Tips for Motorists

Learn ways to get the most out of your vehicle, and save money with Shell's tips on changing oil and conserving fuel.

When to change your oil

Topping up your oil

Changing your oil

Keep your car in top condition

How do you know if you need a complete oil change or just a top up? Just follow our simple guide.

Check the manual

You don't always need to change your car's oil entirely, sometimes you will need only to perform a top up to keep your car running smoothly.

When you need to change your oil, you can do it yourself - it doesn't take long and is quite easy if you have the right tools.

Check the oil level.

Make sure you always keep your engine oil topped up by checking the oil level with the dipstick - your car owner's manual will tell you where to locate it.

When the oil level is below the minimum mark, find out how many kilometers have passed since the last oil change. If you are not sure or don't know, it is advisable to perform a complete oil change.

If the mileage is between 4000km and 10000km you will only need to top up your oil. If it is above 10000 km you need to change your oil, which you can do yourself. Depending on your driving conditions, it is often advisable to change the oil well before 10000 km.

There may be a technical problem if your mileage is less than 4000km and the oil level is low. Top up and start measuring the level on a weekly basis, or contact your local workshop for further advice.

Find our more about "The right oil change interval for your car".

It's very simple, only takes ten minutes and you'll help keep your car in the best condition - find out how to top up the oil in your car's engine yourself.

Topping up your oil is very simple and takes only ten minutes at most.

Just follow these easy steps:

Check you have the right oil from the Shell Helix range. Besides a half-litre bottle of Shell Helix Engine oil, you need paper towels, rubber gloves, and a funnel.

1. Locate the dipstick - your car owner's manual will tell you where it is.
2. Unscrew the 'Oil' cap on the top of the engine.
3. Top up the oil at 250ml intervals.
4. Remove and clean the dipstick with the paper towel.
5. Measure the oil level with the dipstick.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 4 until the oil level on the dipstick reaches the level recommended by the manufacturer. This is usually equidistant between the low and high mark. Never over-fill beyond the high mark.
7. Screw the oil cap back on and clean any spills from the surface of the engine.

Take care of your car's oil change by yourself - it's easier than it sounds and saves you money. Just follow our step-by-step guide.

Changing your car oil is easier that it sounds and also saves you money. In all, the whole process shouldn't take longer than 45 minutes.

Just make sure that you follow your manufacturer's specific instructions and safety directions.

Firstly, choose the ideal oil for your car from the Shell Helix range - and check you have the necessary tools.

You'll need:

How to change your oil

1. Prepare the car
The car should be on a level surface with the parking brake on and engine off, after theoil has been circulated for a few minutes. If you need space under the car, jack it up anduse jack stands to support it. Jacks on their own are very unstable - neverget under your car without using jack stands.

2. Unscrew the oil cap
Locate the oil cap (check with the manual to locate it) and unscrew it. This is veryimportant, as a vacuum will not allow all the oil to drain out.

3. Locate the oil drain plug
Get underneath the car and locate the oil drain plug. This is a lone bolt at the bottom ofthe oil sump.

4. Place the container
Place a container beneath the oil drain plug and unscrew the plug, being careful not tolet the plug fall into the container. Do not come in contact with the oil - it can beextremely hot.

5. Drain out the old oil
Allow all the oil to drain out completely. This can take several minutes.

6. Locate the oil filter
Locate the old oil filter with the help of your car’s owner manual. It should beidentical to the one you are replacing it with.

7. Remove the old oil filter
Turn the filter wrench anti-clockwise to loosen the oil filter. The filter may be full ofoil so take care not to spill any.

8. Prepare the new filter
Clean up the filter seat on the engine and place a light coating of oil on the gasket ofthe new filter.
9. Install the new filter
Carefully screw the new filter into place, making sure it is not over-tight. Screw back inthe oil drain plug and tighten it with the wrench.

10. Fill up with oil

Using the funnel, carefully fill the engine with Shell Helix, avoiding spillage.Measure the oil level with the dipstick after every two litres filled.

11. Check the level is correct

When you have reached the correct level, replace the oil cap. Turn on the engine forten minutes and then off again. Check the oil level with the dipstick once again - if thelevel is low, add more oil.

12. Clean up
Clean up all oil spillage on your engine and check for any leaks from the drain plug.

13. Properly dispose of the old oil and filter
Used oil is highly toxic and must never be disposed of with domestic waste. It is illegalto pour used oil into the sewage network. Always go to an authorised disposal point.

Get the most out of your car, help preserve its value and keep harmful emissions at bay with these handy tips from Shell Helix.

If you're the owner of a car, you probably spend time and money taking care of your pride and joy, washing and polishing it to keep it in tip-top condition. But to get the most out of your car, to help preserve its value and to keep harmful emissions to a minimum, you can take some simple steps:

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