How to change engine oil and oil filter in your car

Change engine oil and filter is one of the most critical things you can do to keep your car in the best possible condition. Oil in a car is like blood in our bodies: it circulates throughout the engine and keeps everything functioning properly. Oil and filter replacements should be done on a regular basis to benefit your car and its performance.

Change engine oil tools

Make sure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment before you open the hood and begin this task. Here’s everything you’ll need to change engine oil:

The proper amount and grade of engine oil – see your owner’s manual for requirements.
A high-quality oil filter – see your owner’s manual for requirements.
A socket wrench
An oil filter wrench
A funnel
Something to catch the old engine oil, such as an oil pan or bucket
Rags

Step-by-step guide to change engine oil

1. Drain the old engine oil from the car.

Start your car and let it run for a minute or two, or take it for a fast drive around the block, before draining the engine oil. This will warm up the engine oil and allow it to flow out smoothly.
Next, make sure you have a secure location to change your oil – a driveway or garage will suffice, and flat ground is required.
Locate the oil pan and drain plug under the vehicle. Please keep in mind that the engine can be hot. Before attempting to locate the drain plug, make sure the engine is cold enough to touch.

To access underneath the automobile, you may need to jack it up. Always utilize a jack stand while getting underneath a car that is only supported by a jack.
Remove the drain plug by loosening it (counterclockwise) with the proper wrench and unscrewing it. Hold on to the drain plug as you remove it; the oil will start pouring out as you pull it away from the oil pan. Allow the engine to drain for five minutes or until the flow of oil has slowed to a trickle. Caution: The engine oil may be hot.
Once the oil stream slows to a drip, reinstall the drain plug by hand and tighten it with a quarter turn clockwise with the wrench.

2. Replace the oil filter

Locate the oil filter while keeping the oil drain pan underneath the automobile.
Turn it anticlockwise with the filter wrench to loosen it. Remove the oil filter by hand..
Apply a small amount of engine oil to the new gasket before fitting the new oil filter. The gasket will not stick, fracture, or cause an oil leak as a result of this.
Finally, replace the oil filter and tighten it by hand.

3. Add the new engine oil

It’s now time to change the oil in the engine. Keep in mind that you should use the recommended grade and volume of engine oil as specified in the owner’s manual.

Loosen the oil-filler cap and pour your engine oil into the tank. Using a funnel will help you avoid spilling. When finished, replace the oil cap and wipe away any spilled engine oil. Start your engine and run it for a minute to allow the new engine oil to circulate thoroughly.
You’re almost done. But don’t drive off yet, because you need to check the oil level. To do this, turn off the car and remove and clean the dipstick.
Insert and remove it once more, this time checking that the oil has the correct reading. Screw the cap back on and give yourself a pat on the back.

4. Clean up and recycle your engine oil

Place the old oil filter in a plastic bag and pour the old engine oil from the pan into a used oil container.
Engine oil should be recycled whenever possible. Used engine oil and used oil filters are accepted at some service locations for free.
Finally, dispose of the oily rags responsibly, ensuring that this is done responsibly in accordance to applicable legislation. You and your set of wheels are now good to go.
Write down the date you performed the oil change and the amount of miles the car had so you know when your next change is due. Don’t forget to change your engine oil on a regular basis.

Please note: The information on how to change your oil and oil filter is provided for informational purposes only. CarMechanicWorkshop.com accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by changing the oil and oil filter on your vehicle. It is the user’s sole responsibility to ensure that the oil and oil filter change is carried out correctly.

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