How to Change the Oil in Your Car? A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Changing your own oil is one of the best ways to maintain your vehicle and save money versus paying for oil change services. While it seems daunting if you’ve never done it, with the right preparation and procedure, learning how to properly change your car’s oil is actually pretty straightforward.

This detailed DIY guide will walk through everything required to change your oil and filter safely and efficiently. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to knock out basic oil changes confidently.

Oil Change Equipment Needed

Before getting started, you’ll need to assemble the proper supplies to complete the oil change. Here’s a checklist of the basic tools and materials required:

• Oil filter wrench - Fits around and grips the oil filter for easy removal.
• Drain pan - A large shallow pan that catches used oil drainage. Minimum 10 quart capacity recommended.
• Funnel - For cleanly pouring new oil into the engine's fill hole. A long neck helps.
• Jack and jack stands - Safely raises and supports the vehicle so you can access underside components.
• Creeper - A wheeled board to lay on for wheeling under the car comfortably. Optional but very helpful.
• Wrench set - Standard wrenches or preferably a ratchet/socket set to loosen bolts and fittings.
• Torque wrench - Precisely tightens the drain plug to factory specs to avoid leaks.
• Shop rags - For wiping up spills and excess oil. Have plenty on hand.
• Eye protection - Safety glasses help avoid hot splashes in eyes.
• Nitrile gloves - Disposable rubber gloves to keep hands clean of old oil.

Don’t skip gathering all the tools and supplies preemptively. Rushing to get the right equipment after you start will cause headaches and delays.

Selecting the Right Motor Oil

Before you can complete an oil change, you need to select the proper type and amount of new motor oil for your vehicle. Here’s how to choose:

Match Oil Type to Your Manual

Most auto manuals specify:

• Oil viscosity - Such as 5W-30, 10W-40, etc. Based on your operating climate.
• API oil service ratings - Standards like SN, SM, SL ensure performance level.
• Any specialty oil requirements - Such as “Resource Conserving”, “High Mileage”, or synthetic blend needs.

Using oil matching factory specs is critical to avoid engine issues and maintain warranty protection. Don’t guess - check your manual for the exact oil type needed.

Choose Conventional or Synthetic Oil

You also need to decide between standard conventional motor oil or premium full synthetic:

• Conventional oil provides baseline adequate protection at an affordable price point. Meets the needs of most average drivers.
• Full synthetic oil offers superior performance, efficiency, and protection, especially in extreme temperatures. Costs more but lasts longer. Provides added benefits for engines with high mileage or turbo/superchargers.

For many vehicles, quality name brand conventional oil changed regularly is perfectly sufficient. Talk to your mechanic if unsure whether you require synthetic.

Determine Amount of New Oil Needed

Oil capacity varies by vehicle - check the manual to find your engine’s exact oil capacity specification.

As a general rule of thumb, most midsize sedans need around 5 quarts for a full oil change. Smaller cars may need 4 quarts, while trucks and SUVs often hold 6 quarts or more.

Overfilling can be as bad as underfilling, so measure carefully and use the dipstick to confirm you reach the proper level. Don’t guess - use your owner’s manual specifications.

Step-by-Step DIY Oil Change Instructions

Once you have all the supplies and new oil ready, follow these step-by-step instructions to safely and smoothly change your car’s oil:

1. Run Car to Warm Up Oil

• Running the engine for 5-10 minutes warms the oil so it drains quickly and completely from the crankcase.
• Park on level ground and set parking brake firmly.

2. Jack Up Vehicle & Support on Stands

• Locate jack points under the chassis per your manual instructions.
• Use the jack to lift the car high enough to fit jack stands under the frame rail.
• Position jack stands under the recommended support points.
• Slowly lower the vehicle onto the stands while ensuring it's stable.
• Chock drive wheels to prevent rolling.

3. Locate Oil Drain Plug & Drain Oil

• Slide a drain pan under the engine compartment area with plug access.
• Using a wrench or ratchet, loosen drain plug counterclockwise. Unscrew slowly to control oil flow.
• Allow oil to fully drain into the pan, typically around 5 minutes.

4. Remove Oil Filter

• Use an oil filter wrench tool to grip and turn counterclockwise.
• Unscrew old filter fully and allow oil behind it to drip into the pan.
• Make sure the old filter o-ring gasket comes off with the filter and isn't stuck on the engine mount.

