DIY Car Care: How to Change Your Car Oil Like a Pro

Learning How To Change Car Oil is an essential skill for any car owner. It’s not just a basic maintenance task; it’s one of the most impactful things you can do to extend the life of your engine and save money. As experienced mechanics, we know that regular oil changes are the lifeblood of a healthy engine. For anyone looking to get their hands dirty and understand their vehicle better, mastering the oil change is the perfect starting point.

Changing your own oil can save you a significant amount of money compared to dealership or auto shop prices, and it gives you a deeper connection to your car. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you can confidently perform an oil change in your own garage.

For more essential DIY car maintenance guides that empower you to take control of your vehicle’s upkeep, explore our blog.

Preparing for Your Oil Change: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, proper preparation is key. Having all your tools and materials organized will make the oil change process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wrench Set & Socket Set: Essential for removing the drain plug and potentially the oil filter housing.
Oil Filter Wrench: Specifically designed to grip and remove oil filters, especially those that are tightly secured.
Funnel: For pouring new oil into the engine without spills.
Oil Drain Pan: A container to collect the old, used oil. Choose one with adequate capacity and a spout for easy disposal.
Car Jack and Jack Stands OR Ramps: To safely elevate your vehicle for undercarriage access. Ramps are simpler for beginners, while jack stands offer more flexibility.
Wheel Chocks: To secure the rear wheels and prevent accidental rolling, especially when using ramps.
Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping up spills and keeping your workspace clean.
Gloves (Nitrile or Mechanic’s Gloves): To protect your hands from dirty oil and chemicals.
Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from splashing oil and debris.
New Engine Oil: The correct type and quantity for your vehicle (refer to your owner’s manual).
New Oil Filter: The correct type for your vehicle (refer to your owner’s manual or parts store).
Drain Plug Washer (if applicable): Some vehicles use a crush washer on the drain plug which should be replaced with each oil change.

Selecting the Right Engine Oil and Filter for Your Car

Choosing the correct engine oil is crucial for your car’s performance and longevity. Your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies the recommended oil type and viscosity grade. This information is usually found in several places:

Owner’s Manual: This is your primary resource. Look for the “Maintenance” or “Fluids and Lubricants” section.
Engine Oil Cap: Often, the oil cap itself will have the recommended oil grade printed on it (e.g., 5W-30).
Online Resources: Websites like AutoZone (AutoZone’s site) and vehicle parts retailers websites allow you to input your car’s year, make, and model to find compatible oil and filters.

Using the correct oil ensures proper lubrication, cooling, and cleaning of your engine’s internal components. Similarly, selecting a high-quality oil filter is important for removing contaminants and keeping your new oil clean for longer.

Determining When to Change Your Car Oil

Knowing when to schedule your oil change is vital for maintaining engine health. Oil change intervals have evolved over the years.

Older Vehicles: Previously, the standard recommendation was every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
Modern Vehicles: With advancements in engine technology and oil formulations, many newer vehicles can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or even 10,000 miles or more between oil changes. Some vehicles also have oil life monitoring systems that intelligently assess oil condition and alert you when a change is needed.

Always consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval. Factors like driving habits (stop-and-go traffic, towing, extreme temperatures) can also influence how often you need to change your oil; severe driving conditions may warrant more frequent changes.

Essential Safety Precautions Before You Start

Safety is paramount when working on your vehicle. Follow these safety guidelines meticulously:

Cool Down Period: Never work on your engine immediately after driving. Allow the engine to cool down completely. Hot engine components and hot oil can cause severe burns.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to protect your skin.
Secure Vehicle Lifting: If using a jack, always use jack stands to support the vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack. If using ramps, ensure they are properly positioned and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
Stable Work Area: Work on a level surface in a well-ventilated area.

With safety in mind and your tools ready, you can now proceed with the 5 essential steps to change your car oil.

Step 1: Safely Lift Your Vehicle and Secure it

To access the oil drain plug and filter, you’ll need to safely elevate your car. You have two main options:

Car Ramps: Ramps are generally easier to use for beginners. Slowly drive your car onto the ramps, ensuring they are correctly aligned with your tires. Have someone spot you to ensure you don’t overshoot the ramps. Once the car is on the ramps, engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for extra security.
Car Jack and Jack Stands: If using a jack, consult your owner’s manual for the designated jacking points on your vehicle’s frame. Position the jack securely and raise the vehicle to the desired height. Immediately place jack stands under the vehicle’s frame at designated support points. Lower the jack until the car rests firmly on the jack stands. Always double-check that the jack stands are securely positioned before getting under the car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Locate the Oil Drain Plug and Drain the Old Oil

Once your car is safely lifted and secured, it’s time to drain the old engine oil.

