How do you change the oil in a 1998 escort?

Answer 1

1. You should be able to get safely under your car. Do not use cement / cinder blocks to hold the car up. They can give way. Use something safe! 2. Get an oil collection pan / bucket / something that can hold lots of oil as you are draining as much as you can. 3. Get the proper replacement oil for your escort. Your choice on synth, etc. Remember temperature...colder temp versus hot temp... 4. Get the proper oil filter....don't just replace the oil. Different brands, your choice...make sure you check compatability though. 5. If the car is now up on axle stands / lift / hoist / something safe; open the oil cap on the top of the engine. Put it somewhere safe so it doesn't get dirty 6. Get under the car safely, open the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan...have the bucket / collection pan handy....... DON'T PULL THE PLUG ALL OUT yet... loosen and then when almost out, move back a bit and take it off by hand the last bit so as little oil on you. 7. Let it drain and then when drained remove oil filter. 8. Add a bit of clean new oil around oil filter / gasket....screw on where old filter was...you won't be able to tighten easily as a bit of a squeeze. There is a proper wrench to tighten...don't leave it loose though. 9. Add a little oil to engine fill to allow to push any junk out of oil pan. 10. Put plug(bolt) back into oil pan. Make sure it is threaded carefully...don't cross threads as this will damage bolt, pan and allow for leaks as well as small bits of metal to get in oil. 11. After bolt is tightened(with wrench), add oil to engine fill. Ensure that you add enough to dipstick level. Don't add too much or too little. Oil comes in 4 l or 5 l jugs...or you can buy by the litre...but too little you will run risk of damage due to wear and too much and it will be a different issue. 12. Close engine fill, ensure all bolts are tight and filter is tight....as when metal gets warm/hot it can loosen and you don't want to lose a filter when driving.