What You Need to Know Before Starting a Buick Oil Change
A Buick oil change follows the same basic steps as any other vehicle, but Buick models vary enough that you need to know your specific year and engine size before you begin. The oil capacity, filter location, and drain plug position differ between a 2010 Buick LaCrosse and a 2020 Buick Encore, for example. Your owner's manual — either the physical copy in your glove box or the PDF version on GM's website — tells you exactly what you need and where everything sits.
Most Buick owners change oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on whether you use conventional or synthetic oil and what your manual recommends. Synthetic oil lasts longer but costs more per change. Conventional oil is cheaper but requires more frequent changes. Check your manual or the sticker on your driver's door jamb to see what interval Buick recommends for your model year.
Key Takeaways
- Locate your oil drain plug underneath the engine and your oil filter before you start — their positions vary by model year and engine type.
- You will need the correct oil type and capacity for your Buick, which you can find in your owner's manual or on the door jamb sticker.
- Drain the old oil completely, replace the drain plug washer, and install a new filter hand-tight before refilling with fresh oil.
- Check your oil level with the dipstick after the engine has run and cooled, because the reading will be inaccurate while the engine is hot or cold.
Gathering the Right Materials and Tools
Before you get under the car, collect everything you need in one place. You will need new oil in the correct type and amount for your Buick, a new oil filter that matches your model, a drain pan to catch the old oil, a wrench or socket set to remove the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, and jack stands if you need to raise the vehicle for access. A ramp or jack and stands work better than just a jack, because you need both hands free while working underneath.
The oil type matters. Your manual specifies whether your Buick needs 0W-20, 5W-30, or another grade. Using the wrong viscosity can affect engine performance and fuel economy. The filter part number is usually printed on your old filter or listed in your manual. Many auto parts stores will look up the correct filter and oil for you if you give them your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size.
Draining the Old Oil and Replacing the Drain Plug
Start with the engine cold or warm, never hot — hot oil can burn you. Raise the vehicle safely on jack stands or drive it onto ramps. Locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine; it is a bolt that sticks down from the oil pan. Place your drain pan directly underneath it, then use your wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and let the oil drain completely into the pan. This takes several minutes, so be patient.
While the oil drains, inspect the drain plug washer — the small rubber or metal ring on the plug itself. If it looks cracked, flattened, or damaged, replace it with a new one. A worn washer causes slow leaks. Once the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag, install the new washer if you replaced it, and screw the plug back in by hand first. Then tighten it with your wrench, but do not over-tighten — you only need it snug enough that it does not leak.
Removing and Installing the Oil Filter
Locate your oil filter. On most Buicks, it sits on the side or top of the engine and looks like a metal cylinder about the size of a soda can. Position your drain pan underneath it because oil will spill when you remove it. Use your oil filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise until it comes free, then unscrew it by hand. Some oil will pour out, so let it drain into the pan for a minute.
Before you install the new filter, wipe the rubber gasket surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old oil residue. Take your new filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter — just enough to coat it lightly. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. An over-tightened filter is hard to remove next time and can damage the gasket.
Refilling with Fresh Oil and Checking the Level
Lower the vehicle back to the ground. Open your hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew the cap and set it aside. Pour in the amount of oil your manual specifies, usually between 4 and 6 quarts depending on your Buick model. Pour slowly so you do not overfill. Once you have added most of the oil, wait a minute for it to drain down into the pan, then add the rest.
Screw the oil filler cap back on, then start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. This circulates the new oil through the filter and engine. Turn off the engine and wait five minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Then locate your dipstick — usually a yellow or orange handle near the front of the engine — pull it out completely, wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it all the way, and pull it out again to read the level. The oil should reach the full mark. If it is low, add a little more oil and recheck.
Disposing of Old Oil and Resetting Service Indicators
Do not pour old oil down the drain or into the ground. Take it to an auto parts store, quick-lube shop, or municipal hazardous waste facility — most accept used oil for free or a small fee. Many stores that sell oil will take your old oil if you buy oil from them. Keep the drain pan sealed until you reach the disposal location.
Some Buick models have a service reminder light on the dashboard that you need to reset after an oil change. Consult your manual for the exact steps, which vary by year. Newer Buicks often require you to press a button sequence on the steering wheel or through the infotainment screen. Older models may have a mechanical reset. If you cannot find the instructions, your Buick dealer can reset it for you, usually at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the oil in my Buick?
Check your owner's manual or the sticker on your driver's door jamb. Most modern Buicks run 5,000 to 10,000 miles between changes, depending on whether you use conventional or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer but costs more per change.
What if I cannot find the oil drain plug or filter?
Your owner's manual includes a diagram showing the location of both. If you do not have the manual, read it free from GM's website using your vehicle identification number (VIN), or search YouTube for your specific model year — many videos show exactly where these parts sit.
Can I change my Buick's oil without raising the vehicle?
It depends on your model and ground clearance. Some Buicks sit high enough that you can slide underneath without lifting. Others require at least a few inches of clearance. If you cannot reach the drain plug or filter comfortably, use ramps or jack stands — do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
What happens if I overfill the oil?
Overfilled oil can damage the engine by creating excessive pressure and foaming inside the pan. If you add too much, use a turkey baster or siphon to remove the excess until the dipstick reads full. Do not drive the vehicle until the level is correct.
Do I need to replace the drain plug washer every time?
Not always, but it is cheap insurance. If the washer looks intact and not flattened, you can reuse it. If it looks worn or damaged, replace it — a new washer costs less than a dollar and prevents slow leaks that can damage your engine over time.