How to change the oil in your car

Here’s the bummer: Your car needs periodic maintenance, which means you have to do more than just fill it up with gas every other day and vacuum it out before a big date.

Now, for the good news. The most basic maintenance of all, the oil change, is simple enough for the average car owner to do at home, and we have plenty of oil change tips to make the process easy. Whether you change your oil every 3000 miles because you commute or drive a lot of short trips, or change it every 7500 miles of freeway motoring, you can change your oil at home in just about the same time as the quickie-lube shops. Here’s how to change your oil and important oil change steps. Do an oil filter change, while you’re at it.

Step 1: Gather your tools and equipment

Before you change engine oil, gather tools and equipment and make sure you have all the right pieces to do the job quickly and correctly. You won’t want to stop in the middle of the job if you discover you’re missing some of the materials or tools you need.

Tools required for an oil change

An oil change can be done at home with just basic, inexpensive tools, and they’re a worthwhile investment. The only specialized tool you’ll need is an oil filter wrench, which is the proper wrench to make removing the old filter easy. Also, gather an oil pan, a funnel, a regular wrench, and a safe, secure set of blocks or wheel ramps so you can get beneath your car.

Material required for an oil change

Make sure you have a way to collect the old oil runoff and recycle it (an old milk container works well). You’ll also need a new oil filter and the proper oil for your car. You can check the owner’s manual for the right weights and types if you aren’t sure what kind of oil your car needs or about suitable oil for your car.

Step 2: Prepare your car

Warm up your car to prepare for an oil change. Get your car in the mood for a professional-grade oil change by running it for about ten minutes, then shutting it down. The sludge will move out of the engine easier. At this point, you’ll also want to move your car up on your ramps or blocks.
 

Step 3: Unplug and drain the old oil

After the car is raised for easier access, and the parking brake is set for security, you can remove the old oil. Place a pan or container underneath the oil drain plug, loosen its bolt with your standard wrench, and remove the plug, being careful to keep your hands and other vitals out of the way of the stream of hot oil. It should take no more than ten minutes to drain the old oil completely. Put the oil pan back on. It’s easier to forget this step than you think. Put the plug bolt back in the pan (you may want to replace its washer while it’s off, too), and then screw the assembly back together.

Step 4: Change the oil filter

Next, open up the hood and find the oil filter — a Coke can-sized object that is usually under the hood, but sometimes beneath the car. Now, change it. Loosen with the proper size oil-filter wrench, and then remove it, being careful not to drip oil. Replace it with the new one, making sure to rub the new filter’s seal with a little oil and using your hand to tighten it (the filter wrench can exert too much force for this step).

Step 5: Refill with new oil

Don’t forget the refill. Find the oil cap under the hood of your car, and use the recommended weight and amount of oil for your model of car. Make sure to replace the cap.

Step 6: Check oil levels

Make sure you’ve got the right amount of oil in the car, after the oil settles. In a few minutes, check to make sure your oil level falls between the Low and Full marks on the dipstick.

Step 7: Recycle your oil

Here’s how to recycle oil. Many auto parts stores accept used oil for recycling. Ask about recycling service when you’re in the store buying your new filter and oil, along with whatever other tools you need. If you can’t find an auto parts store with an oil recycling service near you, try looking online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to change your own oil?

Oil service at home is easier than you might think, and it’ll take just a few times to get confident with it. Get familiar with the steps to change engine oil and how to change an oil filter, and it won’t be long before it’s easier than taking the car to a shop.

Is it worth doing an oil change by myself?

Yes. After you assemble your DIY oil change kit with all the parts you’ll need, you’ll find it’s easy and convenient to do your own oil changes at home. 

How fast can you change your own oil?

When you have the best oil change tools, you’ll find the oil change can go pretty quickly. Most experts advise that it’ll take between 30 minutes and an hour, but that depends on a number of factors, including your level of experience working on your car and where the oil filter and drain plug are located on your car

How tight should an oil filter be?

An oil filter should be hand-tight. That means turning it as far as you can with your hand until it stops, and then simply giving it one more slight twist to ensure it’s tight. If you struggle to remove your oil filter on your next oil change, that means it’s too tight. 

How long can you really go between oil changes?

Maintaining the proper oil and filter change interval is one of the easiest and cheapest ways you can take good care of your car. If you’re wondering how often to change oil, it’s best to follow the intervals recommended by your car’s owner’s manual. If your car is older, consider checking your oil more frequently to ensure you’re not leaking or burning oil, and ensure your oil is lasting the recommended duration.