How to Change Oil in a Car (2024)

Why Changing Oil is Crucial

Changing your car’s oil can’t undo past problems, but it certainly helps to prevent new ones. Oil serves as the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating its components, reducing friction, and carrying away heat. Over time, engine oil breaks down, loses its effectiveness, and can become contaminated with debris. Regular oil changes are crucial because they:

• Prolong engine life. Clean oil helps reduce wear and tear on engine parts, extending its lifespan.
• Enhance fuel efficiency. Fresh oil allows the engine to operate more efficiently, improving gas mileage.
• Boost performance. A well-lubricated engine performs better, providing a smoother and more powerful ride.
• Prevent costly repairs. Neglecting oil changes can lead to expensive engine damage.

It’s important to recognize the signs that your car is due for an oil change, which may include:

• Oil pressure light. If a light shaped like an oil can illuminates on your dashboard, it could be a sign of low oil or sludge buildup that’s blocking oil flow.
• Loud engine noise. An unusually loud engine noise, often described as knocking or tapping, can be a symptom of inadequate lubrication.
• Dirty or dark oil. Checking your oil level and color on the dipstick can give you a quick indication of its condition. Clean oil is amber or light brown, while dirty oil is dark and sludgy.
• An indicator is lit on the dash. A ‘service required’ warning on the cluster or another maintenance reminder might come up. Often, it indicates oil life remaining, and anything under 10% means it’s urgent to get it done.

Before you dive into changing your car’s oil, gather the right tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
• Oil drain pan to collect the old oil for disposal.
• Socket set for loosening and tightening the oil drain plug.
• Oil filter that’s correct for your vehicle’s make and model.
• New engine oil of the recommended oil type and quantity for your engine.
• Oil funnel to pour the new oil in.
• Oil filter gasket if necessary. It’s usually included with the new oil filter.
• Oil filter wrench to remove and replace the oil filter.

Maintaining an organized workspace can make the process go so much smoother. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:

• Choose the right location. Park your car on a level surface and ensure you have enough space to work comfortably.
• Gather your tools and materials first. Lay out everything you need in advance, so you don’t have to hunt for items while working.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and consider using gloves to protect your hands.
• Have safety equipment nearby. Keep safety equipment like gloves, safety goggles, and a fire extinguisher within reach.

Step-by-Step Oil Change Process

Now that you’re prepared let’s dive into the step-by-step process of changing your car’s oil.

Locate the Oil Drain Plug and Filter

• Step 1: Locate the drain plug. Typically, it’s at the rear side of the engine oil pan at the bottom. Position the oil drain pan beneath the oil drain plug.
• Step 2: Locate the oil filter. It will be either a metal cylinder that threads onto an oil filter adapter under your car or at the side of the engine, or it will be a cartridge that’s inserted into a housing under the hood. If you’re having trouble identifying the oil filter on your car, look in your owner’s manual.

Drain the Old Oil and Replacing the Filter

• Step 3: Drain the oil. Use the socket set to carefully loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the pan.
• Step 4: Remove the oil filter. Once the oil is drained, remove the old oil filter using an oil filter wrench for cylinders, or remove the cap on the housing under the hood and pull out the old cartridge.
• Step 5: Lubricate the gasket. Before installing the new filter, apply a small amount of fresh oil to the rubber gasket. This will help promote a seal and let you tighten it enough.
• Step 6: Install the oil filter. Screw the new oil filter onto the filter housing, ensuring it’s snug but not over-tightened.
• Step 7: Tighten the drain plug. Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely. It’s often recommended to torque the drain plug to around 30 lb-ft, but check your owner’s manual for the correct spec for your car.

Add New Oil and Check the Level

• Step 8: Add oil. Using a funnel, pour the recommended amount of new motor oil into the engine. When you’re done, it should be between the ‘FULL’ and ‘ADD’ marks on the dipstick.
• Step 9: Run the engine and recheck the level. Run the engine to circulate the oil throughout. Then, recheck the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary, but avoid overfilling.

Always use the proper equipment and be safe and careful when you’re working on your car. If you jack up the front end of your car to change the oil, chock the rear wheels to prevent it from rolling and engage the parking brake. Let the engine cool sufficiently so you won’t burn yourself when you’re working on the engine or near the exhaust.

Then, at the end, double-check that there aren’t leaks or drips under your car.

Oil Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Never dispose of used oil by pouring it down the drain or on the ground. Improper disposal of used oil can harm the environment, contaminating soil and water sources. Recycling used oil ensures that it can be cleaned and reused, reducing the need for new oil production and its associated environmental impact.

Instead, transfer the used oil from your drain pan to a sealable container. Take the used oil to a local recycling center. And of course, AutoZone accepts old oil so it can be properly disposed of and recycled, keeping our environment cleaner.

Oil Change Frequency and Maintenance Tips

Oil change intervals can vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and the type of oil used. A general guideline is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or as recommended in your car’s manual. However, modern vehicles and synthetic oils may allow for longer intervals – sometimes up to 15,000 miles or one year. Always consult your manual for specific recommendations.

Regular oil changes are just one part of maintaining your vehicle. Consider these additional maintenance tasks to keep your car in top shape:

• Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly.
• Check the wiper blades and replace them as necessary, typically once a year. Periodically inspect the brakes, suspension, and steering, and lubricate any service points.
• Check and top off fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
• Replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter as recommended in your car’s manual, usually once per year.

Shop at your local AutoZone for your engine oil and filter, and any other fluids or parts you need to service your vehicle. You’ll find top products and brands as well as helpful advice in-store and online.

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