How to Change Your Engine Oil

One of the simplest and easiest methods to keeping your car in good running condition can be done by simply changing the oil. While many people seem overwhelmed working on their vehicle, it is really easy and economical to change your own oil.

The following steps will help to ensure that your oil changing experience goes through smoothly. All these steps are the same on any vehicle both foreign and domestic. While the locations of certain parts are different, the same parts are found on all vehicles. Before you begin this project you will need:
Four or five quarts of motor oil SAE 5W-30. SAE 5W-30 is safe for almost all automobiles in all climates and all vehicles either use four or five quarts of oil. A good rule of thumb is that V-8 engines use five quarts while V-6 and Inline-4 cylinder models use four quarts. However to determine the best quality and the amount of oil needed consult your users manual. You will also need an automotive oil filter for your specific vehicle. Be sure to check the specific vehicle application for the oil filter. If you have any questions a local Auto Zone will be more than to help you find the oil filter made for your car. Finally you will need a small set of tools-just the basics, nothing fancy.


1. Turn the car off and let the engine cool:
Give the car about three hours to let the engine and oil cool. The actually oil change will only take about fifteen minutes. If the car is not cool enough the oil will be really hot and is really dangerous. Make sure the car is on level ground. This will make it easier to work on when you have to get under the vehicle.
2. Lift the car using a stock or aftermarket jack:
If you do not know how to jack your car up and safely keep it elevated consult your owners manual. The best thing to do is to use your common sense. Look to see where there is solid metal and a good position to jack the car. Common sense is your best friend for staying safe while lifting and working underneath your car.
3. Locate the oil drain plug bolt:
Now that you have secured the car on jack stands get underneath the engine. Every car has an oil drain plug. It is a small bolt sticking out of a "pan" that contains oil known as an oil pan. It will be positioned underneath the engine. It will be relatively easy to access.
4. Place an oil drain pan underneath drain plug:
Now you will need an oil waste collector. This looks like a fancy bucket that you put underneath the drain plug so that when you remove the bolt the oil falls in the bucket instead of on your drive way. After you have positioned the bucket under the drain plug, you can begin to remove the drain plug bolt. Turn the bolt counter-clockwise to remove it from the oil pan. Be careful not to remove the bolt too quick, because oil will fall from the hole.
5. Let the oil drain thoroughly and inspect oil color:
Now just let the oil drain into the bucket. Inspect the color of the oil. Oil is not supposed to be dark black but rather a light brown. The darker the oil, the dirtier the engine will be. You want it to be relatively light. If it is real dark you may want to change your oil more often.
6. Screw the bolt back into the oil drain plug:
After all the oil has drained out you will want to put the drain plug bolt back into the hole. Start to thread it by hand rotating it clockwise. Be careful not to tighten the bolt too tight, just snug.
7. Go to the engine compartment:
Get out from under the car and pop the hood. Look at the engine. Look for the oil filter. If you are not sure what the filter looks like, take a look at what you bought at the store. It will be similar to that shape and size. Trust me the oil filter is there somewhere. Your owner's manual will tell you where to find your oil filter on your specific vehicle.
8. Remove the oil filter;
Now that you have located the old oil filter, you can unscrew it. Most oil filters can be removed by hand. Again remove it by turning it counter-clockwise. If you can not twist it off with your hand, your local AutoZone or auto parts store will have a cheaply priced special tool that will help you remove the tough filters.
9. Prepare and screw in the new oil filter:
Pour some of the new oil into the new oil filter. Put just enough to wet the rubber seal on the oil filter. The box will have directions as well on how much oil to add to the filter. Screw in the new oil filter. It is ok if some of the oil spills out. Just use a rag to clean it up.
10. Add the remaining oil quarts to engine;
Add the remaining quarts of engine oil to the engine. Make sure and check that the oil is not leaking from the bolt or from the oil filter.
11. Start engine and let idle:
This will stir the oil into the engine compartment, to get all the internal parts lubricated. Let it idle for about two minutes. While the car is running, check to make sure it is not leaking oil from the bolt or the filter. If it is, turn off car and inspect the leak and repair as needed. Remove the car from the jack stands.
12. Test drive for a few minutes:
Drive around and then come back and check to make sure it is not leaking.
13. Check oil levels
Pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick. If you cannot find it, consult your owner's manual. Every car has it and is usually labeled in yellow "Oil." Make sure the level of oil is in the middle range. If not then add as needed.
At this point you have successfully completed your first oil change. After two or three times, this will seem like a simple task. While it may sound complicated it is an easy do-it-yourself maintenance tune-up. If you want to know that you put in the right oil, the right amount, and did actually change the oil, then I recommend you follow these simple steps and do it yourself. If you want to make sure something is done right the best person for the job is yourself.
Note: Be sure to practice safe work and consult your owner's manual for all the safety precautions regarding your vehicle. There is some risk when working on your car so make sure you feel confident enough to work on your automobile safely. Be cautious and safety-minded at all times.