What happens during an oil change
An oil change means draining the old oil from your engine, replacing the oil filter, and filling the engine with fresh oil. The whole job takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have never done it before. You will need a wrench, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and new oil — the type and amount depend on your specific car.
The reason you do this is that oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to protect your engine. Fresh oil keeps metal parts from grinding against each other and prevents sludge buildup. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the oil type and your engine — check your owner's manual for the exact interval.
You can do this yourself in a driveway or garage, or you can pay a shop to do it. If you choose to do it yourself, the main risk is spilling oil or not tightening the filter enough, both of which are fixable mistakes.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to know your car's oil type and capacity before you buy supplies — this information is in your owner's manual or on a sticker under the hood.
- The job requires draining old oil into a pan, removing and replacing the filter, and refilling with new oil, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Warm (not hot) oil drains faster, so run the engine for a minute or two before you start, then let it cool for five minutes.
- Hand-tighten the new filter until the rubber seal touches the engine, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more — do not use a wrench to tighten it.
Gather your supplies before you start
Check your owner's manual or look for a sticker on the inside of the hood to find out what oil your car needs. The manual will list the viscosity (usually something like 5W-30 or 10W-40) and the total capacity in quarts. Buy oil in that exact grade — using the wrong type can damage your engine.
You will also need a new oil filter that matches your car's make, model, and year. The parts store can look this up for you if you give them your vehicle information. Buy one filter and one drain pan if you do not already have one. You will also need a socket wrench that fits your drain plug (usually 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm), an oil filter wrench, jack stands if you need to raise the car, and rags or paper towels.
If you do not own these tools, you can borrow them from a friend, rent them from an auto parts store, or buy a basic set for under $50. Many auto parts stores will also lend you an oil filter wrench for free if you buy oil from them.
Warm the engine and locate the drain plug
Start your car and let it idle for one to two minutes. This warms the oil so it flows faster when you drain it. Then turn off the engine and wait five minutes — you want the oil warm but not so hot that it burns your hands.
Locate the drain plug underneath the engine. It is a bolt sticking down from the oil pan, usually on the lowest part of the engine. If you cannot find it, check your owner's manual or search for a photo of your specific car online. You may need to raise the car with a jack and find it with jack stands to reach the plug safely — never work under a car supported only by a jack.
Once you can see the drain plug clearly, position your drain pan directly underneath it. The pan should be large enough to hold all the old oil without spilling — most cars hold 4 to 6 quarts.
Drain the old oil and replace the filter
Use your wrench to loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and set it aside on a clean rag. Oil will flow out — let it drain completely into the pan. This takes five to ten minutes. While you wait, locate the oil filter, which is usually a cylindrical canister screwed onto the side of the engine.
Once the oil has stopped dripping, use your oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter by turning it counterclockwise. Unscrew it by hand and let any remaining oil drain into the pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine clean with a rag.
Take your new filter and rub a thin layer of fresh oil around the rubber seal on top. This helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until the rubber seal touches, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more. Do not use a wrench — hand-tight is correct. If you over-tighten it, you will have trouble removing it next time.
Refill with new oil and check the level
Wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag and screw it back into the oil pan by hand. Once it is snug, use your wrench to tighten it — you want it firm but not so tight that you strip the threads. A good rule is to tighten until you feel resistance, then turn a quarter turn more.
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 your manual specifies, but start with one quart less than the full amount. You will top it off after checking the level.
Screw the oil filler cap back on and start the engine. Let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. This circulates the new oil through the filter. Then locate your dipstick (a long thin rod with markings on it, usually with a yellow or orange handle) and pull it out. Wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it all the way, then 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. Most auto parts stores will take your old oil for free if you bring it in a sealed container. Some will even take it if you did not buy anything from them. Call ahead to confirm they accept it.
If you do not have a way to transport the oil, some shops that do oil changes will dispose of your old oil for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. This is a reasonable cost if you do not want to handle the oil yourself.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you strip the drain plug hole (the threads get damaged and the plug will not tighten), the plug will leak. You can buy an oversized drain plug kit at an auto parts store that includes a larger plug that fits the same hole. If you cannot get the old filter off, wrap a rubber band around it for grip, or tap the filter wrench gently with a hammer to break the seal.
If you overfill the engine with oil, the excess will leak out or cause the engine to smoke. straightforward remove the dipstick, use a turkey baster or small siphon to remove oil until the level is correct, then check again. If you forget to tighten the drain plug and oil leaks out while driving, pull over when ready, do not drive the car, and call for a tow. Driving without oil will destroy the engine in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my car needs an oil change?
Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval in miles or months — this varies widely depending on your car and oil type. Some modern cars go 10,000 miles between changes, while older cars may need one every 3,000 miles. Many cars have a dashboard light that comes on when an oil change is due.
Can I use a different oil type than what the manual says?
No. Using the wrong viscosity or oil type can reduce engine protection and may void your warranty. If you are unsure whether synthetic or conventional oil is right for your car, ask at an auto parts store — they can look it up for you.
What should I do with the old oil filter?
Most auto parts stores will take old filters along with old oil. Some recycling centers also accept them. Do not throw it in the trash — it still contains oil that needs proper disposal.
Do I need to raise my car to change the oil?
It depends on your car's ground clearance. Some cars sit high enough that you can reach the drain plug without raising them. Others require a jack and jack stands. Check underneath your car first — if you cannot comfortably reach the plug, you will need to raise it safely.
What if I spill oil on the driveway?
Spilled oil can stain concrete and harm the environment. Contain it when ready with rags or kitty litter, then clean the area with a degreaser or pressure washer. If the spill is large, contact your local environmental agency for guidance on cleanup.