How to Perform an Oil Change in 10 Steps

An oil change can be done in a proper service station or at home. Here’s how to perform one by yourself in 10 steps.

The almighty oil change is an extremely important preventative maintenance task which must be performed regularly. Your local auto shop can do it for you, or you can learn to perform an oil change for yourself. If you’re interested in learning one more DIY skill, here are 10 steps to follow.

1) Start with a warm engine rather than a cold one, but be sure that it is not too hot to touch before you begin the oil change.

2) Put on the emergency brake, put vehicle in “Park” and chock wheels. Use a jack on a level surface, and make sure that it is stable. If there is dirt under the car, get a tarp if you would like to keep your clothes clean.

3) You should have a container which will tolerate the heat and quantity of the lubricant. For normal cars and SUVS, expect to drain 4-6 quarts. Parts stores also sell a lined box to drain the lubricant into, or you can get a metal pan, which is reusable for life.

4) The plug to drain the pan is at the bottom, usually toward the rear or side of the pan. Your Auto parts professional can usually show you the drain plug and filter, or you can consult the vehicle's owner or repair manual.

5) Filters are different for each vehicle, and you should know the model, year and engine of your vehicle before you buy oil and filter. These two must always be changed at the same time.

6) When you pull the plug, everything can come pouring out rather quickly. Be sure that you have your drain pan under the engine BEFORE you begin draining the oil to avoid any nasty spills.

7) Be sure to have the proper size wrench for the plug before you drain the lubricant. Improvised tools are awkward to use and may damage the plug.

8) Discard the old fluids and products in an environmentally responsible way. There are likely designated disposal stations in your community; ask a local service station if you are unsure.

9) Clean the area where the old filter used to sit on the engine. Before installing the new one, moisten the rubber gasket with a bit of motor oil. Spin the new one on to the place where the old one was. Tighten until there is contact, then screw it on another half turn. Do not over tighten or it may leak, resulting in engine damage.

10) Add the new oil through the top of the engine. This is also a great opportunity to check fittings, fan belts, brake fluid, coolants, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. These are all important to enhancing the safety and life of your car.

Refer to the vehicle's owner’s manual or a parts professional to ascertain the proper amount to put in Do not overfill. When you get a quart from capacity, check the level with the dipstick to get the proper top off amount. Then replace the cap and start the engine. The pressure light should go off in the first few seconds. If it stays on, turn off the engine immediately and look for leaks or improperly installed equipment. If the light goes off, turn off the car, crawl under one more time and check for leaks. If all is okay, you can let the car down off the jack, remove chocks and you are set. Congratulations! You’ve done it yourself.

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