How to Change Your Car's Oil: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Changing your own oil is the most fundamental car maintenance skill any vehicle owner can learn. It saves you money, ensures the job is done right, and gives you a chance to inspect your vehicle's underside for other potential issues. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right oil to safely disposing of the old stuff.

Understanding Motor Oil Types

Choosing the right oil is the most important decision in this process. Using the wrong type or viscosity can reduce engine protection and even void your warranty. Here are the four main categories:

Understanding Viscosity Grades

Motor oil viscosity is expressed as a multi-grade number such as 5W-30 or 0W-20. Understanding what these numbers mean helps you choose correctly:

• First number (e.g., 5W): The "W" stands for winter. This number indicates how the oil flows at cold startup temperatures. Lower numbers (0W, 5W) flow more easily in cold weather, providing faster protection at startup.
• Second number (e.g., 30): This indicates the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperature (210 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher numbers mean thicker oil that maintains a stronger film at high temperatures.

Common viscosity grades and their typical applications:

• 0W-20: Most modern fuel-efficient passenger cars (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, many others)
• 5W-20: Many Ford, Chrysler, and other domestic vehicles
• 5W-30: The most versatile grade, suitable for a wide range of vehicles and climates
• 10W-30: Older vehicles and warmer climates
• 5W-40 / 0W-40: European vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, VW/Audi) and diesel engines

Tools and Materials Needed

Tools

If you are building out your garage tool collection, see our essential tools guide for recommendations on foundational equipment that covers both home and auto projects.

• Floor jack and two jack stands (or ramps)
• Socket set or wrench for the drain plug (typically 13mm to 17mm)
• Oil filter wrench (match the style to your filter type)
• Oil drain pan (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Shop towels or rags
• Disposable gloves (nitrile recommended)

Materials

• Correct amount of motor oil for your engine (check owner's manual, typically 4 to 6 quarts)
• New oil filter (matched to your vehicle year, make, and model)
• New drain plug washer or gasket (recommended for every change)
• Container for used oil transport and recycling

Step-by-Step Oil Change Process

Run the engine for 3 to 5 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more freely and carries more contaminants out of the engine, resulting in a more complete drain. Do not run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature, as the oil and exhaust components will be hot enough to cause serious burns.

Park on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle, then place jack stands under the manufacturer's designated support points. Lower the vehicle onto the stands and verify stability. Alternatively, drive the front wheels up onto ramps. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Slide under the vehicle and locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It is typically a single bolt head at the lowest point of the pan. Also locate the oil filter, which is usually a cylindrical canister on the side or bottom of the engine block. Some vehicles use a cartridge-style filter housed in a cap on top of the engine.

Position the drain pan directly below the drain plug. Using the correct socket or wrench, loosen the plug counterclockwise. As the plug comes free, be ready for oil to pour out quickly. Remove the plug completely and let the oil drain for at least 5 minutes. The stream will slow to a drip when the pan is mostly empty.

Install a new drain plug washer or gasket. Thread the drain plug in by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then tighten with a wrench. Most drain plugs require 20 to 30 ft-lbs of torque. Do not over-tighten, as this can strip the threads in the oil pan, which is a costly repair.

Reposition the drain pan under the oil filter. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it. Some oil will spill out as the filter comes off. Once removed, verify that the old filter's rubber gasket came off with it and is not stuck to the engine mounting surface. A double-gasketed filter will leak immediately.

Apply a thin film of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This ensures a proper seal and makes removal easier at the next change. Thread the new filter on by hand. Tighten it according to the filter manufacturer's instructions, which is typically three-quarters of a turn past gasket contact. Do not use a wrench to tighten oil filters; hand-tight is correct.

Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine and insert a funnel. Pour in the correct amount of new oil as specified in your owner's manual. Add slightly less than the full amount first. Most engines take 4 to 6 quarts, but check your manual for the exact capacity including the filter.

Replace the oil fill cap and start the engine. Let it idle for about 30 seconds while watching the oil pressure light or gauge. Check under the vehicle for leaks around the drain plug and filter. Shut the engine off and wait 2 to 3 minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it again to read the level. Add oil as needed to bring it to the full mark.

Lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Wipe any spilled oil from the engine and undercarriage. Transfer the used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container for recycling. Record the date, mileage, oil type, and filter used so you know when the next change is due.

Oil Filter Selection

Oil filters vary significantly in quality. Here is what to consider when choosing a filter:

• Filtration efficiency: Better filters capture smaller particles. Look for filters that capture 95% or more of particles 20 microns and larger.
• Capacity: Higher-quality filters have more filter media, meaning they can trap more contaminants before becoming restricted.
• Anti-drain back valve: This rubber valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, ensuring immediate oil pressure at startup.
• Bypass valve: All quality filters include a bypass valve that allows oil to flow even if the filter becomes clogged, preventing oil starvation.
• Construction: Metal endcaps and center tubes are more durable than cardboard or plastic components found in budget filters.

Proper Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is a hazardous material that must be recycled properly. Here are your options for responsible disposal:

• Auto parts stores: Most AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA locations accept used oil for free.
• Municipal recycling centers: Many cities operate hazardous waste collection sites that accept motor oil.
• Service stations: Some gas stations and repair shops accept used oil.
• Curbside collection: Some municipalities offer curbside used oil pickup on designated days.

Store used oil in a clean, sealed container. Do not mix it with other fluids such as antifreeze, brake fluid, or solvents, as contaminated oil cannot be recycled through standard processes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-tightening the drain plug: This strips the oil pan threads, leading to a leak that requires pan replacement or a helicoil repair.
• Using the wrong oil viscosity: Always match the manufacturer's specification in your owner's manual.
• Forgetting to check for the old gasket: Double-gasketing a filter causes an immediate and severe oil leak.
• Overfilling with oil: Too much oil can cause foaming, which reduces lubrication effectiveness and can damage catalytic converters.
• Not checking for leaks: Always verify the drain plug and filter are not leaking before driving away.
• Working under an unsupported vehicle: Never rely on a jack alone. Always use jack stands or ramps.