How to Change Your Oil: A Step-By-Step Guide

Need to change your oil but don’t know where to get started?

You’ll require the right tools, materials, and expertise. Without these, you may compromise your engine’s performance and lifespan.

But don’t worry.
We’ll discuss how to change oil in your vehicle. We’ll also tell you how often you’ll need an oil change to keep your car running smoothly and how much it’ll cost.

This Article Contains:

How to Change Oil in Your Car Step-By-Step
5 FAQs on Oil Change

How to Change Oil in Your Car Step-By-Step

Although an oil change is a relatively straightforward part of vehicle maintenance, many car owners still get it wrong.

Why?
You should be able to identify specific parts in your vehicle’s engine compartment as well as use the right tools and materials.

If you have doubts about a DIY motor oil change, it’s best to get the help of a professional mechanic. They have the expertise and equipment to perform a proper oil change service.

But if you still wish to do it yourself, here’s how to change your oil:

Step 1: Verify the Amount and Type of Engine Oil Needed

Before changing the oil, you must know the amount of oil your vehicle needs, its specific weight, and viscosity. For example, your car’s diesel engine may require synthetic oil for optimal performance.

For these details and other oil-specific requirements, refer to your owner’s manual.

Caution: Using the wrong oil can adversely affect the engine’s lifespan.

Step 2: Prepare Your Car for an Oil Change

Spread a plastic sheet on a level surface and park your car on top of it. The sheet makes the cleanup work easier in case of an oil spill.

After that, let your vehicle run for about five minutes to warm up the motor oil before turning it off. That’s because hot oil flows better and helps remove some contaminants when it’s drained.

Note: Always be careful when working with hot oil.

Next, you’ll need to:

Engage your parking brake.
Use a jack to elevate your car securely.
Install jack stands for support.
Place chocks behind the front and rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Note: You can change your oil without jacking up your vehicle if there’s enough ground clearance to access the oil drain plug and filter.

Step 3: Locate, Loosen, and Remove the Oil Drain Plug

The drain plug (sump plug or oil plug) is usually a long bolt head located beneath your vehicle’s oil pan (sump) under the engine block.

Once you find the oil drain, place a drain pan (catch pan) underneath the drain plug. Then, use a filter wrench or ratchet to carefully loosen and remove the oil plug.

Step 4: Drain the Dirty Oil Out of the Engine

The motor oil will flow out as soon as you remove the drain plug.

Remember that it can take a few minutes for the entire car oil to drain out. Ideally, you should let the dirty oil drain until it slows to a drip.

At times, dirty oil may flow out at an angle, so you may need to readjust the position of the oil drain pan to avoid any spills. If you don’t correctly place the oil drain pan, the engine oil may spill everywhere.

Step 5: Clean and Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug

Wipe the oil drain plug with a clean cloth and inspect the drain plug and drain plug gasket for any damage. If they’re damaged, you’ll have to replace them.

After that, lay the rubber gasket, reinstall the oil drain plug, and tighten the plug to the specifications mentioned in your service manual.

Step 6: Replace the Old Oil Filter

Most modern vehicle manufacturers recommend getting an oil filter change with every oil replacement.

The process for changing your oil filter depends on what type your vehicle uses:

A simple twist is enough to remove the old screw-on oil filter.

For a cartridge oil filter, remove the old filter housing cap. Then, swap the old filter with the new oil filter, and reinstall the cap after you’ve made the swap.

For both types of oil filters, you also need to:

Apply a light coating of oil all around the rubber gasket on the top of the new oil filter. This helps create a proper seal as you tighten the new filter.

Avoid screwing the new filter on too hard. Instead, turn it until it’s “hand tight” and then just a bit more so it’s snug.

Step 7: Pour Fresh Oil into the Engine

To add fresh oil:

First, remove the jack stand to lower the car back down to the ground.
Open its hood and remove the oil cap (usually has an oil can symbol).
Slowly pour the correct quantity of new oil into the engine.

Step 8: Check the Motor Oil Level

Use the oil dipstick to check if the new oil level is correct. Here’s how:

First, pull the dipstick tube out from the engine and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the oil dipstick into its tube, pushing it in.
Once again, pull out the dipstick and check if the oil level falls between the specified markings.

Note: Some cars may not have an oil dipstick. In such cases, you’ll need to check the electronic monitor to know the car’s engine oil level.

Step 9: Start the Engine, Shut it Off, and Recheck the Oil Level

Reinstall the oil filler cap and turn on the engine for a couple of minutes. Then, turn it off and allow it to sit for some time.

Inspect the car’s underside for any signs of an oil leak, and top off the engine with more fresh oil if the oil level is below the specified range.

Step 10: Dispose of the Old Oil

Transfer the old oil into a container and take it to an auto parts store or an oil recycling facility. You can also have a mobile mechanic take care of your used oil for you.

Now that you know how to change engine oil, we’ll cover some other important details you should know.

5 FAQs on Oil Change

Here are the answers to five commonly asked questions associated with oil change:

1. How Often Should I Change My Car’s Engine Oil?

The frequency with which you should change your oil depends on the type of oil your vehicle uses.

If your engine uses conventional oil, your motor oil may need changing every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. On the flip side, if you’re using synthetic motor oil, the oil change intervals are usually much longer — between 10,000 and 15,000 miles.

Note: It’s best to change your engine oil slightly before the oil change interval specified by your car maintenance guide.

2. What Tools Do I Need for Changing Motor Oil?

Besides the necessary materials (engine oil, oil filter, oil filter gasket, and oil filter washer), you’ll need:

Socket wrench
Oil filter wrench
Funnel
Jack
Jack stands
Ratchet
Oil drain pan
Container for old engine oil
Rubber mallet

Additionally, for safety and cleanliness, you’ll need a plastic sheet, latex gloves, paper towel sets, and safety glasses.

3. Is It Important to Change Car Oil?

Yes, changing your motor oil is essential to prevent debris buildup and to lubricate the engine.

If you keep using degraded oil debris particles will accumulate and cause premature engine damage, eventually leading to costly repairs.

4. Which Oil Should I Choose for My Car?

Your vehicle’s age and model will determine the type of oil it needs. Newer vehicle models indicate the required motor oil weight on the oil filler cap next to the spark plug.

The different oil types include:

Synthetic motor oil: This type is formulated with additives to enable longer, better performance at extreme temperatures.

Synthetic blend motor oil: This blend of synthetic and conventional base oils provides extra resistance to oxidation and enhanced functionality at low temperatures.

High-mileage motor oil: High-mileage motor oil reduces oil burn-off and helps prevent oil leaks, making it an excellent option for older engines.

Conventional motor oil: This traditional type is made from refined crude oil (oil mined from the earth). While most simple-engine cars use these oils, they do vary in viscosity and quality.

You should use the oil type recommended by your vehicle’s owner manual, especially if your vehicle requires synthetic oil. Downgrading to conventional oil may cause engine damage.

If you are unsure about the right oil, ask a professional car mechanic for assistance.

5. How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?

Getting your oil changed by a professional mechanic costs between $20 and $150. The price varies depending on:

The make, year, and model of your car
The oil type
Your location

If you’re replacing the oil and getting an oil filter change, you can expect to spend between $65 and $140.

Get Effortless Oil Changes with AutoNation Mobile Service

Changing the engine oil is crucial for maintaining your engine’s performance and lifespan. You need to use the right oil in the correct quantity and dispose of the old engine oil safely.

Looking for a hassle-free and affordable way to change engine oil?

Reach out to AutoNation Mobile Service — our automotive mechanics can change motor oil right from your driveway. We also offer upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty on all repairs.