 – Plan next oil change
[Visual transition/change]
The screen then transitions to the mechanic still sitting in the car, facing the steering wheel. Wearing blue gloves, the mechanic lifts their left hand and holding a smartphone open on the Shell App, scrolls down it. Landing on a section called ‘Oil Change’, the mechanic then selects ‘Set Reminder’, and flicks through to the date 1st February 2018.
[Text displays]
Set up a reminder on the Shell App.
[Narrator]
Now, set up a reminder on the Shell App so you know when the next change is due. You’ve now successfully changed your engine oil and oil filter, giving your engine a new lease of life.
[Visual transition/change]
[Text displays]
Summary:
- Get ready
- Jack up car
- Drain oil tank
- Replace oil filter
- Refill oil
- Run engine
- Plan next oil change
[Visual transition/change]
The screen transitions into another completely white summary screen in which text slides into the middle of the shot from right to left that states the sign off caption:
[Text displays]
Here’s to better journeys
[Visual transition/change]
The final transition is to a white screen with the Shell Pecten already present in the middle of the shot. The Shell Go Well caption slides in from left to right, sitting under the logo at the centre of the screen.
[Background music plays]
Shell Mnemonic plays lasting only 2 seconds
[Text displays]
Go Well
More in Motoring Tips and Advice
How to change a car tyre
Learn how to change your car tyre and get yourself back on the road in no time.
How to change windscreen wiper blades
See how easy it is to get perfect visibility when you change your wipers and top up your screen wash.
How to clean a car
Discover how having a clean car is not only satisfying, but can also help maintain your paintwork for longer.
You may also be interested in
Shell engine oils and lubricants
Shell is the number one global lubricant supplier and has a 70-year history of innovation. Explore Shell’s range of engine oils and lubricants for cars, motorcycles, trucks and more.
Shell Fuels
Shell has dedicated more than 100 years to the development of innovative fuels designed to help customers get the most out of every drop.
Shell Service Stations
We put the service back into service-station, ensuring you always leave us a little happier than when you arrived.