Auto repair shops often charge a lot of money for an engine oil change. Would you like to try doing the oil change yourself instead?
In this article, you will learn how to change your engine oil at home for the most common car models.
I will not assume any responsibility if YOU do something wrong by following this guide. You should always consult your car’s manual if you are unsure of what you are doing.
Before taking any action, you must first know the amount of oil needed for your engine and ensure you buy the correct oil filter for your vehicle.
Also check your car’s manual for the correct oil quality for your engine. You can learn more about oil qualities in our other article here: engine oil 10w30 vs 10w40.
If you cannot find the right information about your car, call your dealer and ask for these details. You can often ask any auto parts store.
Step 2: Jack up the car safely
Lift your car and make sure to do it safely!
Always use jack stands when doing anything under your car. Using a jack alone is not enough. It can break, and you don’t want a vehicle falling on you! Safety first!
Refer to your manual for where to place the jack stands and the jack to lift your car safely.
If you are unsure how to proceed safely, I recommend watching this good YouTube video first!
Step 3: Remove the plastic cover underneath the engine
Many cars have a plastic cover under the engine that must be removed before you can reach the oil drain plug and filter.
Some cars like BMW and Kia have a prefabricated hatch on the plastic cover for the oil filter and drain plug. If that is the case, you do not need to remove the entire plastic engine cover.
But if you are not a car expert, I suggest removing it anyway, as the process is much easier and you won’t end up spilling oil everywhere.
Step 4: Replace your oil filter
You should always replace the engine oil filter first if you have an insert oil filter on top of the engine. The reason is that the oil filter housing contains oil, and when you remove the oil filter, older, dirty oil flows into the oil pan.
If you have an insert filter, the most common location for it is on top of the engine. Find it and replace it. Replace all O-rings and ensure the oil filter cap is tightened to the specified torque.
If you have a cartridge filter, the most common installation position is under the engine.
If you have a cartridge filter, it doesn’t matter whether you replace the oil filter before or after the oil change.
Here are some common oil filter locations.
Step 5: Drain the oil
Locate the drain plug on the oil pan under the engine. You must be 100% sure you are unscrewing the correct bolt. If you accidentally remove the transmission bolt, it takes some work to refill the transmission.
Consult your engine’s maintenance manual if you are unsure of the oil drain plug location on your vehicle.
Remove the drain plug and let all the oil drain out.
Replace both the oil drain plug and the gasket. In some cases, if the oil drain plug looks fine, you may only need to replace the gasket.
If you do not replace the gasket, the risk of an oil leak is much higher. Use a torque wrench to tighten the oil drain plug to the correct torque. For the correct torque specifications, refer to your maintenance manual.
Step 6: Fill up the engine oil
It is now time to fill up with new, fresh engine oil. Make sure to fill the correct amount through the oil filler cap on top of the engine and ensure you do not spill it on hot parts such as the exhaust manifold.
You can remove the dipstick to allow air to escape from the engine while you fill it. This makes it easier for the oil to enter the engine.
After filling your engine oil with the correct amount, you should check your dipstick. It should now be slightly above the MAX symbol because the oil filter is empty.
Step 7: Start your engine
Start your engine and make sure the red oil pressure warning light on your dashboard comes on and then turns off after a few seconds.
Let your engine idle for about 15 seconds to ensure the new oil filter is filled with oil, then turn off the engine.
Step 8: Check your dipstick
After idling your engine for about 15 seconds, you should turn off your engine and let it sit for 5 minutes. This gives the engine oil time to drain into the oil pan.
Check your dipstick and ensure the oil level is between the Min and Max marks.
In 95% of cases, the level should be on the Max mark. However, on some vehicles, it should be between the Min and Max marks. Check your maintenance manual again for the exact information for your car.
Step 9: Start your engine and let it idle
If your oil level is correct, you can now start your engine and let it idle for 10 minutes or take it for a test drive.
Before the test drive, make sure there is no oil leaking from the threaded plug or the filter.
Step 10: Final step
After your test drive, you should lift your vehicle again and look for signs of oil leaks at the oil filter or oil drain plug.
If everything is fine, you can now replace the plastic cover under the engine.
Check the oil dipstick again to ensure the oil level is correct.
Congratulations, your oil change is now complete, and you have saved a lot of money!
Conclusion
It is not difficult to replace the oil yourself at home if you are careful and follow the instructions closely!
If you have any questions about your oil change, feel free to comment below, and I will answer your questions as soon as possible!