Change Engine Oil

Change the engine oil by draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, refitting the drain plug correctly, refilling with the specified oil, and checking the level and for leaks.

Medium · 30 to 60 minutes

Tools

  • Oil drain pan
  • Socket or wrench for the drain plug
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Funnel
  • Jack and jack stands or ramps if additional clearance is needed
  • Wheel chocks
  • Shop rags or paper towels

Materials

  • Correct engine oil for the vehicle
  • Correct oil filter for the vehicle
  • New drain plug washer or gasket if required by the vehicle
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection

Safety

  • Let the engine cool before working to reduce burn risk from hot oil and exhaust parts.
  • Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels if the vehicle is raised.
  • If lifting the vehicle, support it securely with ramps or jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection to protect against oil splashes and debris.
  • Use the correct oil type, amount, and filter specified for the vehicle.
  • Tighten the drain plug and filter correctly; overtightening can cause damage and undertightening can cause leaks.
  • Clean up spills promptly and keep oil off belts, hoses, and hot surfaces.
  • Dispose of used oil and the old filter through a recycling or approved disposal facility.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Prepare the vehicle and supplies

    • Check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade, oil capacity, filter part, and drain plug torque.
    • Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
    • If needed for access, raise the vehicle with ramps or a jack and support it with jack stands, then chock the wheels.
    • Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap and dipstick to help the oil drain more smoothly.

    Check: You have the correct oil amount and correct filter for the vehicle. · The vehicle is stable and securely supported before going underneath.

  2. Step 2: Drain the old oil

    • Position the drain pan under the oil drain plug.
    • Loosen the drain plug carefully with the correct wrench or socket.
    • Remove the plug by hand and let the oil drain fully into the pan.
    • Inspect the drain plug and replace the washer or gasket if the vehicle uses one.

    Check: Oil is draining cleanly into the pan without major spills. · The old washer is not being reused if a replacement is required.

  3. Step 3: Reinstall the drain plug

    • Wipe the drain area clean.
    • Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
    • Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specification.

    Check: The drain plug is seated properly and not cross-threaded. · The drain plug is tightened correctly, not excessively tight.

  4. Step 4: Replace the oil filter

    • Move the drain pan under the oil filter because some oil may spill.
    • Remove the old oil filter with an oil filter wrench if needed.
    • Make sure the old filter gasket came off with the filter and is not stuck to the engine.
    • Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.
    • Install the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten according to the filter or vehicle instructions.

    Check: The old gasket is not left behind on the engine. · The new filter is snug and installed by hand, not overtightened.

  5. Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

    • Place a funnel in the oil filler opening.
    • Add slightly less than the full specified oil capacity at first.
    • Reinstall the filler cap and dipstick.

    Check: Only the specified oil type is used. · The engine is not overfilled before checking the level.

  6. Step 6: Start the engine and inspect

    • Start the engine and let it run briefly for about 30 to 60 seconds.
    • Watch the oil pressure warning light to confirm it goes out normally.
    • Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
    • Inspect around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks.

    Check: The oil warning light turns off as expected. · There are no visible leaks at the drain plug or filter.

  7. Step 7: Set the final oil level and finish up

    • Check the dipstick and add oil gradually until the level reaches the proper mark.
    • Do not fill above the full mark.
    • Reinstall any splash shield if removed and lower the vehicle if it was raised.
    • Transfer used oil to a sealed container and take the old oil and filter to a recycling or approved disposal site.
    • Reset the oil maintenance reminder if the vehicle has one.

    Check: The dipstick shows the correct oil level. · All tools are removed from the engine bay and under the vehicle. · Used oil and filter are stored safely for proper disposal.

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Change Engine Oil

Medium30 to 60 minutes

Change the engine oil by draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, refitting the drain plug correctly, refilling with the specified oil, and checking the level and for leaks.

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⚡Safety Warning
  • Let the engine cool before working to reduce burn risk from hot oil and exhaust parts.
  • Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels if the vehicle is raised.
  • If lifting the vehicle, support it securely with ramps or jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection to protect against oil splashes and debris.
  • Use the correct oil type, amount, and filter specified for the vehicle.
  • Tighten the drain plug and filter correctly; overtightening can cause damage and undertightening can cause leaks.
  • Clean up spills promptly and keep oil off belts, hoses, and hot surfaces.
  • Dispose of used oil and the old filter through a recycling or approved disposal facility.