Locate the Oil Pan: Crawl under your car and locate the oil pan. It’s typically a large, metal pan located at the bottom of the engine.
Remove the Undertray (if applicable): Many modern vehicles have an undertray or splash shield made of plastic to improve aerodynamics. This may need to be removed to access the oil pan drain plug. Use your socket set or screwdriver to remove the bolts or clips securing the undertray. Keep the removed fasteners organized.
Position the Oil Drain Pan: Place your oil drain pan directly beneath the oil drain plug. Ensure it’s positioned to catch all the draining oil.
Remove the Drain Plug: Using the correct wrench or socket, carefully loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen. Be prepared for the oil to start flowing as soon as the plug is removed. It’s a good idea to wear gloves for this step. Hold onto the drain plug as you remove it to prevent dropping it into the drain pan.
Allow the Oil to Drain Completely: Let the old oil drain completely into the pan. This may take several minutes. Allowing ample time for draining ensures you remove as much old, contaminated oil as possible.
Inspect and Replace Drain Plug Washer (if applicable): Examine the drain plug washer. If it’s crushed or damaged, replace it with a new one. A fresh washer ensures a leak-proof seal.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Once the oil flow slows to a trickle, clean the drain plug with a rag, and reinstall it. Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specified torque, if known. If torque specs aren’t available, tighten it snugly but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the oil pan.
Reinstall Undertray (if removed): If you removed an undertray, reinstall it securely.

Step 3: Replace the Engine Oil Filter

With the old oil draining, now is the time to replace the oil filter.

Locate the Oil Filter: Open your car’s hood. The oil filter is usually located near the engine, but its exact location can vary depending on your car’s make and model. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
Position the Drain Pan (if needed): Some oil filters are positioned in a way that can drip oil when removed. Position your drain pan beneath the oil filter to catch any spills.
Remove the Old Oil Filter: Some oil filters can be unscrewed by hand. If it’s too tight, use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove it. Turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen. As you unscrew the filter, some residual oil may spill out.
Prepare the New Oil Filter: Take your new oil filter and lightly lubricate the rubber gasket (the rubber ring on the filter’s top) with fresh, new engine oil. This helps create a proper seal and prevents the gasket from sticking to the engine.
Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter into place by hand. Tighten it until the rubber gasket makes contact with the engine, and then tighten it an additional half to three-quarters of a turn, as per the filter manufacturer’s instructions (often printed on the filter box). Avoid over-tightening.
Check for Old Gasket: Before installing the new filter, ensure that the old gasket from the previous filter is not stuck to the engine’s filter mounting surface. Double gaskets can cause leaks.

Step 4: Lower Your Vehicle and Add New Engine Oil

After replacing the oil filter and drain plug, you can lower your vehicle and add the fresh engine oil.

Lower the Vehicle: If you used ramps, carefully drive your car off the ramps, ensuring a controlled descent. If you used a jack and jack stands, slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until it’s safely back on the ground. Remove the jack stands.
Locate the Oil Fill Cap: Open your car’s hood and locate the engine oil fill cap. It’s usually marked with an oil can symbol and the oil grade.
Add New Engine Oil: Remove the oil fill cap. Place your funnel into the oil fill opening. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct amount of oil for your engine. Pour in the new engine oil through the funnel. Add oil gradually, stopping before you reach the full capacity, as you’ll check the level and top off if needed in the next step.

Step 5: Check the Oil Level and Finalize

The final step is to check the oil level and ensure everything is properly sealed.

Check the Oil Dipstick: Locate the oil dipstick (usually a brightly colored handle near the engine). Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert it fully. Then, pull it out again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
Add More Oil if Needed: If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add more oil in small increments, rechecking the dipstick after each addition, until the level is within the acceptable range. Avoid overfilling.
Start the Engine Briefly: Replace the oil fill cap. Start your engine and let it run for a minute or two. This circulates the new oil and allows the oil filter to fill.
Check for Leaks: While the engine is running, check underneath your car for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter area.
Re-check Oil Level: Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Check the oil level again using the dipstick and top off if necessary to reach the optimal level.
Dispose of Used Oil Properly: Pour the used oil from your drain pan into a sealable container (like the empty oil bottles). Take the used oil and the old oil filter to a designated oil recycling center or auto parts store for proper disposal. Never pour used oil down the drain or into the trash.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed your car oil. Regular oil changes will keep your engine running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Car Oil

Can I just add oil to my car instead of changing it completely?

While you can add oil (“topping off”) if your oil level is low, it’s not a substitute for regular oil changes. Over time, engine oil degrades, becomes contaminated with dirt and combustion byproducts, and loses its viscosity. Simply adding new oil to old oil dilutes the problem but doesn’t eliminate it. Old oil loses its ability to properly lubricate and protect your engine, potentially leading to increased wear and tear. Regular oil changes replace the old, degraded oil with fresh oil, ensuring optimal engine protection.

Is changing your own oil worth the effort?

Yes, absolutely! Changing your own car oil is a worthwhile DIY task for several reasons:

Cost Savings: You’ll save money on labor costs charged by auto shops or dealerships.
Convenience: You can do it on your own schedule, without needing to book an appointment or wait at a service center.
Vehicle Familiarity: It helps you become more familiar with your car’s mechanics and basic maintenance.
Skill Development: It’s a valuable skill, especially if you plan to do more car maintenance yourself or are considering a career in automotive technology.

How often should I change my car oil?

The oil change frequency depends on your vehicle, driving conditions, and the type of oil used. Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Modern vehicles often have longer intervals (5,000-7,500 miles or more), while older vehicles or those driven under severe conditions may require more frequent changes (e.g., every 3,000 miles). Some newer cars have oil life monitoring systems that adjust the oil change interval based on actual driving conditions. Following the recommendations in your owner’s manual or your car’s oil life monitoring system is the best approach.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of the oil change, why not expand your automotive knowledge further? WyoTech offers comprehensive, hands-on training programs for aspiring mechanics and technicians, providing the real-world skills you need for a successful career in the automotive industry.

Explore our core automotive programs and take the next step towards your automotive passion.