Step-By-Step Guide To Change Engine Oil

1 DIY: How To Change Engine Oil On Your Own?

Engine oil is essential for lubricating the engine and minimizing the wear caused due to friction. A well-lubricated engine will consume fuel more efficiently and therefore perform better. Engine oil also maintains suitable viscosity at operating temperature. That is why it is important to change the engine oil at regular intervals. Changing the engine oil is the easiest DIY among car maintenance tasks. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started.

Disclaimer: All information on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for consultation with a qualified mechanic.

Tools Required

• Jack Stands
• Oil Filter Wrench
• Socket Wrench Set
• Safety Glasses

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2 Steps For Changing Your Car’s Engine Oil

Check The Type And Amount Of Oil Needed

Before purchasing engine oil, go through the owner’s manual to find out the recommended grade, specification, and amount requirement of your car’s engine. The recommended oil in the manual is formulated under professional guidance and is most suitable for your engine. It is advisable to purchase engine oil approved by American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricant Standardization Approval Committee (ILSAC). 

Prepare Your Vehicle

Park your car at a level surface so that using jack stands will be safe. Make sure to engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. Elevate the front portion of the vehicle with the help of jack stands. There should be enough space between the surface and the car so you can slide beneath it. Before crawling under the vehicle, open its hood and remove the oil dipstick. Removing the dipstick will help the oil flow when draining. 

Caution: Use wheel chocks to prevent the wheels on the ground from rolling. Never a good idea to get under a vehicle supported by a jack only. 

Pro Tip: If the engine is hot, wait at least half an hour to avoid getting burned. And if it is super cool, turn it on for a couple of minutes.

Removing Oil Drain Plug

Removing old oil is necessary before pouring new oil. Wear safety glasses and pair of disposable gloves and crawl under the vehicle. There you will find an oil drain plug which is a long bolt head at the bottom of the engine’s oil pan. This plug is given to drain out the oil from the oil pan. Place a bucket right underneath the bolt to catch the draining oil and undo the bolt with the help of a box-end wrench. Remove the bolt with your hand carefully. Make sure the size of the bucket is big enough to hold the oil. You can use the manual to find out the oil volume your car needs. Oil will flow rapidly but wait for several minutes to dribble out the old oil completely. Clean the drain plug and oil pan thread using a clean rag and visually inspect the situation. If you find any issue with the old drain plug, buy a replacement oil drain plug. Install the drain plug properly using the wrench. 

Pro Tip:

• Never use an adjustable wrench or socket on the drain plug. Use the properly sized box-end wrench, usually metric, for the plug.

Change The Engine Oil Filter

An oil filter is a filter designed to remove contaminants from motor oil. It is better to install a new oil filter when changing the motor oil. Loosen the oil filter cap with the help of an oil filter wrench. Take out the oil filter along with the oil gasket from the engine mounting plate. Check the part where the oil filter is inserted for any residues left. Now, lubricate the oil gasket with the help of engine oil (The use of grease is not advisable). Insert the oil filter in the engine by rotating clockwise until it properly fits. Spin gently until the O-ring makes first contact with the sealing surface. In most cases, you can tighten it with your hand. You need a filter wrench because of the compact space.

Add The New Engine Oil

Now after confirming that the new oil plug and new oil filter are in the right place, you can start the process of adding new oil. Open the oil fill cap and pour the right amount of oil using a funnel as recommended by the owner’s manual. If you are certain that everything is fine, remove the jack stands and bring the vehicle to an even surface. Check the oil level with the help of a dipstick to make sure you poured the correct amount of oil. Replace the cap and tighten it perfectly.

Start the engine and ensure that there are no leakages. Run the engine for at least 30 seconds to circulate the oil properly.