I used to do oil changes with my dad a long time ago on our family sedans. Since having a family of my own and just owning the one car, the pricing for dealer servicing for my Tarago doesn't seem so bad. Now with the Prado as our 2nd car and a bigger family, it's time to save money and get my hands dirty again. That and the fact that the oil filter is so easily seen, it seems too easy. I can't even find the oil filter on my Tarago.
I need your help in selecting some gear:
1. Trolley jack - I'm thinking the 2000kg as it seems to have a higher raised height
2. Axle stands - not sure which ones (pin, screw or ratchet) and what capacity. When it says 1400kg, is that each stand or per pair?
Then the procedure for changing oil:
1. This one is debatable - run the engine to reduce viscosity or leave it overnight for all the oil to drain to the sump
2. Jack up or drive up ramps (anyone use ramps)
3. Undo sump bolt and lower jack so that the car is back on the level
4. Undo oil filter
5. Install new oil filter
6. Jack up and replace sump bolt (I might replace it with the Fumoto oil valve)
7. Fill 'er up with 5.2L
8. Run engine for a few minutes and check for leaks
The manual specifies 10W30 grade oil. 10W40 Castrol Magnatec seems to be more common. Will 10W40 be better for the hot Adelaide conditions we get here or is it still better to stick with 10W30 for better efficiency?
And when jacking up the car, do you jack up just one side? Is there a central jacking point where once jacked up, I can put both axle stands in? Or do I need to jack up one side at a time.
Thanks in advance.
I need your help in selecting some gear:
1. Trolley jack - I'm thinking the 2000kg as it seems to have a higher raised height
2. Axle stands - not sure which ones (pin, screw or ratchet) and what capacity. When it says 1400kg, is that each stand or per pair?
Then the procedure for changing oil:
1. This one is debatable - run the engine to reduce viscosity or leave it overnight for all the oil to drain to the sump
2. Jack up or drive up ramps (anyone use ramps)
3. Undo sump bolt and lower jack so that the car is back on the level
4. Undo oil filter
5. Install new oil filter
6. Jack up and replace sump bolt (I might replace it with the Fumoto oil valve)
7. Fill 'er up with 5.2L
8. Run engine for a few minutes and check for leaks
The manual specifies 10W30 grade oil. 10W40 Castrol Magnatec seems to be more common. Will 10W40 be better for the hot Adelaide conditions we get here or is it still better to stick with 10W30 for better efficiency?
And when jacking up the car, do you jack up just one side? Is there a central jacking point where once jacked up, I can put both axle stands in? Or do I need to jack up one side at a time.
Thanks in advance.
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