Accent '03 oil filter access?

[Joe Kaffe]

My son has decided he wants to change the oil and filter on his '03 Accent himself.

It's been years since I changed my own oil and when I went to look to give him advice for his first attempt, I noticed the filter access is blocked by a plastic shield. I guess you'd still have access to the filter, but it would be VERY inconvenient. Is this cowling easily removable to permit easy access to the filter?

If he's serious about doing his own oil changes, would he be well advised to install a SureDrain?

 

[Brian Nystrom]

My son has decided he wants to change the oil and filter on his '03 Accent himself.

Good for him! IMO, that's the best way to go. It's also a good start toward learning more about his car.

It's been years since I changed my own oil and when I went to look to give him advice for his first attempt, I noticed the filter access is blocked by a plastic shield. I guess you'd still have access to the filter, but it would be VERY inconvenient. Is this cowling easily removable to permit easy access to the filter?

Yes, the panel can be removed easily. This type of arrangement is pretty common these days, as manufacturers try to reduce turbulence under the car and the drag it causes.

If he's serious about doing his own oil changes, would he be well advised to install a SureDrain?

Installing a drain valve makes it easier to drain the oil and reduces the likelihood of a stripped or cross-threaded drain plug, but I've did it for 30 years without problems before installing one on my Elantra GT. It's a convenience, but hardly a necessity.

 

[Joe Kaffe]

Good for him! IMO, that's the best way to go. It's also a good start toward learning more about his car.

Unfortunately, considering the technology of today's vehicles, he won't be able to learn a lot... not like the "good ol' days." However, anything that encourages an owner to stick their head under the hood and do a visual inspection has to be good.

Yes, the panel can be removed easily. This type of arrangement is pretty common these days, as manufacturers try to reduce turbulence under the car and the drag it causes.

I figured that was the reason. Will the removal procedure be obvious once the car is up on ramps and there's a bit more room to move?

Installing a drain valve makes it easier to drain the oil and reduces the likelihood of a stripped or cross-threaded drain plug, but I've did it for 30 years without problems before installing one on my Elantra GT. It's a convenience, but hardly a necessity.

I never had a problem either, but I'll tell him about it and let him decide.

 

[Brian Nystrom]

Unfortunately, considering the technology of today's vehicles, he won't be able to learn a lot... not like the "good ol' days." However, anything that encourages an owner to stick their head under the hood and do a visual inspection has to be good.

Despite the complexity of modern engines, you can still learn a lot of useful information about them. On the other hand, they're so reliable that major problems are pretty uncommon if they're properly maintained.

I figured that was the reason. Will the removal procedure be obvious once the car is up on ramps and there's a bit more room to move?

Yes. There shouldn't be too many fasteners. It's also possible that you may be able to reach the filter without removing the panel. That's true of my Elantra GT.

I never had a problem either, but I'll tell him about it and let him decide.

If he's the impatient type, a drain valve would be a good idea. If he's patient enough to take his time installing the drain plug carefully while oil is dripping on him, the valve is unnecesary.

 

[Joe Kaffe]

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Yes. There shouldn't be too many fasteners. It's also possible that you may be able to reach the filter without removing the panel. That's true of my Elantra GT.

It's accessible, but not at all convenient. Once the car is up on ramps, he'll have to decide which is more inconvenient... removing the shield, or working around it.

If he's the impatient type, a drain valve would be a good idea. If he's patient enough to take his time installing the drain plug carefully while oil is dripping on him, the valve is unnecesary.

Sounds like a SureDrain is the way to go... less fuss 'n muss.

Thanks for your advice.