What you need to do before starting a Hyundai oil change

An oil change in a Hyundai follows the same basic steps as any other car, but the location of the drain plug, filter, and fill cap varies by model year and engine size. Before you begin, you need to know three things: your engine size (usually found on the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual), the correct oil type and capacity for that engine, and whether your Hyundai has a cartridge-style filter (which screws into the top of the engine) or a spin-on filter (which screws onto the side). Most Hyundais from 2010 onward use cartridge filters, but some older models and certain engine variants use spin-on filters.

Gather your supplies before you get under the car. You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench or socket set to remove the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, fresh oil in the correct grade and quantity, a new oil filter, and jack stands if you are raising the vehicle. Check your owner's manual for the exact oil specification—Hyundai typically recommends 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on the model and year, but do not assume. The manual also lists the oil capacity, which ranges from about 3.5 quarts on smaller engines to 5.5 quarts on larger ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the drain plug underneath the engine, the oil filter (either on top or the side of the engine), and the oil fill cap before you start, using your owner's manual to find exact locations for your model year.
  • Warm the engine for two to three minutes before draining so the oil flows more easily, then turn it off and wait five minutes before removing the drain plug.
  • Replace the crush washer on the drain plug every time you change oil, and hand-tighten the new filter rather than using a wrench, which can crack the seal.
  • Fill with the correct oil type and quantity for your engine, start the engine to circulate the new oil, turn it off, wait two minutes, then check the level on the dipstick or digital gauge.

Warming the engine and draining old oil

Start the engine and let it run for two to three minutes, then turn it off. This warms the oil so it drains faster and more completely. Wait five minutes before you begin—the oil is hot enough to flow freely but cool enough to touch the drain pan safely. If you are raising the vehicle, use jack stands on both sides under the frame, never relying on a jack alone.

Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the engine pan. On most Hyundais, it is on the passenger side of the engine, roughly in the center of the pan. Position your drain pan underneath, then use a wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and let the oil drain completely into the pan. This takes five to ten minutes. While you wait, inspect the old drain plug for damage—if the threads are stripped or the plug is cracked, you may need to replace it.

Replacing the drain plug and removing the old filter

Before reinstalling the drain plug, replace the crush washer (the small metal ring under the plug head). This washer seals the plug and should never be reused. Slide the new washer onto the plug, then thread the plug back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a wrench to snug it down—firm enough that it does not leak, but not so tight that you strip the threads. Most drain plugs need only about 25 foot-pounds of torque, which feels like a firm handshake with a wrench.

Now locate the oil filter. If your Hyundai has a cartridge filter (most common), it is on top of the engine under a large plastic cap. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise using an oil filter wrench, then lift out the old filter element and rubber seal. If your model has a spin-on filter on the side of the engine, use an oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it comes free. Drain any remaining oil from the old filter into your pan.

Installing the new filter and refilling with oil

For a cartridge filter, place the new rubber seal and filter element into the cap, then screw the cap back onto the engine by hand until it is snug. Do not use a wrench—hand-tight is correct. For a spin-on filter, explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter, then thread it onto the engine by hand. Once the gasket touches the engine, turn it another three-quarters of a turn. Again, hand-tight is the goal; over-tightening can crack the seal and cause leaks.

Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine and pour in the new oil slowly, checking the level as you go. Most Hyundais hold between 3.5 and 5.5 quarts, depending on the engine. If your car has a traditional dipstick, insert it fully, pull it out, and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. If your Hyundai has a digital oil level gauge (common on newer models), start the engine, let it idle for 30 seconds, turn it off, wait two minutes, then check the gauge on the dashboard. Add oil in small amounts until the level is correct.

Checking for leaks and resetting the service indicator

Start the engine and let it idle for one minute. The oil pressure light on the dashboard should go out 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. Once the light is off, turn off the engine and wait two minutes, then check the oil level again using the same method you used before. Top up if needed.

Inspect the drain plug and filter for leaks. If you see drips, turn off the engine and tighten the drain plug or filter slightly. Many newer Hyundais have an oil change service indicator on the dashboard. To reset it, turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within ten seconds, then turn the ignition off. The light should go out. If your model does not have this feature, you may need to reset it through the infotainment system—consult your owner's manual for the exact steps.

Disposing of old oil and filter

Do not pour old oil down a drain or into the ground. Most auto parts stores that sell oil will take used oil and filters for free, even if you did not purchase supplies from them. Some service stations and quick-lube shops also accept used oil. Call ahead to confirm they accept it, then bring your drain pan and old filter in a sealed container.

Many stores will give you a small discount on your next purchase if you bring in used oil. Check with retailers in your area—most major chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA have free used oil programs. If you cannot find a local option, search online for "used oil recycling near me" or contact your city's waste management department for drop-off locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my Hyundai?

Hyundai recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months for most models, whichever comes first. Some newer Hyundais with synthetic oil can go 10,000 miles between changes. Check your owner's manual or the maintenance schedule in your glove box for your specific model year and engine type.

Can I use synthetic oil in my Hyundai instead of conventional?

Yes. Synthetic oil meets or exceeds Hyundai's specifications and lasts longer between changes. If you switch from conventional to synthetic, you do not need to flush the engine—just drain the old oil and refill with synthetic. However, if you have been using synthetic, switching back to conventional is not recommended because it does not protect as well.

What if I cannot get the drain plug loose?

explore penetrating oil like WD-40 around the plug and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Use a properly fitting wrench—a wrench that is too small will round the corners of the plug. If the plug is still stuck, tap it gently with a hammer to break the corrosion, then try again. If it remains stuck, you may need a professional mechanic to remove it.

Do I need to replace the drain plug crush washer every time?

Yes. The crush washer is designed to seal only once. Reusing it can cause slow leaks. They are inexpensive and usually come with a new filter or drain plug kit, so always install a fresh one.

What should I do with the old oil and filter?

Take them to an auto parts store, service station, or recycling center that accepts used oil and filters. Most stores that sell oil will take used oil for free. Never pour it down a drain, into the ground, or into the trash.