Learning how to change car oil is a skill that saves you money and connects you with your vehicle. Regular oil changes are the most fundamental maintenance you can perform to ensure your car’s engine runs smoothly for years. While a mechanic can do it, doing it yourself is straightforward with the right tools and a bit of time. This guide will walk you through every step, from gathering supplies to disposing of the old oil safely.
You will need some basic items. Having everything ready before you start makes the job quicker and cleaner. Let’s look at what you should collect.
How To Change Car Oil
Before you slide under your car, preparation is key. This section covers all the supplies and safety checks you need to complete. Rushing this step can lead to messes or mistakes.
Gather Your Tools And Materials
You will need a specific set of items. Here is a complete checklist:
- New Engine Oil: Check your owner’s manual for the correct type (viscosity like 5W-30) and quantity.
- New Oil Filter: Ensure it matches your car’s make, model, and engine size.
- Basic Tools: A combination wrench set or socket set, an oil filter wrench, and a funnel.
- Drain Pan: A dedicated pan with a capacity greater than your engine’s oil volume.
- Jack and Jack Stands: Never rely on a jack alone. Jack stands are essential for safety.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect your hands and eyes from hot oil and dirt.
- Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning up spills and drips.
Prepare Your Vehicle
With your tools assembled, you need to get your car ready. Follow these steps in order.
Run the Engine to Warm the Oil
Start your car and let it run for 5-10 minutes. Warm oil flows out of the engine much more easily than cold, thick oil. Do not let the engine get too hot, as the oil and components can cause burns.
Park on a Level Surface and Engage the Parking Brake
Find a flat, solid surface like a driveway or garage floor. Engage the parking brake firmly. This prevents the car from rolling once it is lifted.
Lift the Vehicle Safely
Consult your owner’s manual for the proper jacking points. Place the jack at the correct point and lift the car high enough to place jack stands under the recommended frame points. Lower the car onto the stands. Give the car a gentle shake to ensure it is stable before crawling underneath.
Drain The Old Engine Oil
This is the core of the process. Take your time to avoid spills and ensure all the old oil is removed.
Locate the Oil Drain Plug
Under the car, find the oil pan. It is a metal pan at the bottom of the engine. The drain plug is a single bolt at the lowest point of this pan. Place your drain pan directly underneath it.
Remove the Drain Plug
Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Using the correct size wrench, loosen the drain plug. Turn it counterclockwise. Once loose, finish unscrewing it by hand, but be prepared for hot oil to gush out immediately. Push the plug away quickly and let the oil drain completely into the pan.
Inspect the Drain Plug
While the oil drains, wipe the drain plug clean. Check its washer for damage or flattening. Many mechanics recomend replacing this washer with each oil change to prevent leaks.
Replace The Oil Filter
The oil filter holds old, dirty oil and must be changed every time. If you only drain the pan, you leave about a quart of dirty oil in the system.
Find and Remove the Old Filter
Locate the oil filter. It is usually a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine block. Place your drain pan underneath it, as it will contain oil. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen it. Turn it counterclockwise. Once loose, you can unscrew it by hand. Be careful, as it will be full of oil. Tip it into the drain pan to empty it.
Prepare and Install the New Filter
Take your new oil filter. Dip a clean finger into the new oil and lightly coat the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This ensures a good seal and makes future removal easier. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket makes contact. Then, tighten it an additional three-quarter turn by hand. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten it, as this can damage the gasket.
Refill With New Oil
With the old oil drained and the new filter installed, you are ready to add fresh oil.
Reinstall the Drain Plug
Once oil has stopped dripping, wipe the area around the drain hole clean. Screw the drain plug back in by hand to avoid cross-threading. Then, tighten it with your wrench. Do not overtighten it, as you can strip the threads on the oil pan, which is a costly repair.
Add the New Engine Oil
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it and place your funnel in the hole. Refer to your manual for the exact capacity. Pour in about one quart less than the recommended amount. Then, wait a minute for the oil to settle into the pan.
