You can save money by learning to change your car's oil instead of going to an express lube shop. The simple maintenance task takes about 30-60 minutes.
Modern vehicles with synthetic oil can last up to 15,000 miles between changes. Older cars need oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Most cars need just 4 to 5 quarts of oil for a complete change.
We mechanics see oil changes as one of the simple yet significant maintenance skills anyone can learn. The whole process from lifting your car to adding fresh oil takes less than 2 hours, even if you're new to it.
This piece will guide you through each step of changing oil at home. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to handle this vital maintenance task safely. Let's begin!
Gather the Right Tools and Materials
The success of your oil change depends on having the right tools and materials ready before you start. A well-laid-out workspace can make the difference between smooth maintenance and a frustrating experience.
Essential tools for a safe oil change
You need specific tools to protect yourself and your vehicle during an oil change. Your first requirement is a quality floor jack that can lift your vehicle safely. Pick one with a lifting capacity greater than your vehicle's gross weight. After lifting the vehicle, you'll need sturdy jack stands to secure it. Steel or aluminum stands work well, though steel versions cost less.
A dedicated oil collection container prevents messy spills. The FloTool 16-Quart Drain Container works great and handles multiple oil changes before it needs emptying. A large drip pan underneath gives extra protection to your garage floor or driveway.
Other essential tools include:
Ratchet and socket set – You need these to remove the drain plug and other components
Oil filter removal tool – This helps grip slippery filters
Funnel – You can avoid spills while adding fresh oil
Work light or flashlight – These help locate drain plugs and filters in tight spaces
Box wrench or socket wrench – These work to loosen and tighten the drain plug
Safety equipment is vital. Protect your eyes with safety glasses and keep your hands clean with nitrile gloves that shield you from harmful oil.
Choosing the best oil and filter for your car
Your owner's manual specifies the recommended viscosity and certification requirements for oil selection. Viscosity shows how quickly oil flows to protect your engine. Higher numbers mean thicker oil. Your engine might not respond well if you use incorrect viscosity.
Here are the three main types of motor oil you should think about:
Conventional oil meets most manufacturers' requirements and costs less, but it has some impurities and usually needs changing every 5,000 miles.
Synthetic oil gives superior protection, especially for modern high-performance engines. It handles heat and oxidation better and can last beyond 10,000 miles between changes. Though it costs more, synthetic oil improves engine responsiveness and fuel economy.
Semi-synthetic oil (synthetic blend) strikes a balance by combining benefits of both conventional and synthetic oils at a moderate price.
Quality makes much difference in oil filters. They vary in filter media quality, check valves, and sealing capabilities. Many mechanics like WIX or Bosch filters for aftermarket options. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters deliver reliable performance consistently.
Your driving conditions should determine your filter choice. High filtration ratings work better if you drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic or dusty areas. Replace both the filter and filter washer (crushable element) during each oil change to stop leaks.
It's worth mentioning that your vehicle's requirements in the owner's manual matter more than brand loyalty or marketing claims. The manual clearly lists your vehicle's specifications.
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Oil Change
Safety should be your top priority at the time you change your oil at home. A proper setup will make the whole ordeal safer and streamline processes.
How to safely lift and secure your car
You can prevent accidents and injuries by lifting your vehicle correctly. Park your car on a flat, level surface - never try to change oil on sloped or uneven ground as the vehicle could roll while you work underneath. Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will stay on the ground.
Drive your car for about 5 minutes to warm the oil so it drains better, then let the engine cool for 30-60 minutes. This cooling time is vital since oil can reach temperatures exceeding 250°F during normal operation.
You have two options to lift the vehicle:
Using ramps: Put the ramps in front of your front wheels and drive up slowly until you reach the flat section. Place wooden blocks behind the rear wheels for extra security.
Using a jack and jack stands: Find the proper jacking points in your owner's manual and position the jack correctly. Lift the vehicle slowly, then put jack stands right away under secure points like the frame or axle.
Safety warning: NEVER work underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack - jack stands are mandatory. Many fatal accidents have happened when poorly supported vehicles fell on mechanics.
