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The Step-by-Step Guide

1. First, reference your manual to understand the quantity and type of oil needed. Following the recommendation for oil viscosity is crucial! While you can buy extra in bulk to keep on hand, we’d recommend starting with a smaller jug for your trial run.

2. Lay down a tarp or plastic sheet, if you’d like to avoid any potential oil splashes. Drive your car on top.

3. Warm up your car. You actually want the engine and oil to be warm, so run your car for a minute or two. If has been running already, then let it cool down so it’s not too hot to handle.

4. Elevate your car using the jack stand for better access and visualization, if needed.

5. Undo your oil fill plug. This will let air in, so that the oil will end up draining out faster.

6. Locate the drain plug, and place your drain pan underneath. Make sure it’s a decent size. The oil will come out at an angle, so be prepared to adjust. And note, you’ll want to put on gloves or be prepared with rags at this point.

7. Unscrew the plug with a socket wrench, turning to the left, and drain oil.

8. Change that filter in the meantime. You’ll need to unscrew the old filter, checking that its o-ring comes out with it. Then, you’ll swap it out, but first line the new filter with a bit of oil along its o-ring before securing it on. Hand tighten.

9. When the oil is done draining, put your drain plug back in place.

10. Return to the oil fill plug that you loosened earlier. Add in your new oil to the engine, using a funnel here to prevent any splashing. Return the oil cap. Turn on your car to test that the oil pressure has gone up. Slowly repeat and add more, if needed.

11. Pour the used oil from the drain pan into a large jug. Save it to be recycled later.

1. Fuel Economy

The fuel economy of the vehicle is maximized when the engine runs efficiently. The efficiency of the fuel economy is dependent on fuel system parts like fuel filters, air filters, mass airflow sensors, and O2 sensors. With use, they tend to eventually get dirty or wear out. When this happens, they can be replaced, although replacement might cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. This is why routine servicing is still a big bang.

2. Battery Issues

Most car batteries should last about three years. A dead battery is a common battery issue that often occurs. It is usually caused by reduced amps or electrical currents. The battery life or electrical currents tend to naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. This can be caused by factors such as

• A damaged alternator,

• Damaged battery temperature sensor,

• Damaged charging system components

Replacing your car battery every three years can remediate this problem.

3. Flat Tires

Do you wonder why people get flat tires?

Although a puncture by sharp objects can precipitate this, wear and tear can also do the same. You can successfully extend the lifespan of your car tires by keeping them properly rotated.

4. Warning Lights

A warning light is also known as the check engine light and it springs up as a very common car issue in the US. It happens when the ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a sensor. There are several warning codes and having a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection is the best way to handle things.

5. A Sputtering Engine

Engines are designed to run best when air and fuel properly mix and properly undergo combustion in the combustion chamber. To efficiently complete this process, a series of fuel and ignition system components must work together. To reduce engine misfiring or sputtering issues, it is important to replace fuel and ignition system components appropriately.

The Checklist

Now that you’re squared away on that front with your decision made on how to sell, there are a few key steps you need to account for.

1. Clean the darn thing, inside and out. Remove any trash, vacuum the floors. Make it as presentable as possible. Especially if you’re aiming for a private sale, you’ll want to consider paying to have it professionally detailed to look as pristine as possible.

2. Collect your paperwork. This pertains to finding that vehicle manual, which will hopefully still be sitting in the glovebox, to your service records, which will affirm to prospective buyers that you’ve been properly maintaining it over the years. You will also need your vehicle title, vehicle history report, warranty documents, registration, and insurance information.

3. Inspection. You need to ensure your car is operating at its best, that its tires aren’t about to wear thin or the engine isn’t above to give out. If you haven’t taken your car in recently, this is an added step which will verify the quality of your car to potential buyers. It will also give you a realistic picture of the money you may need to invest in repairs in order to sell it at a good rate – and whether the effort is worth it.

4. Appraisal. Whether you’re selling it on your own or through the dealership, this is highly recommended to understand the market rate of your car. Beyond doing your online research, it helps to have a professional gage its worth. Your car’s condition and mileage may vary, for better or worse, from similar options you’ve seen pricing for online. Ultimately, this will help you set a benchmark.

5. Discontinue your digital and financial footprint with your car. Cancel your satellite radio subscription, and remove your phone from the Bluetooth. If you still owe towards your loan for the car, you’ll have to discuss options with your lender. In this case, it may take some time to sort out before you can officially sell.

6. Going on Your Own? In the end, should you opt to sell yourself, there are a few last steps:

• You’ll need to draft the bill of sale with your vehicle number, model, make, year, etc., as well as a generic odometer discloser statement. This is a reminder to check your state’s requirements, as they do vary.

• You’ll need to take high quality photos and videos for your online ad, that you will need to then create.

• You should research consumer trends, for certain vehicles are in-demand at different times of the year.

• You may even want to make a for sale sign to highlight in a window, as you continue driving it around.

• You will need as-is documentation to affirm that the buyer is fully responsible for the vehicle moving forward. You don’t want to be on the line, if something gives out in the first month or two.

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