How to Change Your Vehicle's Engine Oil
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health and longevity. This guide walks you through the process of draining old oil and replacing it with fresh lubricant to keep your engine running smoothly.
Prepare the vehicle
10 minutesPark on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and lift the front of the vehicle using the jack.
Once lifted, secure the vehicle firmly on jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before crawling underneath.
Never trust a hydraulic jack alone to hold the weight of the vehicle.
Running the engine for 2-3 minutes before starting helps the oil drain faster, but be careful of heat.
Drain the old oil
15 minutesLocate the oil drain plug under the oil pan and place the drain pan directly beneath it.
Use a wrench to loosen the plug, then carefully unscrew it by hand. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
The oil may come out fast and hot; keep your hand clear of the oil stream.
Keep a rag handy to wipe your hands and the plug immediately.
Replace the oil filter
10 minutesPosition the drain pan under the oil filter and unscrew it using the oil filter wrench.
Before installing the new filter, apply a thin film of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the new filter. Screw it on by hand until it is snug.
Ensure the old rubber gasket from the previous filter did not stick to the engine block.
Don't overtighten the filter with a wrench; hand-tightening is sufficient to prevent leaks.
Reinstall the drain plug
5 minutesWipe the area around the drain hole clean and reinstall the drain plug.
Tighten the plug securely with your wrench, ensuring you do not strip the threads. Do not overtighten.
A loose drain plug will cause a massive oil leak; double-check that it is tight.
Check the condition of the drain plug washer; replace it if it appears crushed or damaged.
Fill with new oil
10 minutesOpen the hood, remove the oil filler cap, and insert your funnel.
Pour the manufacturer-specified amount and type of new oil into the engine. Replace the cap when finished.
Do not overfill the engine, as this can cause internal damage.
Check your owner's manual for the exact oil capacity and viscosity requirements.
Verify and check levels
10 minutesStart the engine and let it run for a minute, then check for leaks under the car.
Turn the engine off, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then pull the dipstick to verify the level is within the safe range.
If the oil pressure light stays on, turn the engine off immediately and inspect your work.
Check the oil level on a perfectly flat surface for an accurate reading.
Pro Tips
- ●Always use a high-quality oil filter, as it is just as important as the oil itself.
- ●Write the date and mileage on a sticker or in a notebook to track your maintenance schedule.
- ●Check your owner's manual; some vehicles require specific oil specifications like 'Dexos' or 'Synthetic Only'.
- ●Recycle your used oil at local auto parts stores, as many take it for free.