How to Change Your Vehicle's Engine Oil
Regular oil changes are the most important maintenance task to keep your engine running smoothly and extend its lifespan. This guide will walk you through the process of draining old oil and replacing it with fresh fluid.
Lift and secure the vehicle
10 minutesUse a jack to lift the front of your car and secure it firmly on jack stands.
Always consult your owner's manual for proper jack points. Ensure the vehicle is on a flat, level surface before attempting to lift.
Never trust a hydraulic jack alone; the car must be on jack stands.
Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires for extra stability.
Drain the old oil
15 minutesPlace the drain pan under the oil pan and remove the drain plug using a wrench.
Loosen the plug slowly so the oil doesn't splash. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan until it slows to a drip.
The oil may still be warm; wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.
Keep a rag nearby to wipe any drips off your hands or the plug.
Replace the drain plug
5 minutesClean the drain plug threads and replace the crush washer before reinstalling the plug.
Tighten the plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then finish with a wrench until snug.
Do not overtighten, as this can strip the threads on the oil pan.
Remove the old oil filter
10 minutesPosition the drain pan under the oil filter and unscrew it using an oil filter wrench.
Some oil will spill out when the filter is removed, so ensure the pan is directly underneath. Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter.
If the filter is stuck, a filter wrench provides the necessary leverage.
Install the new oil filter
5 minutesApply a light coating of clean oil to the new filter's rubber gasket and screw it on by hand.
Tighten the filter until it is hand-tight, typically about three-quarters of a turn after the gasket makes contact.
Ensure the old gasket didn't stick to the engine, or the new filter will leak.
Never use a wrench to tighten the new filter; hand-tight is sufficient.
Refill with new oil
10 minutesOpen the hood, remove the oil filler cap, and pour in the manufacturer-recommended amount of oil using a funnel.
Check your manual for the specific oil capacity and viscosity grade. Pour slowly to prevent overflow.
Do not overfill the engine, as this can cause internal damage.
Check the oil level using the dipstick after waiting a few minutes for the oil to settle.
Pro Tips
- ●Always check your dipstick after running the engine for a minute to ensure the oil level is correct.
- ●Write down the date and mileage of your oil change in a notebook to track your maintenance schedule.
- ●Use a high-quality synthetic oil if your vehicle's manufacturer recommends it for better engine protection.
- ●Check your air filter while you have the hood open; it is often easy to replace at the same time.