Written By: Don Dodi
Fact Checked By: Kristen Brown
Reviewed By: Diego Rosenberg
In simple words engine oil is the blood of the car which keeps your engine alive: and when you skip oil changes then it causes your engine to overheat, seize up or fail completely as well and then the costing will boost up to thousands in repairs.
Actually engine oil lubricates them moving parts inside the engine, that really reduces the wear and tear and it also prevent from overheating and removes the dirt and metallic particles as well.
Not only this, according to the experts: the fresh oil can literally improve fuel efficiency by up to 2% and that extend the engine life by the thousands of miles.
Actually, A two-year European field study showed that when you switching from typical 10W-40 oil to low-viscosity SAE5W‑30 oil then it literally reduces the fuel consumption by 3.7%, this is a real-world figure with measurable savings over time.[¹]
Changing the engine oil at home literally takes less than 30 minutes but it actually saves you hundreds of dollars every year, so just know How to Change Engine Oil in a Car effectively and you’ll be ready to go.
Tools
| Item | What It’s For (Simple Explanation) |
|---|---|
| New Engine Oil | It is a fresh oil that should matches to your car type, so just check your manual for correct type and amount as well. |
| New Oil Filter | A new oil filter virtually traps dirt and microscopic metal particles; it needs to be replaced every time the oil is changed. |
| Oil Filter Wrench | This is actually a special tool that helps you remove the old oil filter easily. |
| Socket Wrench or Spanner | This is used to unscrew the bolt which is also known as drain plug, allowing the old oil to drain out. |
| Oil Drain Pan | This is a wide container that catches the old oil that drains out of your engine. |
| Funnel | This helps you add new oil to your engine without actually spilling it. |
| Car Jack and Jack Stands (or Ramps) | It is basically used to safely lift the car so that you can access the oil plug and filter underneath the car. |
| Gloves and Rags | This really keeps your hands clean and protected from hot or dirty oil; the cloth is good for wiping up spills. |
| Owner’s Manual | It shows the correct oil type, oil filter and oil amount for your specific car. |
| Oil Filter Gasket (optional) | This is actually optional and up to you as it is a small rubber ring that seals the new oil filter. Some filters come with this, but not all. |
What are the Safety Standards to Follow
Therefore, before changing the oil, it is extremely important to prioritize safety. This section explains the important steps you can take to ensure the safety of yourself, your vehicle and your surroundings.
1. Work on a Level Surface
You should always park your car on a flat and level surface before any maintenance work, as this virtually ensures that your car is stable and prevents it from rolling or falling while you are underneath it.
Also, a flat surface helps the old oil drain out completely and evenly, so avoid sloping driveways or uneven ground, as these can be dangerous when lifting the car with a jack or ramp.
2. Let the Engine Cool (But Slightly Warm is Best)
Yes, it is best to let the car’s engine cool down for 15-30 minutes before starting it, because if the engine is too hot, the oil and parts underneath the car can even burn your skin.
However, you shouldn’t wait too long: the oil flows more easily when it warms up a little, bringing with it more dirt and metal particles.
Also, if the engine is cold, the oil may become so thick that it cannot drain completely.
3. Use Wheel Chocks and Jack Stands
So, once you lift the car, wheel chocks which are a small wedge behind the tire and this actually prevents it from rolling.
What’s more, you should always use jack stands after jacking up the car: so never rely on the jack alone.
Hydraulic jacks can also fail suddenly, which can be extremely dangerous.
And jack stands keep the car safely elevated and stable while you’re working underneath.
4. Wear Gloves to Avoid Burns and Mess
So when you wear mechanic gloves it literally helps protect your hands from hot engine parts, sharp edges and dirty oil.
Plus, used engine oil contains really harmful chemicals and can also irritate your skin, which is why gloves make cleanup easier and prevent the oil from getting under your nails or on your clothes.
How to Change Engine Oil in a Car: Step-By-Step Guide
In fact, changing engine oil is easier than it seems if you follow the right steps in the right order. Below is a step-by-step description using simple language and factual information, perfect for beginners.
1. Prepare the Vehicle
Now, before touching anything, make sure your car is on level ground. This keeps the car stable and the oil drains properly.
Then you have to apply the parking brake so that the car doesn’t roll. Safety always comes first.
And after this, you need to lift the car using a jack and place jack stands underneath it to support the car.
Not only that, never work under a car that is only supported by a jack, as this can be really dangerous. If you have ramps, you can use them for an easy and safe lift.
2. Locate the Oil Drain Plug
Plus, you will also need to find the oil drain plug underneath the engine, as it is usually a large bolt on the oil pan. If you are not sure, check your owner’s manual to find where it is.
Simply place the oil drain pan directly under the plug. Make sure it is centered so all the old oil can drain out.
3. Drain the Old Oil
Now, you need to slowly unscrew the drain plug with the help of a socket wrench or spanner. Once it is loose, the oil will start to drain rapidly, so make sure the pan is ready.
Also, you have to let the oil dry completely: this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Also, inspect the drain plug and its gasket (a rubber or metal ring that prevents leaks). If the gasket looks worn or damaged, replace it.
Once the water has drained you will need to reinsert the drain plug and tighten it well – not too much, just enough to stop the leak.
4. Remove the Old Oil Filter
Now, find the oil filter which is usually a round, can-shaped part on the side or bottom of the engine.
Also, use an oil filter wrench to loosen it.
Also, you have to be very careful: some oil will spill, so keep a drain pan underneath.
So, just check if the old rubber gasket is coming off with the filter. If it is stuck to the engine, remove it gently, so never put a new filter over the old gasket.
Simply wipe the mounting surface with a clean cloth so it is dry and clean for the new filter.
5. Install the New Oil Filter
So, before installing the new filter, rub some fresh oil on the new gasket which is the rubber ring on the filter.
This helps it seal properly and makes it easier to remove later.
Now, you’ll need to tighten the new filter by hand: simply turn it in until the gasket touches the surface, then tighten it about 3/4 of a turn more. Don’t overtighten, as this can cause damage or make it difficult to remove later.
6. Add New Engine Oil
Now, open the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
Also, place a funnel into the hole to prevent spillage.
Not only this, you must add new oil in the amount recommended in your owner’s manual. Using too little oil can damage the engine and using too much can cause pressure problems.
Once this is done you will need to screw the oil filler cap back on tightly.
7. Check the Oil Level
Now, start the engine and let it run for 1-2 minutes – this helps the new oil flow through the engine and into the filter.
Simply turn off the engine and wait about 2 minutes, then pull out the dipstick, clean it, reinsert it and check the oil level.
And if the oil level is below the full line, add some more oil and check again. Never overfill.
8. Clean Up
Now you have to look under the car to see if any oil is leaking from the drain plug or filter.
Dispose of used oil and filters properly, as you should never pour it down the drain or throw it in the trash.
Also, most auto parts stores or service centers accept used oil and filters for free recycling.
Simply clean up any oil spills and write down the oil change date and mileage so you remember when to change the oil next.
Here Are Some Beneficial Tips & Warnings Signals
Yes, it is possible, even after changing the oil, there are some important tips and warnings that can protect your engine, save you money and make the oil change more efficient and safe. Below are some important things to keep in mind:
1. Never Over-Tighten the Drain Plug or Filter
Also, when you put the oil drain plug or new oil filter back in, make sure they are tight enough to avoid leaks, but not so tight that they get stuck or damage the threads.
And over-tightening the drain plug can leak the oil pan, which is expensive to fix.
Also, if the filter is too tight, it can be very difficult to remove during the next oil change and may even get crushed or leak.
So, just tighten the plug and filter well: as tight as you can by hand and a small turn is usually enough.
2. Always Double-Check the Oil Level After Driving a Short Distance
So, after you have changed the oil and driven the car for a few minutes (about a block or 1-2 km), turn off the engine, wait for about 2 minutes and check the oil level again using the dipstick.
Sometimes, oil accumulates or gets clogged in the filter and the level may drop slightly.
Keeping the oil at the proper level ensures that your engine has enough lubrication to operate safely and avoid wear.
3. Reset the Oil Change Indicator (If Your Car Has One)
Many newer cars have an oil life monitor or maintenance light that comes on when it’s time to change the oil. After changing the oil, you’ll need to manually reset this system so it can properly track your next change. The reset process is different for every car, so just check your owner’s manual or search online for the specific steps for your vehicle. Ignoring the reset means the warning light could stay on even if you have fresh oil.
4. Mark the Mileage or Date for Your Next Oil Change
Yes, it’s easy to forget when to next change the oil, especially if your car doesn’t have a reminder system.
So after changing the oil, write down the mileage and date in a safe place, as either in your manual, a phone app, or on a sticker on the inside of your windshield.
Data from Polish workshops covering around 200 modern cars showed that 72% of major failures occurred in engines with oil change intervals exceeding 15,000 km and furthermore, engines that actually saw intervals of less than 10,000 km showed very few failures.[²]
Conclusion: How to Change Engine Oil in a Car
So, in less than 30 minutes you can literally add years to your engine’s life: simply by changing its engine oil correctly.
Plus, fresh oil helps your engine parts run smoothly, stay cool and stay clean because it carries away dirt and metal shavings.
So when you skip or delay an oil change it can cause serious engine damage, reduced fuel economy and costly repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.
Plus, you can easily learn to do it yourself, which will not only save you $30 to $70 per replacement but also give you a better understanding of how your vehicle works.
Plus, it builds confidence, adds a valuable skill to your toolbox and it gives you control over the type and quality of oil going into your engine.
And most importantly, it keeps your car running smoothly and reliably.
Just remember to always follow your owner’s manual first and foremost, make safety a top priority and keep track of your oil change intervals.
That’s it from this guide and you can comment down your questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it easy to change your car oil?
Answer: Yes, it is indeed considered easy as even beginners can do it with ease. Moreover, it does not require any special mechanical knowledge as most people can do it with some basic tools and a little time. Moreover, the whole process usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Not only that, you have to drain the old oil, change the oil filter and add new oil. And there are step-by-step instructions for this as well because this is a task that many car owners find easy and satisfying. So basically, the key is to have a safe, level place to work and to carefully follow safety tips. And after you do this once or twice, it really does become a habit and can save you a lot of money over time.
2. Can I change my car engine oil myself?
Answer: Yes, 100%, you can change your car’s engine oil yourself and it’s one of the best DIY car maintenance tasks to learn. And yes, even if you’ve never done it before, it’s easily doable with the right tools and a little patience. Other than that, all you need is the right type of engine oil, a new oil filter and some basic tools like a wrench, oil pan and funnel. You also need a safe place to work, like a driveway or garage. And by doing it yourself, you not only save money, but also get a better idea of your vehicle. So just follow a clear guide, take safety seriously and go at your own pace.
3. What happens if you never change your oil in a car?
Answer: So if you never change your car’s engine oil, it can lead to serious problems later on. Over time, the oil gets really dirty and thick, which means it can no longer lubricate or cool the engine properly. This creates more heat and friction inside the engine, causing the parts to wear out faster. Plus, sludge deposits can block the oil flow completely. If neglected for long periods of time, your engine can overheat, suffer reduced efficiency and eventually stop working altogether. Also, in the worst case scenario, neglecting an oil change can lead to a complete engine failure, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Changing the oil regularly is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly damage.
4. Where is the oil drain plug located?
Answer: So, the oil drain plug is located underneath your car, under the engine’s oil pan. It is a small metal bolt that you unscrew to drain out the old oil when changing the oil. Also, the oil pan is usually found in the front or middle of the underside of the vehicle, as it is located at the lowest point in the oil system, the force of gravity helps drain the oil out quickly once the plug is removed. And to find it easily, all you need to do is check your car’s owner’s manual or look for an image of your specific engine layout online. Therefore, when removing the drain plug you will always need to have a pan underneath to catch the oil and be very careful, as some of the oil may still be hot if the engine has been run recently.
References:
[1] Wolak, A.; Wołosz, M.; Fijorek, K.; Zając, G. Does Engine Oil Type Affect Fuel Consumption in Passenger Vehicles? A Two-Year Investigation. Energies 2024, 17, 2458. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112458
[2] Engine failures and oil change intervals – data from Polish workshops. r/AskMechanics
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/1jbyw6e/engine_failures_and_oil_change_intervals_data/
Guys, I’m a car audio enthusiast and customization expert and I love clear sound and clean installation. Plus, I have spent years helping people build their dream audio setups. And whenever I’m working on cars, I probably listen to music and thinks about the next big upgrade.