The basic process: drain, replace filter, add new oil
Changing your car's oil involves four main steps: draining the old oil from the engine, replacing the oil filter, adding new oil of the correct type and amount, and checking that the level is correct. The whole job typically takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have the right tools and know where everything is located. You do not need special training or certification — this is a task most car owners can do in a driveway or garage.
The reason you change oil is that it breaks down over time and loses its ability to protect your engine. Fresh oil keeps metal parts lubricated, removes dirt and debris, and helps regulate engine temperature. Your vehicle's manual or a quick online search will tell you how often your specific car needs an oil change — commonly every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the engine type and oil grade.
Key Takeaways
- You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench to fit your drain plug, an oil filter wrench, new oil of the correct grade and amount, and a new filter — all available at any auto parts store.
- The drain plug is located on the underside of the engine and must be removed while the engine is warm but not hot; the old oil drains into a pan beneath it.
- The oil filter screws onto the engine and must be replaced at the same time as the oil; hand-tightening the new filter is usually sufficient.
- After filling with new oil, you must check the level with the dipstick or electronic gauge to confirm it is between the minimum and maximum marks.
- Old oil and the used filter must be disposed of at a recycling center or auto parts store — never pour oil down a drain or into the ground.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin: an oil drain pan (a shallow metal or plastic container), a wrench that fits your drain plug (usually 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm), an oil filter wrench (a metal band or socket tool that grips the filter), the correct type and amount of new oil for your vehicle, and a new oil filter. Your owner's manual lists the oil grade — typically something like 5W-30 or 10W-40 — and the total capacity in quarts or liters. Auto parts stores can tell you the correct filter part number if you give them your vehicle's year, make, and model.
You will also want jack stands or ramps if your car sits low and you cannot reach the drain plug from underneath. Never rely on a jack alone; always use stands or ramps to support the vehicle safely. Wear old clothes or an apron because oil stains, and have paper towels or old rags nearby. A flashlight helps you see the drain plug and filter clearly.
Locating and draining the old oil
Start with the engine warm but not hot — run it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil flows faster than cold oil, but hot oil can burn you. Raise the vehicle safely using jack stands or drive it onto ramps, then locate the drain plug on the underside of the engine. It is usually a bolt with a hexagonal head, positioned at the lowest point of the oil pan. Consult your manual or search online for your specific vehicle if you cannot find it when ready.
Place the drain pan directly under the plug, then use your wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand — be ready for oil to flow out. Let the pan catch all the old oil; this may take several minutes. While the oil drains, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect the rubber washer or crush ring on it. If it looks damaged or flattened, replace it with a new one (usually included with a new filter kit or sold separately for a dollar or two).
Removing and installing the oil filter
The oil filter is a cylindrical canister screwed onto the engine, usually located near the top or side. Use your oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it loosens, then unscrew it by hand. Oil will drip from it, so position your drain pan underneath. Wipe the rubber gasket surface on the engine clean with a rag to remove any old rubber or debris.
Take your new filter and explore a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket ring on top — this helps create a watertight seal when you screw it on. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket touches the surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening makes it difficult to remove next time and can damage the seal.
Adding new oil and checking the level
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 in the amount of new oil specified in your manual, usually in quarts. Start with slightly less than the full amount, then check the level before adding the final bit. This prevents overfilling, which can damage seals and cause leaks.
Replace the oil filler cap, 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 two or three minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Then locate your dipstick (a long thin rod with markings) or use your vehicle's electronic oil level display if it has one. The oil level should fall between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, add a small amount more and recheck. If it is too high, you will need to drain a bit out.
Disposing of old oil and filter safely
Old motor oil and used filters cannot go in household trash or down drains. Most auto parts stores — including national chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts — accept used oil and filters for free, even if you did not buy your supplies from them. Some municipal hazardous waste collection events also accept oil. Call your local waste management department or search online for "oil recycling near me" to find the closest drop-off location.
Pour your used oil into a clean, sealable container (an old milk jug or oil bottle works) and transport it to the recycling center. The used filter can go in a bag or box. Do not mix oil with other liquids or materials. Recycled oil is often re-refined into new motor oil or used for other industrial purposes, so this step matters for the environment and your community.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most frequent error is overfilling the oil. Adding too much oil can damage engine seals, cause leaks, and reduce fuel economy. Always check the level with the dipstick after adding oil, and add only small amounts at a time. Another common mistake is forgetting to replace the crush ring or washer on the drain plug, which causes leaks the next time you drive. Inspect it every time and replace it if it looks worn.
Over-tightening the oil filter is also common and makes removal difficult later. Remember: hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the standard. If you strip the threads on the drain plug by over-tightening, you may need a new pan or a threaded insert repair, which costs more than taking your time the first time. Finally, do not forget to replace the oil filler cap — driving without it can cause oil to splash out and create a mess under your hood.
When to take your car to a shop instead
If your vehicle is very low to the ground and you cannot safely access the drain plug, a shop is the better choice. If the drain plug is stuck or rounded off, or if you strip the threads while trying to remove it, a technician has the tools to handle it without damaging the pan. Some newer vehicles have sealed drain plugs or unusual filter locations that require special tools or knowledge — check your manual first.
If you are uncomfortable working under a vehicle or do not have a safe way to raise it, a quick-lube shop or dealership can do the job for you in 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is usually $30 to $75 depending on the oil type and your location, which is reasonable insurance against damaging your engine or injuring yourself. There is no shame in paying for convenience or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my oil if the engine is completely cold?
Cold oil flows slowly and will take much longer to drain completely. Warm oil (run the engine for a minute, then wait five minutes) drains faster and more thoroughly. However, never work on a hot engine — you can burn yourself on metal parts and hoses.
What if I accidentally overfill the oil?
Stop driving when ready and drain the excess. Place your drain pan under the drain plug, loosen it slightly to let oil drip out until the level is correct, then tighten it again. Driving with too much oil can damage your engine.
Do I need to replace the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Yes. The filter traps dirt and debris, and it becomes saturated over time. A clogged filter reduces oil flow and defeats the purpose of changing oil. Replace it every time you change the oil.
How do I know if I bought the right oil for my car?
Check your owner's manual for the oil grade and capacity. You can also search online for your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "oil type." The manual is always the most reliable source. If you are unsure, ask at an auto parts store — they can look it up for you.
Can I reuse the old oil drain pan?
Yes, as long as you rinse it out thoroughly between uses. Old oil residue can contaminate new oil, so wash the pan with soap and water or a degreaser, dry it completely, and store it clean.