5. Install New Oil Filter

• Check the new filter o-ring is present and coated lightly with fresh oil.
• Spin filter on by hand until the o-ring contacts the mount surface.
• Then tighten 3/4 to 1 full turn further using the filter wrench. Do not over-tighten.

6. Replace Oil Drain Plug

• Check the drain plug washer or o-ring is still in good condition. Replace if worn or damaged.
• Before replacing, wipe the plug threads and pre-coat with fresh oil.
• Spin in plug by hand until just snug, then use a wrench to tighten per torque specs (typically 25-30 ft-lbs).

7. Lower Vehicle & Replenish New Oil

• Raise car, remove jack stands, and slowly lower vehicle to the ground.
• Unscrew oil fill cap and insert funnel into hole.
• Add specified amount of new oil type per your manual. Pour slowly and wait a few minutes between quarts to allow proper settling.
• Check dipstick periodically to monitor fill level until it reaches “Full” line.

8. Start Engine & Check for Leaks

• Start the engine and let idle for 60 seconds. This circulates the new oil.
• Make sure the oil warning light turns off.
• Visually inspect the drain plug and filter areas closely for any sign of leaks. Tighten slightly more if any dripping present.
• If leaks persist, turn off engine and determine cause before driving. You may need a new drain plug washer or filter o-ring.

9. Dispose of Old Oil & Supplies Properly

• Place drain pan, oil filter, rags and other oily supplies in a trash bag for proper disposal.
• Recycle the oil at an approved waste management facility or auto parts store. Never dump down a drain.

And that’s it - you just saved yourself the cost of paying for an oil change at a shop! With the right preparation and process, changing your oil is straightforward DIY car maintenance.

Tips for DIY Oil Changes

Now that you're comfortable with the entire oil change process, keep these additional pointers in mind:

• Stick to the oil change frequency in your manual, usually every 5,000-7,500 miles. Don't stretch intervals.
• Inspect other fluid levels like coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid when changing oil. Top up if needed.
• Note your mileage and keep a vehicle service log documenting oil changes and maintenance.
• Rotate tires and inspect brake pads/rotors when having wheels off for an oil change.
• Always wear skin protection - oil can contain harsh contaminants and chemicals.
• Double check the drain plug and filter are tightened properly before lowering off jack stands.
• Dispose of used oil/filters responsibly. Many auto parts stores will accept it for recycling.

Following these best practices will take your DIY oil change skills to the next level. Now get out there and start handling this basic maintenance yourself!

FAQs

Can I use a used oil filter?

No, you should always replace the oil filter with a brand new one at each oil change. Old filters become less efficient and can shed debris.

How often should oil be changed?

Follow your owner's manual - for most modern vehicles it's every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months. Shorter intervals for severe driving conditions.

What type of oil for engines over 75,000 miles?

High mileage engines benefit from "resource conserving" oils with seal conditioners or a synthetic blend. Avoid oils without SL or SN service ratings.

Can overfilling oil damage the engine?

Yes, overfilling above the "Full" line on the dipstick can potentially lead to oil leaks, fouled plugs, and engine damage over time.

Is it ok to switch between synthetic and conventional oil?

Yes, you can safely switch oils. However, make sure to change intervals properly and use the viscosity specified by your manual.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

Don't let a lack of knowledge prevent you from staying on top of this critical maintenance. Learn the signs that it's time to change your car's oil:

• Dark, thick, smelly oil
• More than 5,000-7,500 miles since last change
• Check engine light comes on
• High engine operating temperature
• Increased fuel consumption
• Oil leaks from engine seals and gaskets
• Knocking or rattling engine noises

When you notice these indicators, promptly change your oil using the steps outlined in this guide. Extending oil change intervals risks serious engine damage.

The Bottom Line

Changing your vehicle’s engine oil doesn’t need to be dirty or frustrating. Any driver can learn how to safely and efficiently drain old oil and replace it with new. Follow the instructions in this guide to know what tools and supplies you need, how to jack up and support your car properly, handle oil draining/filling steps, and choose the right oil type and amount for your vehicle.

Equipped with the information above, you can now tackle oil changes yourself. Doing it yourself means big savings versus paying shops for this basic maintenance. And you have the satisfaction of keeping your engine running optimally. Learn this essential skill and start reaping the benefits!

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