Check the Oil Level
Pull out the engine’s dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again. Check the level. It should be between the “Low” and “Full” marks. Add small amounts of oil, checking the dipstick each time, until the level is at or just below the “Full” mark. Replace the oil filler cap securely.
Complete The Oil Change Process
You are almost done. A few final steps ensure everything is working correctly and clean up the job.
Lower the Vehicle and Run the Engine
Carefully lift the car slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower it completely to the ground. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil and fills the new filter. The oil pressure light on your dashboard should turn off after a few seconds.
Check for Leaks
Look under the car for any drips from the drain plug or oil filter. Also, check around the oil filler cap. If you see a leak, turn off the engine and check the tightness of the plug or filter. A small seepage from the filter gasket might stop as it seats, but significant drips need attention.
Reset the Oil Change Reminder
Most modern cars have an oil life monitoring system. Consult your owner’s manual for the procedure to reset this light or message. It often involves a sequence of pressing pedals and buttons with the ignition on.
Properly Dispose of the Old Oil
This is a critical and legal step. Never pour used oil on the ground or into a drain. Pour the oil from your drain pan into a clean, sealable container, like the empty new oil bottles. Take it to an auto parts store, repair shop, or recycling center that accepts used oil. Many places accept it for free. They will also take your old oil filter if you drained it for at least 12 hours.
Choosing The Right Oil And Filter
Using the correct products is as important as the procedure itself. Using the wrong oil can affect engine performance and longevity.
Understanding Oil Types and Viscosity
Your owner’s manual specifies an oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) and a type (conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic). Synthetic oils generally offer better performance and protection, especially in extreme temperatures, and can allow for longer change intervals. Stick to the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer.
Selecting a Quality Oil Filter
Not all filters are created equal. They differ in filtering material, capacity, and anti-drain back valve quality. A reputable brand is worth the few extra dollars. It is the part that protects your engine from contaminants between changes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Being aware of these pitfalls will help you complete a successful oil change.
- Overtightening the Drain Plug or Filter: This is a very common error. It can strip threads or crush gaskets, leading to leaks. Hand-tight plus a little more is usually sufficient.
- Using the Wrong Oil: Do not guess. Always check the manual or your oil filler cap for the correct specification.
- Forgetting to Lubricate the New Filter Gasket: A dry gasket can tear or not seal properly, causing a leak.
- Not Checking for Leaks Afterward: Always do a final visual inspection once the car is on the ground.
- Improper Disposal: It’s harmful to the enviroment and often illegal. Always recycle your used oil and filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about changing your car’s oil.
How Often Should I Change My Car Oil?
The old rule of every 3,000 miles is outdated for most modern cars and oils. Always follow the intervals in your owner’s manual, which can range from 5,000 to 10,000 miles or more. Your driving conditions, such as frequent short trips or extreme weather, may require more frequent changes.
Can I Switch From Conventional to Synthetic Oil?
Yes, you can generally switch to a synthetic oil at any time. You do not need a special flush. In fact, switching can provide better engine protection. Just ensure the synthetic oil meets the viscosity grade specified for your engine.
What Does It Mean If My New Oil Turns Black Quickly?
This is normal. One of the jobs of modern oil is to hold soot and combustion byproducts in suspension to keep the engine clean. Oil darkening soon after a change is not necessarily a sign it is dirty or ineffective.
Is It Necessary to Change the Oil Filter Every Time?
Yes, you should replace the oil filter with every oil change. A clogged or old filter can restrict oil flow or bypass dirty oil back into the engine, defeating the purpose of the fresh oil. The filter is a relatively inexpensive but critical component.
What Should I Do If I Overfill the Engine Oil?
If you are only slightly above the “Full” mark, it is usually okay. However, significant overfilling can cause foaming and reduced lubrication. To fix it, you can use a simple hand pump to extract a little oil through the dipstick tube, or loosen the drain plug briefly to let some out, being careful not to let to much drain.