Locating the oil pan and drain plug
The oil pan sits underneath the engine and looks like a large, flat, shallow metal bowl. You'll need to get under your vehicle using a creeper or cardboard to protect yourself from the ground.
Look for the oil drain plug at the bottom edge of this pan - it looks like a bolt head and lets oil drain during changes. Some vehicles have protective undertrays over the oil pan that you can remove with simple hand tools (bolts, screws, or plastic clips).
Keep your oil catch container ready to place directly under the drain plug before you remove it. The drain plug's location varies between vehicles, so check your owner's manual.
Oil change safety tips for beginners
Your first oil change requires careful attention to safety. Here are the significant guidelines:
Protect yourself with safety glasses to avoid oil splashes in your eyes and nitrile gloves to shield your skin from oil, which can cause allergic dermatitis.
Give the engine enough time to cool. The oil might still feel warm when you drain it.
Jack stands must support your vehicle, not just a jack. These stands come with mechanical locks that stop unexpected lowering.
Look for damage on your jack and jack stands before using them. Check for oil leaks around the fill plug and release screw on hydraulic jacks.
Test the vehicle's stability by gently rocking it after setting it on jack stands.
Your jacks and stands must match your vehicle's weight rating.
Your vehicle's make, model, and year determine if the oil pan is metal or plastic. Each vehicle needs specific drain plugs - they are not interchangeable. These precautions will help you move safely to draining the old oil.
Drain the Old Oil and Replace the Filter
Image Source: Palumbo's Automotive
Your car sits safely on its lift, secured and ready. Now comes a vital part of changing your oil: you need to drain the old oil and replace the filter. This process needs your full attention to avoid spills and make sure everything goes back together right.
How to drain old engine oil without a mess
Start your engine and let it run for about 5-10 minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil flows better and drains completely. Let the engine cool down a bit so you don't burn yourself. The oil might still be warm when you drain it, so be careful.
Put your drain pan right under the oil drain plug. Leave enough space for the oil to flow at an angle. The oil might flow in unexpected ways depending on your engine design.
Use a box-end wrench or socket to loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand while pushing up slightly so it doesn't fall into the oil pan. Move your hand away fast when the plug comes free to avoid oil splashes. Give it 10-30 minutes to drain completely.
Removing and inspecting the oil filter
Look for the oil filter - it's usually a cylinder attached to the engine block. Put your drain pan under it since more oil will spill when you take it off. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. You might need an oil filter wrench if it's stuck.
Take a good look at the old filter after removal. A normal filter should have a metallic sheen like mother of pearl. Watch out for large metal flakes, shavings, or filings - these might mean engine problems. Make sure the old gasket came off with the filter. Many leaks happen because people forget to check this.
Installing the new filter correctly
Put a light coat of fresh engine oil on the new filter's rubber gasket to prevent sticking and leaks. Don't use grease for this.
Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand clockwise until its gasket touches the engine mounting surface. Then turn it just ¼ to ¾ turn more. Hand-tightening usually works best - too much force can strip threads or break the O-ring.
Watch out for these common mistakes:
Double-gasket the filter (old gasket stays behind)
Overtighten the filter (damages threads or breaks seals)
Skip gasket lubrication (makes future removal tough)
Finally, put the drain plug back with a new gasket if needed. Tighten it finger-tight plus a quarter turn with a wrench.
Add New Oil and Check Levels
After replacing the filter and drain plug, refilling your engine with fresh oil is a significant step. You need precision to ensure optimal engine performance.
How to refill with the right amount and type of oil
The oil filler cap sits on top of your engine with an oil can icon marking its location. Remove the cap and place a funnel to prevent spills. Your owner's manual shows the exact oil capacity your vehicle needs. Note that engines have different capacities, making this step vital.
Start by pouring oil slowly. Add about half to three-quarters of the recommended amount first. Let the oil settle in the pan for about one minute. This short wait helps prevent overfilling your engine.
