Getting Ready
Step1
Gather necessary tools and materials (refer to Necessary Items list). If you plan to change your oil regularly, consider investing in jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan.
Step2
Run the car's engine for 10 minutes before you drain the oil. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil.
Step3
Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely.
Step4
Open the hood and place the new oil and funnel on top of the engine to ensure that you won't forget to add oil afterwards (an expensive mistake that many do-it-yourselfers make!).
Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter
Step1
Crawl under the car once it is securely supported.
Step2
Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.
Step3
Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Remember: turn counterclockwise to remove bolts.
Step4
Remove the plug by hand. Be prepared for the rush of hot oil!
Step5
Let the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug.
Step6
Reposition the pan, if necessary, to catch all the dripping oil.
Step7
Wipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining.
Step8
Replace the drain plug gasket.
Step9
Reinstall the plug. Always start threading any bolts or screws by hand to prevent cross threading.
Step10
Tighten with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten the plug.
Step11
Locate the existing oil filter. Oil filters are usually on the side of the engine.
Step12
Position the oil pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil.
Step13
Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.
Step14
Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.
Step15
Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.
Step16
Screw the new filter into place by hand. It's usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it at the ready if you're grip's not strong (or large) enough.
Installing New Oil and Cleaning Up
Step1
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it.
Step2
Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil. Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil. Check your manual for the correct oil capacity.
Step3
Replace the cap when you're finished.
Step4
Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
Step5
Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.
Step6
Use rags and newspapers to wipe away excess oil.
Step7
Pour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools.
Step8
Dispose the used oil properly: either bring it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop that can recycle it for you. Don't pour it down the sewer!
Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.
Comments
Candidshots32 said
on 6/17/2008 well said.. helps a lot..
toddjos said
on 4/1/2008 The video on this one is not working for me. There are some pictures on this page that helped me.http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_change_oil_filter.htm this helped me.
toddjos said
on 4/1/2008 The video on this one is not working for me. There are some pictures on this page that helped me.http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_change_oil_filter.htm this helped me.
toddjos said
on 4/1/2008 The video on this one is not working for me. There are some pictures on this page that helped me.http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_change_oil_filter.htm this helped me.
marcat said
on 3/15/2008 If you can, use surgical rubber gloves when changing oil. It is much easier to clean and wash hands after. Don't forget to dispose the used gloves properly. These gloves are very usefull in other clean-up tasks as well.