Changing the oil and oil filter in your car is a fundamental maintenance task that significantly impacts your vehicle’s longevity and performance. While it might seem daunting, learning how to change oil and oil filter in a car yourself can save money and provide a deeper understanding of your vehicle. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to perform this essential procedure correctly, maintaining your car’s health and efficiency.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, dissipating heat, and cleaning the engine of sludge and deposits. Over time, oil breaks down, loses its viscosity, and becomes contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and combustion byproducts. A degraded oil supply cannot adequately protect your engine, leading to increased wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and potentially costly damage. Regularly changing your oil and oil filter ensures your engine operates smoothly, extends its lifespan, and helps maintain peak performance. This proactive approach to maintenance is crucial for any vehicle owner looking to protect their investment.
Essential Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin the process of changing your car’s oil and oil filter, gather all necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the job smoother and safer. You will need new engine oil, specific to your car’s make and model, as well as a new oil filter. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct oil type (e.g., synthetic, conventional, blend) and viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and the appropriate oil filter part number.
For tools, you’ll require a car jack and jack stands to safely elevate your vehicle, providing clearance to access the oil pan and filter. An oil drain pan is essential for collecting the old oil, and a wrench specifically sized for your oil drain plug will be needed. An oil filter wrench or pliers will help remove the old filter, which can sometimes be very tight. Other useful items include a funnel for adding new oil, gloves for protection, clean rags or shop towels for spills, and eye protection for safety. Always ensure your equipment is in good working condition before use.
Prioritizing Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when working under a car. Never rely solely on a car jack to support the vehicle. Always use sturdy jack stands placed on a level, solid surface. Before lifting, engage the parking brake and consider blocking the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent any accidental movement. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes to an hour before starting the oil change. Hot oil and engine components can cause severe burns.
Ensure you are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses to shield your eyes from splashes and gloves to protect your hands from hot oil and chemicals. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes. If you are unsure about any step or feel uncomfortable performing the task, it’s always best to seek professional assistance. Your safety should always be your top priority.
Step-by-Step Guide: Draining Old Oil and Replacing the Filter
Knowing how to change oil and oil filter in a car effectively requires following a precise sequence. This section will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Prepare the Vehicle
First, park your car on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and, if your car is an automatic, put it in park; if manual, put it in first gear. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for added stability. Locate the jacking points specified in your car’s owner’s manual and use a hydraulic jack to lift the front of the car. Once lifted, place jack stands securely under the designated support points, then slowly lower the car onto the jack stands. This ensures the vehicle is stable and safe to work under. Make sure there is enough clearance for you to comfortably work and for the oil drain pan.
Draining the Old Oil
Once the car is safely elevated, slide the oil drain pan underneath the engine directly below the oil pan. The oil pan is usually a large, flat metal pan located on the bottom of the engine. Identify the oil drain plug, which is a bolt typically found on the lowest point of the oil pan. Using the correct size wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared, as once the plug is loose, oil will begin to flow out. Remove the plug completely by hand, allowing the hot, dirty oil to drain into the pan. It’s advisable to wear gloves and eye protection during this step. Let the oil drain completely, which can take several minutes. While it’s draining, visually inspect the drain plug for any damage to its threads or the washer. If the washer (gasket) is crushed or damaged, replace it with a new one to prevent leaks.
Replacing the Oil Filter
While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. It’s usually a cylindrical canister, often near the front, side, or bottom of the engine. Position the oil drain pan beneath the filter as well, as some residual oil will spill when removed. Using an oil filter wrench or pliers, carefully loosen the old filter. Once it’s loose, you can often unscrew it by hand. Be cautious as hot oil will come out.
Once the old filter is removed, inspect its mounting surface on the engine block. Ensure there are no pieces of the old filter’s rubber gasket stuck to the engine. If there are, remove them completely to ensure a proper seal with the new filter. Take your new oil filter and apply a thin film of fresh engine oil to its rubber gasket. This lubricates the gasket, helping it seal properly and making it easier to remove next time. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until it’s snug. Then, use the oil filter wrench to give it an additional quarter to half a turn, following the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the filter or its housing.
Adding New Engine Oil
Once the old oil has fully drained and the new oil filter is securely in place, reinstall the oil drain plug. Tighten it firmly with your wrench, but do not overtighten it. If your drain plug uses a crush washer, ensure the new one is in place. Carefully lower your car off the jack stands.
Open your car’s hood and locate the oil filler cap, usually marked with an oil can symbol. Remove the cap and place a funnel into the filler neck. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the exact amount and type of new oil required. Slowly pour the specified amount of new engine oil into the funnel. Avoid pouring too quickly to prevent spills. Once all the oil is added, remove the funnel and replace the oil filler cap securely.