How to check oil level with a dipstick
Your oil level check needs these steps:
Park your vehicle on level ground – an uneven surface will give false readings
The oil needs 15 minutes to drain into the pan after engine shutdown
Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again
Look at both sides of the dipstick and use the lowest reading as the correct level
The dipstick shows two marks – "L/MIN" (minimum) and "F/MAX" (maximum). Your oil level should stay between these marks, preferably closer to maximum without going over it.
Signs you added too much or too little oil
Incorrect oil levels can damage your engine without doubt. Oil below the minimum mark means your engine lacks proper lubrication, which creates excessive friction between moving parts. This causes overheating, unusual engine noise, and can lead to catastrophic failure.
Overfilling creates just as many problems. Extra oil leads to aeration and foaming that reduces lubrication effectiveness. More oil puts pressure on the crankshaft and can force oil into the combustion chamber. Watch for warning signs like blue exhaust smoke, burning smells, oil leaks, or check engine lights that turn on.
A suction pump through the dipstick tube or drain plug can remove excess oil if you've added too much.
Final Steps and Cleanup
Completing a DIY oil change requires two final crucial steps. You need to reset the warning light and dispose of used oil correctly. These steps help protect your car and the environment.
How to reset the oil change light
Your vehicle needs accurate maintenance tracking after an oil change. The warning light must be reset, and most vehicles use these methods:
Dashboard control method (most common for newer vehicles):
Turn the ignition to "ON" position without starting the engine
Find the reset or info button on your instrument cluster
Press and hold until the oil life percentage or light blinks
Release the button, then press and hold again until the light resets
Older vehicles without digital controls need this manual reset procedure:
Turn the ignition to "ON" without starting
Press and release the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds
Turn the ignition off and restart to verify reset
Some complex electronic systems need an OBD-II scanner. You can plug it into the diagnostic port, select "Reset Oil Life" from the menu, and follow the prompts.
How to dispose of used motor oil properly
The law requires proper disposal of used motor oil. A single oil change worth of mishandled oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water.
Your used oil should be recycled. Put it in a leak-proof container and keep it in a cool, dry place until you can transport it. The oil becomes unrecyclable if mixed with other fluids like antifreeze or water.
AutoZone, Advance Auto, and most auto parts stores recycle used motor oil free of charge. Local recycling centers also accept used oil. The oil filter should be drained and recycled too—collection centers usually take these.
Oil recycling makes a big difference. One gallon of used motor oil creates the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil. Your recycling efforts help save resources and protect water supplies.
Conclusion
Changing your oil at home definitely requires attention to detail and proper safety measures. This essential maintenance task becomes affordable and rewarding once you know how to do it. You'll complete oil changes confidently and safely with careful preparation, the right tools, and proper technique.
Successful oil changes depend on using manufacturer-recommended oil, installing filters correctly, checking levels accurately, and disposing of used oil responsibly. Your vehicle's maintenance schedule stays on track when you keep detailed service records.
We encourage you to practice these steps until they feel natural. Your engine's life extends while you save money compared to professional services. Follow safety protocols carefully with simple steps, and you'll become skilled at this fundamental car maintenance task quickly.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I change my car's oil? For most modern vehicles, it's recommended to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, if your car uses conventional oil, you may need to change it more frequently, around every 3,000 miles. Always consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations.
Q2. What tools do I need for a DIY oil change? Essential tools include a wrench set, oil filter wrench, funnel, oil pan, and jack stands or ramps. You'll also need new oil, an oil filter, and possibly a new drain plug washer. Don't forget safety equipment like gloves and eye protection.
Q3. How do I dispose of used motor oil properly? Never pour used oil down drains or on the ground. Most auto parts stores and many service stations accept used motor oil for recycling at no charge. You can also check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal options in your area.
Q4. What type of oil should I use for my car? The best oil for your car depends on your vehicle's make, model, and age. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) and whether synthetic or conventional oil is preferred. Using the wrong type of oil can affect your engine's performance and longevity.
Q5. How can I tell if I've added too much oil to my engine? Signs of overfilling include blue exhaust smoke, oil leaks, a burning smell, or an oil pressure warning light on your dashboard. You can also check the dipstick – if the oil level is above the full mark, you've added too much. Excess oil can damage your engine, so it's important to maintain the correct level.
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