The Suzuki Carry needs periodic oil changes for optimal performance -- the recommended distance between oil changes is 3,000 miles. Changing your own oil is the easiest way to save money when it comes to automobile maintenance, as the process can be performed in your own garage and you can find replacement motor oil and oil filters at any auto parts store.

Park your van somewhere flat and let the engine cool down for at least 15 minutes before beginning work on it.

Lift the bonnet and locate the oil input on the engine. Unscrew the cap and then slide under the front of the vehicle, beneath the engine. Locate the oil pan directly underneath the engine. Find the bolt in the middle of the pan and place a dripping pan underneath. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the oil pan bolt and then let it fall into the dripping pan. Allow all of the oil from the oil pan to drain into the dripping pan and then attach the oil pan bolt back onto the bottom of the oil pan.

  • The Suzuki Carry needs periodic oil changes for optimal performance -- the recommended distance between oil changes is 3,000 miles.
  • Unscrew the cap and then slide under the front of the vehicle, beneath the engine.

Locate the oil filter on the side of the engine (you can spot it by its colour -- white or orange) and then place the dripping pan underneath the filter. Position the oil filter wrench on the far end of the filter, twist the wrench to lock it on the filter and then pry it from the side of the engine.

Position the new filter in place of the old one (do not use the oil filter wrench to tighten it). Tighten the new filter to the engine by hand -- when you feel resistance, give it an extra half-turn to secure it to the engine (this will allow you to remove the filter easily for your next oil change).

  • Locate the oil filter on the side of the engine (you can spot it by its colour -- white or orange) and then place the dripping pan underneath the filter.
  • Tighten the new filter to the engine by hand -- when you feel resistance, give it an extra half-turn to secure it to the engine (this will allow you to remove the filter easily for your next oil change).

Pour the new oil into the oil input on the engine and then screw the oil input cap back on. Lower the van and turn on the engine. Let it run for two minutes and then turn it off and let it rest for five minutes, distributing the oil. After this, your van is ready to drive again.

TIP

Consult the owner's manual to determine exactly how much oil you need -- this can vary based on model year. When installing the new oil filter, rub some oil on the gasket to keep the filter securely attached to the engine. Used oil can be discarded at any mechanic shop.