Tools & Materials

  • Oil drain pan
  • Socket or wrench for the drain plug
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Funnel
  • Jack and jack stands or ramps if additional clearance is needed
  • Wheel chocks
  • Shop rags or paper towels
  • Correct engine oil for the vehicle
  • Correct oil filter for the vehicle
  • New drain plug washer or gasket if required by the vehicle
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the vehicle and supplies

Diagram for step 1: Prepare the vehicle and supplies
  • Check the owner’s manual for the correct oil grade, oil capacity, filter part, and drain plug torque.
  • Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
  • If needed for access, raise the vehicle with ramps or a jack and support it with jack stands, then chock the wheels.
  • Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap and dipstick to help the oil drain more smoothly.
Check

You have the correct oil amount and correct filter for the vehicle. • The vehicle is stable and securely supported before going underneath.

Was this step clear?
Step 2

Drain the old oil

Diagram for step 2: Drain the old oil
  • Position the drain pan under the oil drain plug.
  • Loosen the drain plug carefully with the correct wrench or socket.
  • Remove the plug by hand and let the oil drain fully into the pan.
  • Inspect the drain plug and replace the washer or gasket if the vehicle uses one.
Check

Oil is draining cleanly into the pan without major spills. • The old washer is not being reused if a replacement is required.

Was this step clear?
Step 3

Reinstall the drain plug

Diagram for step 3: Reinstall the drain plug
  • Wipe the drain area clean.
  • Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
  • Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specification.
Check

The drain plug is seated properly and not cross-threaded. • The drain plug is tightened correctly, not excessively tight.

Was this step clear?
Step 4

Replace the oil filter

Diagram for step 4: Replace the oil filter
  • Move the drain pan under the oil filter because some oil may spill.
  • Remove the old oil filter with an oil filter wrench if needed.
  • Make sure the old filter gasket came off with the filter and is not stuck to the engine.
  • Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.
  • Install the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten according to the filter or vehicle instructions.
Check

The old gasket is not left behind on the engine. • The new filter is snug and installed by hand, not overtightened.

Was this step clear?
Step 5

Refill with fresh oil

Diagram for step 5: Refill with fresh oil
  • Place a funnel in the oil filler opening.
  • Add slightly less than the full specified oil capacity at first.
  • Reinstall the filler cap and dipstick.
Check

Only the specified oil type is used. • The engine is not overfilled before checking the level.

Was this step clear?
Step 6

Start the engine and inspect

Diagram for step 6: Start the engine and inspect
  • Start the engine and let it run briefly for about 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Watch the oil pressure warning light to confirm it goes out normally.
  • Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
  • Inspect around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks.
Check

The oil warning light turns off as expected. • There are no visible leaks at the drain plug or filter.

Was this step clear?
Step 7

Set the final oil level and finish up

Diagram for step 7: Set the final oil level and finish up
  • Check the dipstick and add oil gradually until the level reaches the proper mark.
  • Do not fill above the full mark.
  • Reinstall any splash shield if removed and lower the vehicle if it was raised.
  • Transfer used oil to a sealed container and take the old oil and filter to a recycling or approved disposal site.
  • Reset the oil maintenance reminder if the vehicle has one.
Check

The dipstick shows the correct oil level. • All tools are removed from the engine bay and under the vehicle. • Used oil and filter are stored safely for proper disposal.

Was this step clear?

Common Mistakes

  • ×Draining the oil while components are still too hot and causing burns.
  • ×Using the wrong oil viscosity or incorrect oil specification.
  • ×Forgetting to replace the drain plug washer when required.
  • ×Cross-threading or overtightening the drain plug.
  • ×Leaving the old oil filter gasket stuck to the engine.
  • ×Overtightening the new oil filter.
  • ×Overfilling or underfilling the engine with oil.
  • ×Forgetting to reinstall the drain plug before refilling.
  • ×Failing to check for leaks after starting the engine.
  • ×Improperly disposing of used oil or the old filter.

When to Call a Professional

  • You cannot safely support the vehicle or do not have safe access to the drain plug or filter.
  • The drain plug is rounded, seized, leaking, or the oil pan threads may be damaged.
  • The oil filter is inaccessible, stuck, or damaged during removal.
  • You notice metal particles, milky oil, fuel smell, or other signs of engine problems in the drained oil.
  • The oil pressure warning light stays on after the oil change.
  • You find an active leak you cannot stop after reinstalling the plug and filter.
  • The vehicle has a special procedure such as a cartridge filter housing, underbody panels, or unusual oil specification and you are unsure of the steps.

Notes

  • Warm oil drains faster, but the engine should be cool enough to avoid burns before starting work.
  • Many vehicles require a specific oil standard, not just the right viscosity.
  • Some drain plugs and filter housings have exact torque specifications; use them when available.
  • Record the date and mileage after the oil change for maintenance tracking.

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