What happens when you change your oil
Changing your oil means draining the old oil from your engine, replacing the oil filter, and filling the engine with fresh oil. The entire process takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have the right tools and know where everything is located. You do this work under the car, so you will need a safe way to lift it — either ramps, jack stands, or a lift.
Old oil breaks down as your engine runs, losing its ability to protect metal parts from friction and heat. Fresh oil restores that protection. How often you change it depends on your car's age and the type of oil: newer cars with synthetic oil might go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between changes, while older cars with conventional oil typically need a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval and the oil type your engine needs.
Key Takeaways
- You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench to fit your drain plug, an oil filter wrench, fresh oil in the correct type and amount, and a way to safely lift your car.
- The drain plug is located on the underside of the engine and releases old oil into a pan; the oil filter screws onto the engine block and must be replaced each time.
- Warm oil drains faster than cold oil, so running the engine for a minute or two before you start makes the job easier.
- You must dispose of old oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station — never pour it down a drain or into the ground.
Gather your tools and materials before you start
You need an oil drain pan large enough to hold all the old oil without spilling — a 5-quart capacity is standard. A wrench that fits your drain plug (usually 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm), an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter, and fresh oil in the correct type and viscosity for your engine. Your owner's manual lists both the oil type (conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic) and the viscosity grade (such as 5W-30 or 10W-40).
You also need a way to safely raise the car: ramps work well for front-wheel-drive cars, while jack stands are more versatile if you have a hydraulic floor jack. Never work under a car supported only by a jack — always use stands as a backup. A socket set, a funnel for pouring oil, and old rags or paper towels round out the list. If you do not already own these tools, borrowing them from a friend or renting them from an auto parts store costs less than paying for a professional oil change.
Warm the engine and raise the car safely
Start your engine and let it run for one to two minutes, then turn it off. Warm oil flows faster than cold oil, so this step cuts your draining time. Wait a few minutes for the oil to cool slightly — it will still be warm enough to drain quickly but cool enough that you can touch the drain pan without burning yourself.
Drive the car onto ramps or position it so you can slide a jack under the frame. If using a jack, raise the car and when ready place jack stands under the frame on both sides. Lower the car onto the stands so its full weight rests on them, not the jack. Chock the wheels with blocks or bricks so the car cannot roll. If you are unsure where the safe lifting points are on your car, check the owner's manual — lifting in the wrong spot can damage the frame.
Locate and drain the old oil
Slide under the car and look for the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine block — it is a bolt that sticks down slightly and is usually the lowest point on the engine. Place your drain pan directly underneath it. Using your wrench, turn the plug counterclockwise to loosen it, then unscrew it by hand once it is loose enough to grip. Oil will pour out, so keep your hands clear of the stream.
Let the oil drain completely — this takes 5 to 10 minutes. While you wait, locate the oil filter, which is a cylindrical canister screwed onto the side of the engine block. Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and set it aside. Do not lose it — you will need to reinstall it.
Remove and replace the oil filter
Position your drain pan under the oil filter to catch the oil still inside it. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise — the wrench grips the filter's outer edge and gives you leverage. Once it is loose, unscrew it by hand and carefully lower it into the pan. A small amount of oil will spill, so move slowly.
Before installing the new filter, wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a rag. Take the new filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket (the ring on top of the filter) — this helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter onto the mounting surface by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.
Reinstall the drain plug and add fresh oil
Wipe the drain plug clean and inspect the washer (the flat ring under the bolt head). If it looks cracked or flattened, replace it — a damaged washer can cause leaks. Screw the drain plug back into the hole by hand, then use your wrench to tighten it. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, which can strip the threads or crack the pan. A good rule is to tighten until you feel resistance, then turn a quarter turn more.
Lower the car back to the ground and remove the jack stands. Pop the 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. Place a funnel in the opening and pour in the amount of fresh oil specified in your owner's manual. Most cars hold between 4 and 6 quarts. Pour slowly to avoid splashing.
Check the oil level and run the engine
Once you have added the oil, replace the filler cap. Wait a minute, then locate the dipstick (a long rod with markings on it that measures oil level). Pull it out, wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. The oil should reach the "full" mark. If it is low, add a small amount more and check again. If it is overfull, you will need to drain a little out through the drain plug.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. The oil pressure warning light on your dashboard should come on briefly when you start, then turn off once the new oil circulates. If the light stays on, turn off the engine when ready and check that the drain plug is tight and the filter is sealed properly. Once the engine has run, turn it off and wait five minutes for the oil to settle, then check the dipstick level one more time.
Dispose of old oil properly
Old oil cannot go in the trash or down a drain — it must be recycled. Most auto parts stores accept used oil for free, even if you did not buy oil from them. Some service stations and quick-lube shops also take it. Call ahead to confirm they accept oil from do-it-yourself work. Bring your old oil in a sealed container or the drain pan itself if it has a lid.
If you removed the old oil filter, many retailers will also take it for recycling. Some charge a small fee (usually under $1), while others take it free. Keep the filter in a bag to prevent oil from dripping in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what oil type my car needs?
Open your owner's manual and look for the oil specifications section — it will list the viscosity grade (such as 5W-30) and whether to use conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil. The manual also shows where to find this information on a sticker under the hood. Using the wrong oil type can damage your engine, so match the manual exactly.
What if I spill oil on the driveway?
Spilled oil can be absorbed with kitty litter, sand, or commercial oil absorbent. Spread the material over the spill, let it sit for 15 minutes, then sweep it up and dispose of it in the trash. For large spills, contact your local environmental agency for guidance on cleanup.
Can I change my oil if the engine is completely cold?
Yes, but it will take longer because cold oil drains slowly. Warming the engine for a minute or two speeds up the process significantly. Never work on a hot engine when ready after driving — wait at least 10 minutes so it cools enough to touch safely.
Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Yes. The filter traps dirt and debris, and it becomes saturated over time. Reusing an old filter defeats the purpose of changing oil. A new filter is inexpensive and takes only a few minutes to install.
What should I do if the oil drain plug is stuck?
explore penetrating oil (such as WD-40) around the plug and let it soak for 15 minutes. Try loosening it again with your wrench, explore steady pressure rather than jerking. If it still will not budge, tap the wrench gently with a hammer to break the corrosion. If the plug remains stuck, stop and take the car to a mechanic to avoid stripping the threads.