How to Change Oil and Oil Filter

Changing the oil and oil filter in your car is necessary to keep your car running smoothly and trouble-free. It is a simple and quick job that you can do it yourself. If you do, you can save money and avoid waiting in line at the garage.

Things You’ll Need:

• Protective clothes and heavy latex work gloves


• Safety glasses or goggles


• Box end wrench to remove the drain plug


• Drain pan


• Oil


• Oil filter


• Oil filter wrench


• Metal and rubber washers


• Automotive grade funnel


• Rags

1. Pick a spot to change the oil. Find a level spot where you will be able to get under the car. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to heat the oil so that it will drain completely.


2.  Drain the old oil. Turn the engine off and put on your protective goggles and gloves. Get under the vehicle. Put the drain pan underneath the drain plug. The plug is a hexagonal bolt head on bottom of the oil pan. With the box wrench, loosen the plug by turning it slowly counter-clockwise until you see oil begin to seep. Let the plug drop into the oil pan as it will be hot. Allow the oil to drain completely.


3. Replace the drain plug. Remove the plug carefully from the drain pan and clean it with a rag. Replace any worn or damaged washers. Wipe the area around the drain hole with a rag and insert the plug. Tighten it with the box wrench, but be careful not to tighten it too much.


4. Remove the oil filter. Reposition the drain pan beneath the filter, which is usually on the side of the engine toward the bottom. Put the filter wrench around the filter and turn counter-clockwise to loosen the filter. Remove the filter and filter gasket carefully, as they may be hot. Clean the filter mount with a rag, and allow any oil to drain into the drain pan.


5. Install the new filter. Give the filter gasket a thin coating of clean oil. Screw the new filter with the gasket into the threaded mounting. Rotate it until the gasket meets the metal and then give it an additional half turn.


6. Fill with new oil. Leave the underside of the car and look under the hood. On top of the engine, find the oil fill cap that says "oil." Remove the oil cap and insert the funnel. Pour in the oil. Wipe off any spilled oil and replace the oil cap.


7. Start the engine. Look under the car for any leakage. Shut off the engine. After a moment, check the oil level with the oil dipstick. Dispose of the used oil according to local hazardous waste laws.

All auto manufacturers recommend regularly replacing the oil and filter. If you change it yourself, you will help your car and your wallet.