How to Change Your Car's Oil

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Time: 45–60 minutes

Changing your own oil saves money and helps you get to know your car. With the right supplies it takes about 45 minutes to an hour the first time, and less once you've done it.

You'll need to get under the front of the car safely. Use ramps or jack stands, never just a jack, and give yourself time to do it right.

What you'll need

Step by step

1. 1

   Get the right oil and filter

   Your owner's manual lists the oil type (for example 0W-20 or 5W-30) and how many quarts. A parts store can look up the correct filter for your car.

2. 2

   Warm up, then let it cool a bit

   Run the engine for a couple of minutes so the oil drains more easily, then turn it off and wait until the oil pan is warm, not hot.

3. 3

   Raise the car safely

   Drive the front wheels up onto ramps, or lift with a jack at the proper point and set jack stands under the car. Set the parking brake and block the rear wheels.

4. 4

   Drain the old oil

   Find the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and set the drain pan under it. Loosen the plug counterclockwise, then unscrew the last turns by hand and pull it away quickly. Let the oil drain completely.

5. 5

   Replace the drain plug

   Wipe the plug clean, put on a new washer if your car uses one, and screw it back in by hand. Tighten it snug; don't overtighten, or you can strip the threads.

6. 6

   Remove the old filter

   Move the drain pan under the oil filter. Loosen it counterclockwise with a filter wrench and unscrew it by hand. It will be full of oil. Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with it.

7. 7

   Install the new filter

   Rub a little new oil on the new filter's rubber gasket. Screw it on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten about another three-quarter turn by hand, or as the filter box says.

8. 8

   Lower the car and add new oil

   Lower the car to level ground. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine and pour in the new oil with a funnel, a little less than the full amount at first.

9. 9

   Check the level and look for leaks

   Start the engine for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute. Check the dipstick and add oil until it reads full. Look under the car for drips at the plug and filter.

10. 10

    Recycle the old oil and reset the reminder

    Pour the old oil into the empty bottles and take it and the old filter to a parts store; most accept them for free. Reset the oil-life or maintenance light if your car has one.

Tips

• Check your manual for the oil change interval. Many newer cars go 5,000–10,000 miles on synthetic oil, but short trips, heat and towing mean more frequent changes.
• Keep the receipt or write down the date and mileage. It helps with warranty claims and resale.
• Never pour used oil on the ground or in the trash. It's illegal, and auto parts stores take it for free.

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Frequently asked questions

What kind of oil does my car need?

Your owner's manual lists the oil grade (like 0W-20 or 5W-30) and the amount. It is often printed on the oil fill cap too. Using the wrong grade can affect engine performance.

How often should I change my oil?

Follow your owner's manual. Many newer cars on synthetic oil go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between changes, but short trips, heat and towing shorten that.

Where do I take used oil?

Most auto parts stores accept used motor oil and old oil filters for free. Bring them in sealed containers, like the empty oil bottles.

Can I change oil without jack stands?

Use drive-on ramps or jack stands. Never work under a car held up only by a jack. If you don't have either, a quick-lube shop is the safer choice.

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