For many drivers, an oil change is one of those car maintenance jobs that seems simple until they open the hood and start wondering where to begin. Engine oil plays an important role in reducing friction, carrying away heat, and helping keep internal engine components clean. Replacing old oil and the oil filter at the recommended intervals can help maintain the engine.
Learning how to change oil can also save money and give drivers a better understanding of their vehicle. However, the exact procedure and oil specification vary by vehicle, so the owner’s manual should always be checked before starting.
Prepare the Car and Equipment
Before changing the oil, park the vehicle on a level, stable surface and allow the engine to cool enough to work safely. Warm oil flows more easily, but extremely hot oil can cause serious burns.
The correct engine oil is essential. Vehicles require specific oil grades and specifications, and using the wrong product may affect engine performance or warranty requirements. The owner’s manual or manufacturer information should be used to identify the correct oil.
A new oil filter and replacement drain-plug washer or seal may also be required. Other useful equipment includes a drain pan large enough to hold the old oil, suitable wrenches, gloves, rags, and a funnel.
If the vehicle needs to be raised, use equipment designed for the vehicle’s weight and support it correctly. A jack alone should not be relied upon to hold a vehicle while someone works underneath it. Properly rated jack stands or another approved support system should be used.
Before beginning, locate the oil filler cap, drain plug, and oil filter. Knowing where these components are located makes the process easier and reduces the chance of removing the wrong part.
Drain the Old Engine Oil
With the vehicle safely positioned, place the drain pan beneath the engine’s oil drain plug.
Remove the oil filler cap from the top of the engine. This can help the old oil drain more smoothly. Carefully loosen the drain plug with the appropriate tool, keeping the drain pan positioned underneath.
Once the plug is removed, the oil will begin flowing into the pan. It may initially come out quickly, so the pan should be positioned to catch the stream.
Allow the oil to drain for an appropriate amount of time. Avoid touching the oil unnecessarily, particularly if the engine was recently running.
While the oil is draining, inspect the drain plug and its sealing washer. If the manufacturer specifies replacement of the washer or seal during an oil change, install a new one.
The oil filter can then be removed according to the vehicle manufacturer’s procedure. Keep the drain pan underneath because additional oil may escape when the filter is loosened.
Before installing the new filter, check that the old filter’s sealing gasket has not remained attached to the engine. A new filter should be installed according to its instructions, including any specified tightening method.
Add the New Oil
Once the old oil has drained and the drain plug and filter are properly installed, the new oil can be added.
Use a funnel where appropriate to prevent oil from spilling onto the engine. Add the quantity specified by the manufacturer, but avoid assuming that the listed capacity means the entire amount should always be poured in immediately.
A useful approach is to add most of the required amount first and then check the oil level using the procedure described in the owner’s manual.
After adding oil, start the engine briefly if the manufacturer’s instructions call for it. Turn the engine off and wait the recommended amount of time before checking the level again.
The vehicle should generally be on a level surface when checking the oil. Add small amounts if necessary rather than overfilling.
Overfilling engine oil can also cause problems, so the level should remain within the manufacturer’s specified range.
Inspect the area around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks. If oil is leaking, turn the engine off and determine the cause before driving the vehicle.
Dispose of the Used Oil Responsibly
An oil change is not complete when the new oil is in the engine. Used engine oil needs to be handled responsibly.
Never pour used oil onto the ground, into a drain, or into household waste. It can contaminate soil and water and may be harmful to the environment.
Collect the old oil in a sealed, suitable container and take it to an appropriate recycling or collection facility. Many automotive service locations and recycling programs accept used engine oil, although availability varies by location.
The old oil filter should also be handled according to local recycling or disposal rules.
After finishing the job, record the date, mileage, oil specification, and filter used. This makes it easier to keep track of future maintenance.
Changing engine oil is a manageable maintenance task for many vehicle owners, but safety and accuracy matter more than speed. The correct oil, filter, tools, support equipment, and disposal method should all be prepared before work begins.
Most importantly, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and specifications. Some modern vehicles have different oil capacities, filter designs, service procedures, and electronic oil-life systems.
If access underneath the vehicle is unsafe, the required tools are unavailable, or the procedure is unclear, having a qualified technician perform the oil change is the safer choice. A properly performed oil change is a small maintenance task that can contribute to reliable engine operation over the life of the vehicle.