How to change engine oil?
While it sounds like a fairly basic question, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
You need to follow a very specific set of steps to get it right.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing engine oil, along with when to do it, and how much it typically costs.
This Article Contains:
- How to Change Engine Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How Often Should You Change Engine Oil?
- How Much Does an Engine Oil Change Cost?
- 3 FAQs About Oil Change
How to Change Engine Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing engine oil (also known as motor oil) requires lifting the vehicle and working on components underneath it. If you’ve never done it before, it’s recommended that you schedule an oil change service with a professional mechanic.
Here are the steps your mechanic will typically follow to replace old oil with new:
Step 1: Get the Right Engine Oil
Your mechanic will identify the right engine oil for your vehicle. This information is usually found on the engine oil cap or in the owner’s manual. They’ll also refer to the owner’s manual to determine how much new oil the engine needs.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Equipment
Once that’s sorted, your mechanic will gather all needed tools and equipment, including:
- A car jack and jack stand (or ramps)
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- An oil drain pan
- An oil filter wrench
- A torque wrench
- A funnel
They’ll also purchase a new oil filter from a trustworthy auto parts store.
Step 3: Lift the Vehicle
If the engine is hot, your mechanic will wait until it cools before changing the old oil.
They’ll use either ramps or a car jack to raise the vehicle off the ground. If they use ramps, they’ll engage the parking brake after driving up. If they use a car jack, they’ll engage the parking brake before lifting the vehicle.
Once the front of the vehicle is lifted, they’ll place blocks behind its rear wheels to prevent it from rolling. They may gently push the vehicle to confirm it’s stable.
NOTE: If you’re planning to do this yourself, never use the jack without a jack stand — it’s very unsafe.
Step 4: Change the Old Oil
Your mechanic will wear safety glasses and gloves before going under the vehicle to protect against burns and spills.
They’ll locate the oil pan and drain plug (also called the oil plug), and position an oil drain pan to collect the old oil. Using a torque wrench, they’ll loosen the drain plug and remove it slowly to avoid an uncontrolled flow of old oil from the oil pan.
Once the oil pan is empty, they’ll inspect the drain plug for damage, like stripped threads or cracked rubber. If they find any issues, they’ll replace the oil drain plug.
Finally, your mechanic will tighten the oil drain plug into the oil pan with a torque wrench. They’ll pay attention to avoid overtightening as that can damage the threads in the drain plug.
NOTE: Some vehicles, like high-performance cars, use an oil tank instead of an oil pan, mounted elsewhere in the engine bay or vehicle. In these cases, the oil drain plug is typically located at the base of the oil tank. If you can’t find it, check the owner’s manual.
Step 5: Change the Old Oil Filter
Your mechanic will also likely recommend a filter change — which involves replacing the old oil filter with a new one — to ensure the new oil stays clean.
To do this, they’ll place a drain pan under the old oil filter while loosening the filter cap with an oil filter wrench. They’ll then check that the rubber gasket came off with the old oil filter to prevent an oil leak.
Before installing the new oil filter, your mechanic will apply a thick layer of fresh oil to its rubber gasket to make removal easy during the next filter change. The new oil filter is typically installed by hand, as using a wrench can apply too much pressure and damage the gasket.
Step 6: Add New Oil
Your mechanic will now lower the vehicle and open the hood.
They’ll locate the oil cap (also called the oil filler cap or oil fill cap), which usually has an oil can symbol on it. After opening the oil filler cap, they’ll use a funnel to pour in the recommended amount of new oil into the oil filler hole.
The new oil is collected in the oil pan when the engine is off.
Step 7: Check Oil Level
Your mechanic will start the engine for 10 seconds to circulate the oil. Then, they will insert the oil dipstick into its tube to check the new oil level. The oil dipstick has a ‘full’ mark, and if the oil level is below it, they will add more oil.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
The mechanic will run the engine again for 30 seconds to recirculate the new oil. After that, they’ll inspect the oil filter, drain plug, and surrounding areas for leaks.
Now that we’ve got the oil change service steps out of the way, let’s get on to the next question:
How Often Should You Change Engine Oil?
The interval for oil change depends on the type of oil used, driving conditions, and the vehicle. Typically, the intervals recommended for different engine oil types are:
- Conventional oil: This type of motor oil is mineral-based and requires frequent oil change — ideally every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Synthetic oil: This motor oil type is more expensive and contains artificial chemical compounds. It typically needs to be replaced every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
- Synthetic blend: This hybrid motor oil is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oil and can last for 5,000-7,500 miles. It’s less expensive than synthetic motor oil and has more life than conventional oil.
Knowing when to change your car oil is key to preventing serious engine damage, and understanding the cost is just as important.
How Much Does an Engine Oil Change Cost?
The cost of changing engine oil depends on the type of oil, vehicle make, location, and labor charge. Generally, it ranges from $35 – $75 for conventional oil and $65 – $125 for synthetic motor oil.
In case you want to find out exactly how much it’ll take, get an estimate for free here.
Have any more doubts?
Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions.
3 FAQs About Oil Change
Here are the queries most vehicle owners have about oil changes:
1. What Does Engine Oil Do and Why Change It?
Your engine parts are vulnerable to wear and tear due to friction when driving. Oil lubricates the engine block and other components, reducing friction and protecting them from damage.
However, over time, the car oil oxidizes, collects dirt and dust, and reacts with water, losing its properties and becoming a sludge. This sludge can’t reach all components, leading to poor lubrication and severe engine damage.
That’s why regular car maintenance that includes an engine oil change is crucial.
2. What Should You Consider When Discarding Dirty Oil?
Used engine oil contains insoluble compounds that take time to degrade, remaining in the environment for years. It also has heavy metals and toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.
To avoid this, you should ideally take your used motor oil to a gas station or authorized collection center.
3. Can You Add Engine Oil Instead of Changing?
Adding engine oil is called topping off, and it’s not a substitute for regular oil changes.
Topping off simply means bringing the oil level back up, but this doesn’t wash out contaminants from the system. So, if you add motor oil instead of changing it, the fresh oil will quickly mix with the old oil and become contaminated.
Change Your Engine Oil with AutoNation Mobile Service
Dirty motor oil can damage your engine and result in high repair costs. So, change your oil as per your manufacturer’s instructions to keep your engine healthy and your expenses low.
Luckily, you don’t need to drive your vehicle with contaminated oil — because AutoNation Mobile Service will come to you!
We handle everything — from regular oil changes to repairing the engine block— seven days a week. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us today, and secure your engine parts with an oil change right away!