As an owner of a Chevy Volt, it’s important to take good care of your car, and one of the most important maintenance tasks is regularly changing your oil. Regular oil changes keep your Volt running smoothly and efficiently, and help ensure that it lasts for years to come. It’s not especially difficult to change your oil in a Chevy Volt, but there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make sure you’re doing it safely and correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your oil in a Chevy Volt.
Table of Contents
Gather the Necessary Materials
Before you start the oil change process, you’ll need to gather several tools and materials:
- Oil filter
- Oil drain pan
- Socket wrench with a 10 inch extension
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- New oil (check your owner’s manual to see what type and how much is recommended for your car)
Locate the Oil Drain Plug
The first step is to locate the oil drain plug, which is located on the bottom of your engine. To get to it, you’ll need to place your drain pan under the car and then use the socket wrench with the 10 inch extension to remove the plug. Once it’s loose, you can unscrew it completely and allow the oil to drain into the pan.
Replace the Oil Filter
Once the majority of the oil has drained out, you can remove the oil filter. To do this, use the oil filter wrench to unscrew it from the engine and then replace it with a new filter. Make sure to use the correct type of filter for your model of car, which you can find in your owner’s manual.
Refill with New Oil
Once the filter is installed, you can begin to refill the engine with new oil. To do this, use a funnel to pour the oil into the engine and make sure not to overfill it. A good rule of thumb is to only fill the engine with as much oil as it holds when it’s completely drained. Once the oil reaches the maximum level, you can replace the oil drain plug and tighten it with the socket wrench.
Check the Oil Level
Once the oil is refilled, it’s important to check the oil level. To do this, open the hood and locate the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and then wipe the oil off with a cloth. Put the dipstick back in and then pull it back out again. You’ll be able to see the oil level on the dipstick, and if it’s lower than the maximum level, you can add more oil until it reaches the correct level.
Complete the Oil Change
Once you’ve checked the oil level and added more oil if necessary, you can consider the oil change to be complete. Make sure to dispose of the old oil properly, as it can be hazardous. You can recycle it at an auto parts store or bring it to a designated recycling center. Congratulations, you’ve just changed your oil in your Chevy Volt!
