This case asks you to improve a set of instructions.

The Case: Revision of Instructions for Changing Motor Oil

Roger Smith, your automotive-engineering colleague at National Motorcars, has written instructions for changing motor oil. However, before he completed the instructions, he had to go to Daytona on emergency leave. As he was leaving, Roger left you his first draft (Instructions 1), which you have been assigned to complete in his absence.

The Task

Revise the instructions, relying primarily on changes of format rather than on rewriting: add headings; make lists; add notes, cautions, and warnings; and indicate where illustrations might be used.

Documents/Information/Samples

The Document

PROCEDURES FOR CHANGING ENGINE OIL

Here is a complete list of items you will need before you start the oil change:

1. A place to work. It should be big enough for you, your car, and the things listed below. It should have a place to plug in a shop light. It should be level or else all the oil won't drain out of the car.
2. A shop light to see in and under the engine compartment.
3. A shallow pan to catch the dirty oil. It should hold at least 1-1/2 gallons and slide under the engine.
4. A socket wrench that fits the oil drain plug.
5. An oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter.
6. An oil can spout or a funnel (if the oil comes in plastic bottles) to aid in pouring the new oil into the engine.
7. A plastic bottle (at least 1 gallon) to store the dirty oil until it is recycled. An empty detergent or bleach bottle is good for this.
8. Lots of rags.
9. Old clothes (coveralls) or a pad to lie on or both.
10. About 4 quarts (check your manual) of your favorite oil
11. An oil filter (check your manual for type).

Allow about 30 minutes.

Warm up the engine (Take a short drive or idle engine for about 5 minutes).Turn off the engine. Set the parking brake. Open the hood and locate the following on the engine (your owner's manual may help): the oil filler cap (usually on the top), the oil filter (usually on the side), and the oil pan (sump) and drain plug (always on the bottom). Place the shallow pan under the drain plug. Loosen the drain plug with the socket wrench. Carefully unscrew the drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the pan. When all the oil has drained out, replace and tighten the drain plug.

Move the shallow pan under the oil filter. Loosen the oil filter with the oil filter wrench. Unscrew and remove filter and pour its excess oil into the shallow pan. Wipe the filter recess with a cloth to remove dirt and excess oil. Apply a light coat of clean oil to the gasket of the new filter. Screw the new filter on by hand until you meet resistance; then continue to screw the filter 3/4 of a turn.

Add new oil through the oil filler hole (see your manual for quantity). Replace the oil filler cap and clean area of any excess oil. Idle the engine for a minute; then turn it off. Check around the drain plug and oil filter for any signs of a leak. Pour the old oil into a plastic bottle and take it to a recycle center. Please do not pour it into the sewer or on the ground.