You can change your own oil in about 30 minutes with basic tools

An oil change means draining the old oil from your engine, replacing the oil filter, and filling the engine with fresh oil. You do not need a mechanic to do this — most car owners can handle it with a wrench, an oil drain pan, and new oil that matches your car's specifications. The whole job takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on your vehicle and how accessible the drain plug is underneath.

The main reason to change your oil regularly is that oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to protect your engine. Fresh oil keeps metal parts from grinding together, removes dirt particles, and helps your engine run cooler. Your owner's manual or the sticker on your driver's door jamb will tell you how often to change it — typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on your car and the type of oil you use.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a wrench to remove the drain plug, an oil drain pan to catch old oil, a new oil filter, and new oil that matches your car's manual specifications.
  • Warm your engine for two to three minutes before draining so the oil flows out faster, then let it cool for five minutes so you do not burn yourself.
  • The oil drain plug is underneath your car near the front; you unscrew it by hand or wrench, let the oil drain completely into a pan, then screw it back in.
  • You will need to 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 (a shallow rectangular container that holds at least four quarts), a wrench or socket set that fits your drain plug, a new oil filter that matches your car model, and new oil in the correct grade and quantity. Your owner's manual lists the oil type — it will say something like "5W-30" or "10W-40". Do not guess or use whatever is cheapest; using the wrong oil can damage your engine.

You will also want jack stands or ramps to safely raise your car so you can reach underneath, a flashlight or work light, old rags or paper towels, and a container to dispose of the old oil. If your oil filter is difficult to reach, an oil filter wrench (a metal band with a handle) makes removal much easier. Most of these items cost under $50 total if you do not already own them.

Warm your engine and raise the car safely

Start your engine and let it run for two to three minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely than cold oil, so you will get more of the old oil out. After a few minutes, turn off the engine and wait five minutes — the oil will still be warm enough to drain quickly, but cool enough that you will not burn your hands.

Once the engine has cooled slightly, use a jack to lift the front of your car, then place jack stands under the frame on both sides. Never work under a car supported only by a jack; the jack can slip and the car can fall on you. If you have ramps, drive the front wheels up onto them instead — this is safer and does not require a jack. Make sure the car is on level ground and the parking brake is set.

Drain the old oil completely

Locate the oil drain plug underneath your engine near the front. It is a bolt about the size of your thumb sticking down from the engine pan. Place your oil drain pan directly underneath it. Using a wrench or socket, turn the plug counterclockwise to loosen it, then unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Be careful — the oil may still be warm.

Let the oil drain into the pan for at least five to ten minutes. Tilt the drain pan slightly if needed to catch every drop. While you wait, you can locate your oil filter, which is usually a cylindrical canister screwed onto the side of the engine. Once the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and screw it back in by hand until it is snug, then tighten it with your wrench. Do not over-tighten — snug is enough.

Remove and replace the oil filter

The oil filter screws onto the engine and traps dirt particles from the oil. To remove it, position your drain pan underneath and turn the filter counterclockwise by hand. If it is too tight, use an oil filter wrench to loosen it first. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and let any remaining oil drip into the pan.

Before installing the new filter, wipe the rubber sealing surface on the engine where the old filter was attached. This removes old oil residue so the new filter seals properly. Take your new filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil around the rubber gasket (the ring at the top). Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Hand-tight is correct; over-tightening can damage the filter.

Fill the engine with new oil and check the level

Lower your car back to the ground using the jack or by backing off the ramps. 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. Using a funnel, pour in the amount of new oil specified in your owner's manual. Most cars take between four and six quarts.

After pouring in the oil, wait one minute for it to settle into the pan, then start your engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This circulates the new oil through the filter and engine. Turn off the engine, wait another minute, then pull out the dipstick (a long metal rod with markings on it), wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it fully, and 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 check again.

Dispose of old oil properly

Old oil cannot go in the trash or down a drain — it contaminates groundwater and soil. Take your drain pan of used oil to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station. Most places accept used oil for free, and many will take the old filter too. Some stores that sell oil will even give you a small discount on new oil if you bring in your old oil.

If you do not have a local recycling option nearby, call your city or county waste management department and ask where to take used oil. They can direct you to the nearest drop-off location. Never pour used oil onto the ground, into storm drains, or down household drains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what oil type my car needs?

Check your owner's manual or look at the sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb — it lists the oil grade, usually something like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The numbers refer to how thick the oil is at different temperatures. Using the wrong grade can reduce fuel economy or cause engine damage, so match it exactly.

Can I change my oil if my car is parked on a slope?

No. Always work on level ground. If your car is on a slope, the oil will not drain evenly and you will not get all the old oil out. Move your car to a flat driveway or parking area before you start.

What if I spill oil on my driveway?

Sprinkle cat litter, sand, or a commercial oil absorbent over the spill and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then sweep it up and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Do not hose it down — that spreads the oil and sends it into storm drains. For large spills, contact your local environmental agency for guidance.

Do I need to replace the drain plug every time?

No. The drain plug is reusable. However, if it is stripped (the threads are damaged) or if it has a crush washer that looks flattened, replace it with a new one. A new drain plug costs a few dollars and prevents leaks.

How often should I check my oil level between changes?

Check it once a month or before long trips. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again and read the level. If it is below the minimum mark, add oil until it reaches the middle of the range. Some oil loss between changes is normal.