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The Car Care Clinic

Easier Oil Changes?

by Bob DeP.
AskBob@stretcher.com



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Bob,
I saw an advertisement in Skymall (airline catalog) for an oil/liquid pump ($65). This device is basically a hand pump that can hold up to 6L. One of its primary uses is to change oil--the ad states that one merely needs to place the suction tube down the dipstick pipe in a car, pump out all the oil, then add the new oil. Is this a legitimate way to change oil? If it is, how much oil do I replace it with (I've never done it on my own), and what else should I change at the same time? Thanks for your time.
Alan Y.

Alan,
One problem that I see with that is how do you get all of the sludge out as well? Usually one would remove the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan, and most of the sludge would be flushed out with the oil. In addition, you should change the oil filter. The amount of oil that needs to be replaced will vary from car to car. I would look in the owner's manual to see the exact amount required.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man


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