What happens when you change your own oil
Changing your engine oil means draining the old oil from your engine, replacing the oil filter, and adding fresh oil back in. You do this work under the car, so you need a safe way to lift it — either ramps, jack stands, or a lift. The whole job takes 30 to 45 minutes once you have the right tools and know where everything sits on your specific car.
The reason to do it yourself is cost. A shop charges $40 to $100 for an oil change; you spend $20 to $40 on oil and a filter. You also know exactly when it happened and what went in. The downside is that you need a place to work (a driveway or garage), somewhere to dispose of the old oil, and the confidence to get under a car safely.
If you have never done this before, the first time takes longer and feels messier than it actually is. Once you know where the drain plug and filter sit on your car, the second time is faster.
Key Takeaways
- You need the correct oil type and amount for your car — check your owner's manual or the label under the hood, not just the bottle at the store.
- The car must be warm (not hot) and safely raised on ramps or jack stands before you start draining oil.
- The old oil goes into a drain pan, and you must dispose of it at a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station — never down a drain.
- The oil filter comes off by hand after you loosen it with a wrench, and the new one screws on until the rubber gasket touches, then a half-turn more.
- After adding new oil, you start the engine, let it run for a minute, turn it off, wait five minutes, and check the level on the dipstick to confirm it is full.
Gather the right oil, filter, and tools before you start
Open your owner's manual and find the oil specification — it will say something like "5W-30" or "10W-40". This number matters. Buy that exact type and the correct amount (usually 4 to 6 quarts). If you cannot find your manual, look for a sticker under the hood or ask an auto parts store employee to look it up by your car's year, make, and model.
Buy an oil filter made for your car. The parts store can tell you which one when you give them the year, make, and model. Get one drain pan (a shallow metal or plastic tray that holds at least 6 quarts), an oil filter wrench (a metal band or socket that grips the filter), and a wrench or socket that fits your drain plug — usually 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm. You also need jack stands or ramps to safely raise the car, and old towels or rags.
Before you buy anything, check that you have a safe place to work. You need level ground, enough clearance to slide under the car, and a way to dispose of old oil. Many auto parts stores take used oil for free, and some service stations do too. Call ahead to confirm.
Raise the car safely and locate the drain plug
Park on level ground and engage the parking brake. If you are using a jack, place it under the frame (not the plastic bumper or body panel) and raise one side of the car. when ready slide jack stands under the frame on both sides of the raised end, lower the car onto the stands, and leave the jack in place as backup. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
If you are using ramps, drive the front wheels slowly up the ramps until the car is stable, then set the parking brake. Ramps are safer for a first-timer because the car sits on them without needing a jack.
Look under the engine for the drain plug — a bolt sticking down from the oil pan, which is the large metal reservoir at the bottom of the engine. It is usually on the side or rear of the pan. Slide your drain pan underneath it, then use your wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose, unscrew it by hand (it will be warm, so be careful). Let the oil drain completely into the pan — this takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the old filter and install the new one
The oil filter is a cylindrical canister bolted to the engine, usually on the side. Position your drain pan underneath it because oil will spill when you remove it. Use your filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it is loose, then unscrew it by hand. Oil will pour out, so let it drain into the pan.
Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any old rubber or debris. Take the new filter and rub a thin layer of fresh oil around the rubber gasket (the ring at the top). Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it another half-turn — no more. Hand-tight is correct; over-tightening damages the gasket and makes it hard to remove next time.
While the filter drains, wipe the drain plug clean and inspect it. If the threads are stripped or the plug is damaged, you may need a new one (they cost $5 to $15). Screw the drain plug back in by hand, then tighten it with your wrench. It should be snug but not cranked down hard — over-tightening strips the threads in the pan.
Lower the car and add new oil
Raise the car slightly with the jack, remove the jack stands, and lower it back to the ground. If you used ramps, drive slowly off them. Close the hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew it and set it aside.
Pour the new oil slowly into the opening. Stop when you have added about three-quarters of the amount your manual specifies. You will add the rest after you check the level, because the filter now holds some oil too.
Check the oil level and run the engine
Screw the oil filler cap back on. Start the engine and let it run for about one minute. You will see the oil pressure light (usually a red oil can) come on briefly, then turn off — this is normal. Turn off the engine and wait five minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan.
Pull out the dipstick (a long metal rod with markings on it, usually with a yellow or orange handle). Wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it all the way, then pull it out again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, add a little more oil and recheck. If it is above the maximum, you added too much — use a turkey baster or syringe to remove the excess.
Once the level is correct, you are done. Dispose of the old oil at a recycling center or auto parts store. Do not pour it down a drain or into the ground.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the drain plug is stuck and will not turn, spray it with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 15 minutes. Try again gently — forcing it can strip the threads. If it still will not budge, stop and take the car to a shop rather than damage the pan.
If oil leaks from the drain plug after you reinstall it, the threads may be stripped. A shop can install a larger plug or repair the pan. If oil leaks from the filter, you probably over-tightened it. Let it cool, loosen it a quarter-turn, and check the level again.
If the oil pressure light stays on after the engine starts, turn it off when ready. This means the filter may not be seated correctly or the oil level is too low. Check both, and if the light stays on, do not drive the car — take it to a shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my oil?
Check your owner's manual — most modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Older cars or those driven in stop-and-go traffic may need it more often. Your manual is the only source that matters for your specific car.
Can I change the oil if the engine is hot?
No. Hot oil burns skin badly. Let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes after driving, or warm it up by running it for a minute or two, then wait 10 minutes. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil, but it is still safe to touch.
What if I spill oil on the driveway?
Contain it when ready with sand, kitty litter, or oil absorbent. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then sweep it up and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Do not hose it down — it will spread and contaminate soil and water.
Do I need to replace the drain plug every time?
No. The same plug works for many oil changes. Replace it only if it is damaged, stripped, or leaking. Some people use a new crush washer (a thin metal ring) each time to may support a tight seal, but the plug itself lasts years.
What if my car has no dipstick?
Some newer cars use an electronic oil level sensor instead. Start the engine, let it run for a minute, turn it off, wait five minutes, then check the level using the dashboard menu or instrument cluster. Your owner's manual explains how to access it.