How to Change Oil Yourself

📋 Quick Facts

A DIY oil change saves $30-50 and takes 45 minutes once you have done it once. It also lets you choose your oil and filter quality. Most modern cars need synthetic oil every 5,000-10,000 miles.

🛠 What You'll Need

• New engine oil - correct weight (check owner's manual) (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 on Amazon)
• New oil filter for your car (FRAM oil filter on Amazon)
• Drain pan or oil drain container (drain pan on Amazon)
• Wrench or socket for drain plug (typically 14mm-19mm) (metric socket set on Amazon)
• Oil filter wrench (oil filter wrench on Amazon)
• Funnel for refilling (oil funnel on Amazon)
• Floor jack and jack stands or ramps (floor jack on Amazon)
• Cardboard or oil mat (garage oil mat on Amazon)
• Latex gloves and rags

✅ Before You Start - Checklist

• Park on level, solid ground (no slopes, no soft dirt)
• Engine is at the correct temperature (cold or warm as specified)
• All tools and parts on hand BEFORE you begin
• Owner's manual nearby for torque specs and locations
• Safety: gloves, eye protection if needed, hood propped open

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Buy the right oil and filterCheck owner's manual for oil weight (e.g., 5W-30 synthetic) and capacity (e.g., 5.5 quarts). Look up the filter part number for your year/make/model - wrong filter is a leak waiting to happen.
2. Warm up the engine 5-10 minutesCold oil drains slowly and leaves more residue. Warm oil flows like water. Do NOT run it to full operating temp - too hot to touch.
3. Park on level ground and lift the carDrive up onto ramps OR jack up the front and place jack stands under the frame. Always level - a tilted oil pan leaves a quart trapped inside.
4. Locate the drain plug and oil filterDrain plug: a 14mm-19mm hex bolt at the bottom of the oil pan. Filter: a metal cylinder threaded into the engine block, usually accessible from below (or above on some 4-cyls).
5. Position the drain pan under the drain plugSet the pan slightly OFFSET - when oil first gushes out it shoots sideways, not straight down. Place it forward of the plug by 6-8 inches.
6. Remove the drain plugLoosen with a wrench. When it is loose, switch to fingers - keep INWARD pressure on the plug while spinning it off the last few threads. This prevents the plug from dropping into the pan of oil.
7. Let oil drain fully (10 minutes)Wait until only drops fall. Wipe the drain plug threads and washer. Replace the crush washer with a new one (most filter kits include a fresh washer).
8. Reinstall the drain plug - DO NOT OVER-TIGHTENHand-thread it back in (don't cross-thread), then snug with a wrench. Torque spec is in the owner's manual - usually 25-30 lb-ft. Over-tightening strips the oil pan ($600 to replace).
9. Slide the drain pan under the oil filterWhen you remove the filter, oil pours out the housing. Move the pan over.
10. Remove the old oil filterUse the filter wrench, twist counter-clockwise. May need to be firm - they tighten as the engine heats. Once off by hand, pour the residual oil from the filter into the drain pan.
11. Pre-lube the new filter gasket with oilDab fresh oil on the rubber gasket of the new filter. This prevents the gasket from binding and tearing on installation.
12. Hand-tighten the new filter ONLYThread the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine block. Then tighten 3/4 to 1 full turn more by HAND ONLY. Never use the filter wrench to install - it crushes the gasket and causes leaks.
13. Lower the car and refill with new oilPop the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Pour in slightly LESS than the spec capacity (e.g., if spec is 5.5 qt, pour 5 qt first). Use the funnel.
14. Start the engine and check for leaksRun for 30 seconds. Watch the oil pressure light - should go out within 5 seconds. Shut off, look under the car for any drips from the drain plug or filter.
15. Check the dipstick and top offWait 2 minutes for oil to settle in the pan. Pull the dipstick, wipe, reinsert, pull. Add oil until you hit the MAX mark.
16. Record the mileage and dateWrite "Oil + Filter, [date], [mileage]" inside the door jamb in pencil or paste a sticker. Helps you remember the next change at +5,000 to 10,000 miles.
17. Recycle the old oil and filterPour drained oil into the empty oil bottles or a container. Bring to AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Walmart - free recycling. Same for the filter.

✅ After You Finish - Verify Checklist

• No tools left in the engine bay or under the car
• Test the system you worked on (start, drive, check, etc.)
• Look for leaks or drips after 5 minutes of running
• Record the date and mileage in your service log
• Recycle or properly dispose of any old parts/fluids

🔗 Related Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions