Under ideal conditions, you should be seeking to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles (4,800 km). If you are driving around in high temperature conditions or dusty, you can even replace the oil more often than that. The process is very simple, as long as one, two or three simple.

Steps

  1. 1
    Prepare. Get oil and a filter replacement.
  2. 2
    Gather more materials. Get together a jack, a socket set and oil.
    • Park on a flat surface, or, if your car has a low clearance, use jack slopes or set it up. If you choose to support the car, use two jacks, rather than a slope.[1] (An additional jack costs about US $ 20, this is a very small price and guarantees you'll avoid a serious over-balance and a car crushing your face).
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Let your car engine run for 10 minutes. This will oil the drain plug more easily. You might want to check the weight of your car's oil and oil-filter manually you need to use.[2]
  4. 4
    Drain and replace the oil filter. Crawl under, and find the engine oil screw near the front. Where you plug in the socket, use the wrench to loosen the plug in a counterclockwise direction. Once relaxed, you can use your hand and remove the plug. The hot oil will begin to pour out. Ensure that all the old oil goes into the pan. Once it is completely discharged, wipe the screw and plug opening.[3]
  5. 5
    Now replace the drain plug gasket and reinstall the plugin using the wrench, but don't make it too tight.
  6. 6
  7. 7
    Add the new oil. Remove the filler cap above the engine of the car. Position the funnel at the opening point. Check the correct oil capacity in your car's manual, but typically, you will need to pour four to five quarts of oil. After it's full, put back to the filler cap.[6]
  8. 8
    Start the engine and let it run a minute. Check the dipstick. If you need, add more oil.[7] Now check near the oil drain and plug any leaks. If you find leaks, simply screw in the plugs or the oil filter. You're done.[8]
  9. 9
    Clean up. Carefully wipe excess oil, old oil into a plastic container, and then deal with it. Don't just pour in any place, however. It is better to bring it to a recycling center or other authorized locations.[9]
  10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can the oil be drained by removing the oil filter and starting the car?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I would not do this! It will drain the oil, but your engine will be running without any, potentially causing major damage.
  • Question
    Can I change an oil plug without changing the oil?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, if the oil is completely viable (pretty darn new) you could drain it into a CLEAN container and then pour it back in after you have switched the drain plug.
  • Question
    My drain plug is so tight it won't come out. Can I use breaker bar with a six point socket?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, just be careful that you are going the right direction, counter-clockwise, and make sure it is the correct socket size so it won’t strip the bolt head.
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 106,717 times.
54 votes - 74%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: August 6, 2021
Views: 106,717
Advertisement