Final Checks and Disposal
After adding the new oil, start your engine and let it run for a minute or two. This allows the new oil to circulate throughout the engine and fill the new filter. Keep an eye on your oil pressure light; it should turn off almost immediately. Turn off the engine and wait for a few minutes to allow the oil to settle back into the oil pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the dipstick. If it’s low, add a small amount of oil and recheck.
Finally, inspect underneath the car for any leaks around the oil drain plug and the new oil filter. If you see any drips, tighten the components slightly. Make sure to properly dispose of the old engine oil and filter. Most auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil for recycling. Never pour used oil down the drain or into the environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During an Oil Change
Even experienced DIYers can make mistakes. One common error is using the wrong type or viscosity of engine oil. Always refer to your car’s owner’s manual, as using incorrect oil can lead to engine damage. Another frequent mistake is overtightening the drain plug or oil filter, which can strip threads, crack housings, or damage gaskets, leading to leaks or making future removal difficult. Conversely, not tightening enough can also cause leaks.
Forgetting to replace the old drain plug washer or crush gasket is another oversight that often results in persistent oil leaks. Always inspect and replace this crucial component. Furthermore, neglecting to pre-fill the new oil filter with some fresh oil or at least applying oil to the gasket can lead to a momentary lack of lubrication during the first start-up, sometimes referred to as a “dry start.” This is why a thin film of oil on the gasket is recommended. Lastly, improper disposal of used oil is a significant environmental hazard; always take your used oil to an authorized recycling center.
When to Change Your Oil and Filter
The frequency of oil and oil filter changes depends on several factors, including your vehicle’s make and model, the type of oil used, and your driving habits. Modern vehicles often have maintenance minder systems that alert you when an oil change is due. However, a general guideline is to change conventional oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months. Synthetic oils, being more durable, often allow for longer intervals, typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months.
Always consult your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. Factors like frequent short trips, driving in extreme temperatures, heavy towing, or driving on dusty roads constitute “severe driving conditions” and may necessitate more frequent oil changes. Regular checks of your oil level and condition between changes are also advisable to catch potential issues early.
Benefits of Regular Engine Maintenance
Regular oil and oil filter changes are just one component of a comprehensive vehicle maintenance plan, but their impact is profound. Consistent maintenance ensures your engine components are well-lubricated, preventing excessive wear and tear. This directly translates to an extended engine lifespan, saving you from premature and expensive engine repairs or replacements. A clean engine with fresh oil operates more efficiently, which often results in improved fuel economy, reducing your running costs over time.
Furthermore, proper lubrication and a clean filter contribute to better engine performance, smoother operation, and reduced emissions. It helps maintain the car’s resale value, as a well-maintained service history is a significant selling point. Beyond the practical benefits, regular maintenance provides peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is reliable and safe for you and your passengers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful execution, sometimes issues arise. If you notice an oil leak after changing your oil, the most common culprits are an improperly tightened drain plug, a damaged or missing drain plug washer, or an improperly seated or overtightened oil filter. Recheck these areas carefully. If the oil pressure light stays on after starting the engine, turn it off immediately. This could indicate a severe lack of oil, a faulty oil pressure sensor, or a clogged oil filter. Recheck your oil level and ensure the filter is correctly installed.
If you observe unusual engine noises or a burning oil smell, pull over safely and investigate. A burning smell might indicate oil spilling onto hot engine components. Always consult a professional mechanic if you cannot identify or resolve the issue safely yourself.
When to Call the Professionals
While learning how to change oil and oil filter in a car offers a sense of accomplishment and saves money, there are times when professional help is the best option. If you lack the necessary tools, experience, or a suitable workspace, attempting a DIY oil change might lead to frustration or, worse, vehicle damage. Modern cars, especially luxury or performance models, can have complex undertrays, specialized fasteners, or hard-to-reach filters that make DIY changes difficult.
Furthermore, if you notice other issues during your oil change, such as unexpected leaks from other components, unusual metallic shavings in the old oil, or persistent engine warning lights, a professional can diagnose and address these problems comprehensively. For those in the Missouri area, for comprehensive vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs beyond the basics, consider visiting maxmotorsmissouri.com. Their expert technicians can ensure your vehicle receives the highest standard of care, giving you peace of mind and keeping your car running optimally.
Understanding how to change oil and oil filter in a car is a valuable skill for any car owner, contributing significantly to vehicle longevity and performance. Regular oil changes are a cornerstone of preventative maintenance, ensuring your engine runs efficiently and reliably. By following the steps outlined, prioritizing safety, and choosing the right products, you can confidently perform this crucial task, keeping your car in top condition for miles to come.
Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven
