How to Change Motor Oil

One of the most important things you can do to make sure your vehicle runs efficiently is to change your engine oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Doing so you will increase the engine life and functionality. If you have a busy schedule it can be difficult to schedule an appointment with a garage. Learn how to change your own oil and do it when it is convenient for you.

1. Car Manual 
2.  5-7 quarts of motor oil (type and amount depend on your vehicle)
3. New oil filter
4. Oil filter wrenches
5. Oil drain pan
6. Plastic container (to properly discard oil)
7. Funnel
8. Gloves
9. Old Rags
10. Wheel Ramp or Car Jacks
11. Blocks to wedge behind tires
12. Adjustable Wrench

Step One: Before changing your motor oil, run your vehicle for at least 10 minutes. Warm oil will drain faster than cold oil. However be careful not to burn yourself on the engine block or oil.

Step Two: Make sure you park your car on a flat surface. Even a slight incline could cause the car to roll. There are two different ways you can elevate your car, by up using car jacks or wheel ramps. If you chose car jacks, you would need jack stands as well to secure the front of your vehicle after it’s lifted. When using wheel ramps, position them ahead of your front tires and then drive up the ramp. It is a good idea to have someone outside the vehicle to guide you, so you do not drive off. Put your emergency brake on and wedge blocks behind your rear tires to secure the vehicle.

Step Three: Once the vehicle is safely supported, crawl under. For comfort, you may use a car creeper to lie on and roll under the vehicle. Now you will need to drain out the old oil. Find the oil drain plug. Your car manual can probably tell you the exact location. Place the drain pan underneath the plug. Using your wrench unscrew the drain plug. When you are able to loosen the plug by hand continue to apply pressure so the oil does not leak onto your hands. Also be careful the plug may be hot, wear gloves. Adjust the position of your drain pan to catch all the oil. Wait until the oil finishes draining then wipe off the drain plug and drain opening with some old rags. Screw the plug back in.

Step Four: Now look for your oil filter they are usually located on the side of the engine. Use your oil filter wrench and turn counterclockwise. The wrench will tighten around the filter and then you can unscrew it. Be careful when pulling the old filter out, left over oil may leak out. Using a little bit of new oil, lubricate the side of the filter that comes in contact with the engine. Screw the new oil filter in by hand, do not over tighten.

Step Five: Next you need to refill the oil. Find the oil cap on top of the engine. Remove the cap and place a funnel in the hole. Fill the engine with the appropriate amount and type of oil. Check your car manual for this information or consult a local auto parts store. If you are not sure put a little in at a time and check the dip stick to make sure you have enough. Run your engine for a minute then check the dip stick again to make sure you have the correct amount. Finally check to make sure no oil is leaking around the plug and filter. Tighten the drain plug or oil filter slightly to stop the leaking.

Step Six: After the used oil cools pour it into a plastic container and dispose of it properly. Bring the oil somewhere that will recycle it. Never poor the used oil into the ground or sewer system. Job well done you have completed your first of many oil changes.

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Aubuchon Hardware

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