Changing Oil on my Smart Car.

[vanslam]

I have over 5,000 miles on my Smart and decided to change the oil on my car. Since I have some free time I created a video of this process. Note no car jacks where harmed during the filming of this video.

YouTube - Smart Car Oil Change

[Wdhitch]

Nice job!!

[blackbeagle]

For those that are not mechanically inclined, I have to say thank you. I haven't changed oil on my own car in over 10 years. It was never worth the time being that I can get an oil change in my neighborhood for about $15. With this video, I will start on the Smart. My only question is where do you get parts. Dealer? Champion auto parts? Who has them?

Thanks again for this helpful video. I'm also wondering what video software you used to create this?

[EdwardDennis]

Good work!

[REThumper]

vanslam,

Thanks very much for the time and effort you put into this video.

I'm just past 5000 miles myself and I cringed to think that I'd go 10,000 miles on an engine break-in *without changing the oil* (!!)

Yes, I'm old school and still think in terms of a 500 mile engine break-in where you regulate engine and road speed and change the oil and re-torque the heads...

You've inspired me to go ahead and change my own oil prior to the initial service.

Thanks again,
Matt

[Smart Car Geek]

Vanslam great tutorial! BTW, you might notice some increased MPG because you used good synthetic oil (for those in colder climates try Pennzoil Platinum). I'm sure your car loves you for using a good syn oil. Keep the tutorials coming ;)

[SuperGeek]

Thanks for the great video, vanslam. I might just perform my first ever oil change all by myself.


Question: You mention torquing the drain plug "to spec" - which implies a certain force level. How would a novice like myself know when it's tight enough? I've read that either the filter or the drain plug are gorilla-tight. I want to be sure it's tight enough without stripping/damaging anything.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by SuperGeek

How would a novice like myself know when it's tight enough?

Ultimately you would use a torque wrench similar to this one. You should use one for your lug nuts too, but that's a different topic You can get buy without using the torque wrench by simply tightening the drain nut until it's snug (never over tighten). Start engine. After engine warms up check for leaks. If needed tighten a little bit more.

I've read that either the filter or the drain plug are gorilla-tight.

Don't know where you read that but it is incorrect unless you want to strip some threads There should be a washer on the drain plug, so you shouldn't need to make it too tight that damage could occur.

[Dan500]

Great video Vanslam, can`t wait to see what you`ll have for us next time.

[marck]

Great video vanslam! Thanks so much!

When the smart sales crew told us only Mercedes technicians could change the oil, I couldn't believe it.

I've been changing the oil in my cars since High School, over 34 years ago, and I'm not about to start letting someone else do it now.