What you need before you start
Changing your own oil means you'll drain the old oil from your engine, replace the oil filter, and add new oil. You can do this in a driveway or garage with basic tools and supplies you either own or can buy cheaply. The whole job usually takes 30 to 45 minutes once you've gathered everything.
Before you begin, get these items: a wrench or socket set that fits your oil drain plug (usually 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, or 17mm), a new oil filter that matches your car's make and model, new oil in the correct grade and quantity for your engine, an oil filter wrench (a metal band tool that grips the filter), a drain pan to catch old oil, jack stands if you need clearance under the car, ramps as an alternative to jacks, newspaper or cardboard to protect your driveway, and rags or paper towels. You'll also need your car's owner's manual or a quick online search to find where the drain plug and filter are located on your specific vehicle.
Check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and amount. The manual will list something like "5W-30" or "10W-40" — these numbers matter, and using the wrong grade can affect engine performance. Most cars need between 4 and 6 quarts, but some need more or less.
Key Takeaways
- You need the correct oil grade and filter for your specific car, which you can find in your owner's manual or by searching your vehicle's year, make, and model online.
- The drain plug is usually on the bottom of the engine and requires a wrench; the filter is typically on the side and comes off by hand after you loosen it with a filter wrench.
- Always let the engine cool for at least five minutes before draining, and never work under a car supported only by a jack — use jack stands or ramps.
- Dispose of old oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station; pouring it down a drain or into soil is illegal in most places.
Getting the car ready and draining old oil
Park on a level surface and let the engine cool for at least five minutes. A warm engine drains faster, but a hot engine can burn you. If you need more clearance under the car, drive it onto ramps or use a jack and jack stands — never crawl under a car held up only by a jack.
Locate the drain plug underneath the engine (check your manual or search online for your car's model). Place your drain pan directly underneath it. Use your wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough, unscrew it by hand, but be ready — old oil may still be warm. Let the oil drain completely into the pan. This takes five to ten minutes. While you wait, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect it for damage; if the threads are stripped or the plug is cracked, you may need a new one.
Replacing the oil filter
The oil filter is usually a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine. Locate it using your manual or a search for your vehicle. Place your drain pan underneath it because old oil will spill when you remove it. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and let the remaining oil drain into the pan.
Before installing the new filter, wipe the rubber gasket surface on the engine where the old filter was attached. This removes dirt and old oil residue. Take your new filter and explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on top of the filter — this helps create a good seal and makes removal easier next time. 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 filter wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.
Installing the drain plug and adding new oil
Wipe the drain plug clean and screw it back in by hand. Once it's snug, use your wrench to tighten it — firm pressure is enough; over-tightening can strip the threads. The plug should be snug but not so tight that you'll struggle to remove it next time.
Open your hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew and remove it. Place a funnel in the opening and slowly pour in the new oil. Add about three-quarters of the amount your manual specifies, then stop and check the dipstick. Pull the dipstick all the way out, wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again and read the level. The oil should reach the "full" mark. Add more oil a little at a time until it reaches full, then replace the oil filler cap.
Starting the engine and checking for leaks
Start the engine and let it run for about a minute. The oil pressure light on your dashboard should turn off within a few seconds. If it stays on, turn off the engine when ready and check that the filter is tight and the drain plug is find.
Turn off the engine and wait five minutes for the oil to settle. Check the dipstick again to confirm the level is still at full. Look underneath the car for any drips around the drain plug or filter. Small drips during the first few minutes are normal as the new filter fills, but steady leaking means something is not tight enough. If you see a leak, tighten the drain plug or filter slightly and recheck.
Disposing of old oil safely
Old oil cannot go in the trash, down a drain, or into the soil. Most auto parts stores that sell oil will take used oil for free, even if you didn't buy from them. Many recycling centers also accept it. Some service stations take it as well. Pour your old oil into a clean container with a lid, label it "used oil," and take it to one of these locations.
Some places may ask you to show proof that the oil came from your own vehicle, so keep your receipt from the new oil you bought. Proper disposal protects groundwater and soil from contamination, and it's required by law in most places.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is using the wrong oil grade. Check your manual every time — do not assume all cars use the same oil. Another mistake is over-tightening the drain plug or filter, which strips the threads and causes leaks on the next change. Hand-tight plus a small amount of wrench pressure is correct for both.
Do not forget to check the oil level after the engine has run and cooled. The dipstick reading is the only way to know if you added the right amount. Overfilling can damage the engine, and underfilling can cause engine wear. Finally, do not skip the old oil disposal step. Pouring it improperly is illegal in most places and harms the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my oil?
Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation. Most modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Older cars or those driven in severe conditions may need changes more often.
What should I do if I spill oil on my driveway?
Spread cat litter, sand, or an absorbent powder over the spill when ready to soak it up. Let it sit for several hours, then sweep it into a bag and dispose of it as hazardous waste at a recycling center. For large spills, contact your local environmental agency for guidance.
What if the oil filter is stuck and won't come loose?
Make sure the filter wrench is gripping it firmly, then explore steady pressure rather than sudden force. Try wrapping a rubber band around the filter for extra grip, or tap the filter gently with a hammer to break the seal. As a last resort, carefully puncture the filter with a nail to release pressure, then try again.
Do I need to warm up the engine before draining?
A slightly warm engine drains faster and more completely than a cold one, but a hot engine can burn your skin. Run the engine for two to three minutes, then turn it off and wait five minutes. This gives you the benefit of faster draining without the burn risk.