Learning how to change oil in a car is a fundamental skill for any vehicle owner. Understanding the correct steps for an oil change can save you money and provide satisfaction from completing the job yourself.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering tools to disposing of the old oil. You will gain the confidence to perform this essential maintenance task in your own driveway.
It is a straightforward project that typically takes under an hour. With a little preparation, you can ensure your engine runs smoothly for thousands of more miles.
How To Change Oil In A Car
This section provides the complete, step-by-step procedure. Follow these instructions carefully to perform a safe and effective oil change on your vehicle.
Always consult your owner’s manual first. It contains the specific oil type, capacity, and filter recommended for your car’s engine.
Gather Your Tools And Materials
Having everything you need before you start is crucial. This prevents interruptions and ensures a clean, efficient workflow.
You will need the following items:
- New engine oil (check your manual for the correct viscosity and quantity)
- A new oil filter
- A wrench or socket set for the drain plug (often 14mm, 15mm, or 17mm)
- An oil filter wrench (strap-type or cap-style)
- A drain pan with at least a 6-quart capacity
- Jack and jack stands, or vehicle ramps
- Gloves and safety glasses
- Funnel
- Shop rags or paper towels
- A container for the old oil (like the empty new oil bottles)
Prepare Your Vehicle
Proper preparation ensures safety and makes the job easier. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
First, run your engine for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows out more quickly and completely, carrying more contaminants with it. Do not let the engine get too hot, as the oil and components can cause burns.
Park your car on a level, solid surface like a driveway. Engage the parking brake firmly and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires for added safety.
Carefully lift the front of the vehicle using a jack at the manufacturer’s specified lift point. Then, place jack stands under the vehicle’s reinforced frame or lift points. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the stands. Give the car a gentle shake to confirm it is stable before crawling underneath.
Drain The Old Engine Oil
This is the core of the oil change process. Take your time to avoid spills and ensure a complete drain.
Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine oil pan. It is usually a large bolt at the lowest point. Place your drain pan directly underneath it.
Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Using the correct size wrench, loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once loose, finish unscrewing it by hand, but be prepared for hot oil to flow immediately.
Push the plug away quickly as you remove it to keep the oil stream contained in the pan. Allow the oil to drain completely; this can take several minutes. While it drains, inspect the old drain plug washer for damage. It is a good practice to replace this washer with a new one each time to prevent leaks.
Remove The Old Oil Filter
The oil filter holds a significant amount of old, dirty oil. It must be replaced with every oil change.
Move your drain pan to position it under the oil filter. The filter is typically a cylindrical metal or plastic canister mounted on the side of the engine block.
Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter. Turn it counterclockwise. Be prepared for oil to drip from the filter as you remove it. Once loose, you can finish unscrewing it by hand.
Tip the filter opening downward into the drain pan to empty it. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a rag. Ensure the old filter’s rubber gasket came off with the filter and is not stuck to the engine.
Applying Oil To The New Filter Gasket
Before installing the new filter, dip your finger in some fresh oil and lightly coat the rubber gasket on the top of the new filter. This creates a better seal and prevents the gasket from sticking or tearing during the next change.
Install The New Oil Filter And Drain Plug
Now you can begin reassembly. Start by hand-threading the new oil filter onto the engine mount.
Screw it on clockwise until the gasket makes contact. Then, tighten it an additional three-quarters of a turn by hand only. Do not use the filter wrench for this final tightening, as overtightening can damage the gasket.
Next, reinstall the drain plug. If you have a new washer, place it on the plug. Thread the plug back into the oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
Once it is hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten it snugly. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip the threads in the aluminum oil pan. A firm, quarter-turn past hand-tight is usually sufficient.
Add The New Engine Oil
You are now ready to refill the engine with fresh, clean oil. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands so it is sitting level on the ground.
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it and place your funnel in the opening.
Pour in the recommended amount of new oil, which is typically 4 to 6 quarts for most cars. Check your owner’s manual for the exact capacity. It is wise to start with about one quart less than the full amount.
After adding most of the oil, wait a minute for it to settle into the oil pan. Then, use the dipstick to check the level. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to get an accurate reading.
Add small amounts of oil, checking the dipstick each time, until the oil level reaches the “Full” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill, as this can cause engine damage.
Once filled, replace the oil filler cap securely.
