The basic process: drain, replace the filter, add new oil
Changing your oil means removing the old, dirty oil from your engine, replacing the oil filter that catches particles, and pouring in fresh oil. The whole job takes 30 minutes to an hour once you have the right supplies and know where things are under your hood. You do not need special training — this is a task most car owners can do in a driveway or parking lot.
The reason you change oil regularly (usually every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your car and oil type) is that oil breaks down as it circulates through your engine. Old oil cannot protect metal parts from friction and heat the way fresh oil does. Changing it keeps your engine running longer and prevents costly damage.
Key Takeaways
- You will need new oil (the correct type and amount for your car), an oil filter, an oil drain pan, a wrench, and an oil filter wrench — all available at any auto parts store.
- The first step is always to warm up your engine for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes so the oil flows but does not burn you.
- You drain the old oil by locating the drain plug under the engine, unscrewing it by hand or with a wrench, and letting the oil run into a pan.
- The oil filter screws on by hand and comes off the same way — you do not need tools once you have broken it loose, and old filters should be recycled at an auto parts store.
- After adding new oil, you check the level with the dipstick to make sure you have put in the right amount, then start the engine and check for leaks.
What you need before you start
Gather these supplies before you get under the car: new oil (check your owner's manual or the label under your hood for the type and amount), a new oil filter, an oil drain pan (a shallow metal or plastic tray to catch draining oil), a wrench that fits your drain plug, and an oil filter wrench (a tool that grips the filter so you can turn it). You can buy all of these at any auto parts store, and staff there can tell you the exact type of oil and filter your car needs if you give them your year, make, and model.
You will also want to wear old clothes or an apron because oil stains. Lay down cardboard or newspaper under your work area to catch spills. If you are working in a driveway, have a plan for disposing of the old oil — most auto parts stores take it for free when you buy new oil, and some gas stations do too.
Step 1: Warm the engine and get under safely
Start your car and let it run for one or two minutes, then turn it off. Warm oil flows faster than cold oil, so this speeds up the drain. Wait five minutes before you touch anything — the oil is hot enough to flow but cool enough not to burn your skin.
Raise the car safely using a jack and jack stands, or drive it onto ramps if you have them. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. If you do not have ramps or stands, many auto parts stores will let you use their lift for free or a small fee, or you can ask a friend with a garage. Make sure the car is in park, the parking brake is set, and the engine is off.
Step 2: Locate and open the drain plug
Look under the engine for a bolt sticking down — this is the drain plug. It is usually on the lowest part of the oil pan, a metal container that holds the oil. Slide your drain pan underneath it to catch the oil. Using a wrench that fits the plug, turn it counterclockwise (left) to loosen it, then unscrew it the rest of the way by hand once it is loose enough to grip.
Let the old oil drain completely into the pan. This takes five to ten minutes. While you wait, you can locate the oil filter, which is usually a cylindrical canister screwed onto the side of the engine. Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and set it aside — you will screw it back in later.
Step 3: Remove and replace the oil filter
Position your drain pan under the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to grip the filter and turn it counterclockwise until it loosens, then unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. Oil will spill out, so let it drain into the pan. Wipe the rubber gasket (the ring on top of the filter) off the engine with a clean rag — if you leave it behind, the new filter will not seal properly.
Before you screw on the new filter, coat the rubber gasket with a thin layer of new oil using your finger. This helps it seal. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it another three-quarter turn. Do not use a wrench — hand-tight is correct. If you over-tighten it, it will be hard to remove next time.
Step 4: Replace the drain plug and add new oil
Screw the drain plug back in by hand, then tighten it with a wrench. It should be snug but not forced — over-tightening can strip the threads. Pour the old oil from your drain pan into a container for recycling (most auto parts stores accept it free).
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Pour in the new oil slowly, checking the amount as you go. Most cars need between four and six quarts, but check your manual to be sure. Pour in most of it, then stop and check the level with the dipstick before adding the last bit.
Step 5: Check the oil level with the dipstick
Pull the dipstick all the way out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. Reinsert it all the way, then pull it out again and look at where the oil reaches. The dipstick has two marks — one for minimum and one for maximum. The oil should be between these marks, ideally near the maximum line. If it is below the minimum, add a little more oil and check again.
Once the level is correct, replace the oil filler cap by twisting it clockwise until it is snug. Do not force it — it only needs to be hand-tight.
Step 6: Start the engine and check for leaks
Start the car and let it run for a minute. Watch the dashboard for an oil pressure warning light (usually a picture of an oil can). If it comes on and stays on, turn off the engine when ready — this means the oil is not circulating, usually because the filter was not installed correctly or the drain plug is loose. Stop and fix the problem before driving.
If the light does not come on, turn off the engine and wait five minutes for the oil to settle. Check underneath the car for drips around the drain plug and filter. A few drops are normal, but a steady drip means something is not tight. Tighten the drain plug or filter slightly and check again.
Step 7: Lower the car and dispose of old oil
Once you have confirmed there are no leaks, lower the car back to the ground using the jack and ramps. Take the container of old oil to an auto parts store, gas station, or recycling center that accepts it. Do not pour it down a drain or into the ground — oil is toxic to soil and water.
Write down the date and mileage in your owner's manual or a notebook so you know when the next oil change is due. Some cars have a service reminder that you can reset by holding down a button on the dashboard — check your manual for how to do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my oil if my car is parked on the street?
You can if you have a safe, level spot and access to a jack and jack stands. Many people do oil changes in driveways or parking lots. The main thing is making sure the car is stable and you have room to work underneath. If you do not have the equipment, ask a friend or check whether a local garage will let you use their lift.
What if I spill oil on the ground?
Clean it up as soon as possible with absorbent material like kitty litter, sand, or oil absorbent pads (sold at auto parts stores). Sweep it up and dispose of it in the trash. For large spills, contact your local environmental agency for guidance. Oil is toxic to soil and groundwater, so cleaning up quickly matters.
How do I know if I put in too much oil?
Too much oil can damage your engine. If the dipstick shows the level above the maximum mark, you have added too much. Drain a little out by loosening the drain plug slightly and letting oil drip into a pan until the level is correct, then tighten the plug again.
Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Yes, the filter should be replaced every time you change the oil. The filter traps particles and breaks down over time, so a new one ensures your fresh oil stays clean. Replacing it takes just a few minutes and costs a few dollars.
What should I do with the old oil filter?
Most auto parts stores will take old oil filters for free, especially if you buy a new filter from them. Some recycling centers accept them too. Do not throw it in the trash — the oil inside is hazardous waste. If you drain the filter into your oil pan first, some places will accept it more readily.