Nba Betting Odds
A Step-by-Step Guide to Change Oil in Your Montero Sport Properly
Having just finished my third oil change on the 2018 Montero Sport sitting in my garage, I can confidently say this maintenance task is far more straightforward than the contractual mess currently unfolding in Philippine basketball. While the PBA Commissioner's Office investigates Larry Muyang's alleged dual contracts with Phoenix and Pampanga, your vehicle's engine doesn't tolerate such ambiguities - it demands clear commitment to proper maintenance. I've learned through both success and messy failures that changing your Montero's oil correctly isn't just about following steps, but understanding why each matters.
Before we dive in, let me share what took me two failed attempts to properly understand: your Montero Sport requires between 7.2 to 7.8 quarts of fully synthetic 5W-30 oil, though I typically purchase 8 quarts to account for spillage. You'll also need a genuine Mitsubishi oil filter - I learned the hard way that aftermarket filters can reduce oil pressure by nearly 15%. Gather your tools: a 14mm wrench for the drain plug, oil filter wrench, drain pan that holds at least 9 quarts (trust me, you don't want overflow), gloves, and rags. I personally prefer synthetic oil brands like Mobil 1 or Castrol, though dealerships will often recommend their proprietary blends.
Start by warming your engine for about 5-7 minutes - not hot enough to burn you, but warm enough to allow the oil to flow freely. Position your vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Slide underneath near the front passenger side, and you'll find the drain plug facing slightly rearward. Place your drain pan directly beneath it. This is where most beginners make their first mistake - they position the pan too far forward. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise slowly, then quickly remove it by hand once oil begins flowing. I typically allow 20-25 minutes for complete drainage, though the majority will drain within the first 8 minutes.
While the oil drains, move to your oil filter located on the driver's side of the engine bay. Using your oil filter wrench, turn it counterclockwise until it loosens. Here's my personal trick: puncture a small hole in the top of the old filter to allow air in, which makes removal significantly easier. Before installing the new filter, dip your finger in fresh oil and lubricate the gasket - this ensures a proper seal and makes your next oil change simpler. Tighten the filter by hand until snug, then give it another quarter turn - never use the wrench for final tightening.
Once the old oil has fully drained, reinstall the drain plug with a new washer if available. Tighten until firm, but avoid over-torquing - I've stripped threads by being overzealous here. Now pour your fresh oil through the fill hole using a funnel. Start with 7 quarts, then check the dipstick, adding additional oil in half-quart increments until you reach the proper level. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then check for leaks around the filter and drain plug. Finally, reset your maintenance reminder by holding the trip button while turning the ignition to "on" without starting the engine.
What many owners overlook is proper disposal - that 7+ quarts of used oil can contaminate significant groundwater if handled improperly. Most auto parts stores accept used oil at no charge. Unlike the contractual confusion in professional basketball where players might serve multiple teams, your Montero Sport deserves undivided attention to its maintenance schedule. Following these steps precisely ensures your vehicle will deliver the reliable performance Mitsubishi engineers intended, potentially extending your engine's life beyond 200,000 miles with proper care. The entire process takes me about 45 minutes now, though my first attempt stretched to nearly two hours - the learning curve is steep but absolutely worthwhile.