Check For Leaks And Reset The Monitor
The final steps verify your work and prepare your car’s maintenance system.
Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil and fills the new filter. While the engine runs, look underneath the vehicle at the drain plug and filter for any signs of drips or leaks.
Turn off the engine and wait another minute or two. Check the oil level on the dipstick one final time and add a small amount if needed.
Most modern vehicles have an oil life monitoring system. You will need to reset this system. The procedure varies by car but often involves navigating dashboard menus or holding a button while turning the ignition. Consult your manual for the specific steps.
Dispose Of The Old Oil Properly
This is a critical and often overlooked step. Used motor oil is a hazardous pollutant and must be disposed of correctly.
Carefully pour the used oil from your drain pan into a sealed, leak-proof container. The empty bottles from your new oil work perfectly for this.
Take the used oil and the old oil filter to a recycling center. Nearly all auto parts stores and many service stations accept used oil for free recycling. They will handle it safely. Never pour used oil on the ground, into a drain, or put it in your regular trash.
Choosing The Right Oil And Filter
Selecting the correct products is as important as the change itself. Using the wrong oil or a poor-quality filter can harm your engine.
Understanding Oil Viscosity And Types
Oil viscosity, indicated by numbers like 5W-30, refers to its thickness and flow characteristics at different temperatures. The “W” stands for winter, indicating cold-weather performance.
Your car’s manufacturer has tested and specified the ideal viscosity for your engine. This information is in your owner’s manual. Do not deviate from this recommendation.
You will also choose between conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic oils. Full synthetic oils offer superior protection, performance in extreme temperatures, and longer change intervals, but they cost more. Many modern cars require synthetic oil.
Selecting A Quality Oil Filter
Not all oil filters are created equal. A cheap filter may use inferior materials that can fail or become less effective quickly.
Look for reputable brands. A good filter has a strong anti-drain back valve to prevent oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, and a sturdy relief valve for high-pressure situations. It should also have high-quality filtering media to trap the smallest particles.
When in doubt, choose the filter brand and part number recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by a trusted parts store for your specific make and model.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Being aware of these common errors will help you perform a professional-quality oil change.
- Over-tightening the drain plug or oil filter. This is a frequent cause of stripped threads and leaks.
- Forgetting to replace the drain plug washer or to lubricate the new filter’s gasket.
- Using the wrong type or amount of oil. Always double-check your manual.
- Not properly securing the vehicle on jack stands. This is a serious safety hazard.
- Failing to reset the oil change reminder light or maintenance minder.
- Improper disposal of the used oil and filter, which harms the environment.
When To Change Your Oil
The old rule of “every 3,000 miles” is largely outdated for modern vehicles and oils. The correct interval depends on several factors.
Your owner’s manual provides the manufacturer’s recommended interval, which is the best guide. This is often between 5,000 and 10,000 miles for newer cars using synthetic oil.
Your vehicle’s oil life monitoring system is also an excellent tool. It calculates oil life based on your actual driving conditions.
Consider changing oil more frequently if you regularly engage in “severe service” driving, such as frequent short trips, extreme hot or cold weather, towing, or extensive stop-and-go traffic.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing your car’s oil.
How Often Should I Change My Car’s Oil?
Follow the interval specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, not a generic mileage rule. This interval, often 5,000 to 10,000 miles, is engineered for your specific engine. Your car’s oil life monitor is also a reliable guide.
Can I Change My Oil Without Jacking Up The Car?
For most cars, you need to lift the vehicle to safely reach the drain plug and filter. Using ramps is a popular alternative to jack and stands, as they provide stable, elevated access. Some vehicles, like certain trucks, may have enough ground clearance to work without lifting, but this is rare.
What Is The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil is refined from crude oil. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide more consistent molecules, offering better protection against heat and cold, reduced engine sludge, and longer service life. Many newer cars require synthetic oil.
What Happens If I Put Too Much Oil In My Engine?
Overfilling can cause serious damage. Excess oil can be whipped into foam by the crankshaft, leading to poor lubrication, increased pressure, and potential seal failures or engine damage. If you overfill, you must drain the excess to the proper level.
Do I Need To Change The Oil Filter Every Time?
Yes, you should replace the oil filter with every oil change. The filter traps contaminants, and a used filter is full of dirty oil and particles. A new filter ensures your fresh oil stays clean as it circulates through your engine.