Things You'll Need:
- 4 quarts of oil, check owners manual for oil capacity
- new oil filter
- oil drain
- socket wrench w/ sockets
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Step 1
The first step in changing your oil is to gather the materials needed to complete the job. You can change your own oil and save money, if you're using a premium brand oil. You will first need to find out how much oil your engine requires. This information can be found in your owners manual. Most engines hold around 4 quarts. You will also need a new filter, any parts store or retailer can find what filter you need based on your year, make and model. You will also need to purchase an oil drain. These are around $5 but can be reused, and will last forever. Just make sure it will hold more than 4 quarts of oil.
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Step 2
Now that you have purchased the oil, the filter and an oil drain you can now start the oil changing process. Park your car on a level, concrete surface. Make sure the vehicle is turned off, and in park. If you have an emergency brake, make sure it is on. Now you will need to get the vehicle in the air. You can use the jack that is with your spare tire, but I would advise using a 2 or 3 ton floor jack. Place the jack under the vehicle so that it aligns with a solid piece of the frame. Engage the jack so that it touches the bottom of the frame on the car. Suspend the car far enough in the air so that you are able to slide under and move around comfortably.
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Step 3
Now you need to slide the oil drain under the vehicle with you. I would advise putting a large piece of cardboard under the drain so that it covers the pavement a couple feet on each side of the drain. Locate the oil pan drain plug on the oil pan. Sometimes the transmission pan plug is close to this plug, so be careful in identifying the oil pan plug. You will need a socket wrench and socket to remove the drain plug. Break the plug loose and begin loosening the bolt. Do not fully remove the bolt. Once the bolt plug is out far enough to hand loosen, remove the wrench and begin loosening with your hand. The oil will poor forward, so be prepared to adjust the oil drain if needed. The reason for using your hand to remove the plug is so that you don't drop the plug into the oil drain.
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Step 4
Once all the oil has drained, put the oil plug back on and tighten down. Do not over-torque. Now you need to find the oil filter. This is the most difficult part of the job. Oil filters are located on different parts of the engine, based on make and model. It will be cylindrical and be located close to the oil pan. Once you have identified it, you now need to remove it. It most cases, it can be removed by hand. If it is too tight, you will need a filter wrench to grasp the filter and loosen it. Remember, turn right to tight, and left to loosen. You may notice some oil coming out of the filter when you loosen, this is normal.
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Step 5
Now you need to install the new filter. Before screwing on the new filter, dip your finger in a little bit of oil and rub it along the rubber seal on the oil filter. This aids in a tighter, lubricated seal. Screw the new oil filter on. Disengage the hydraulic jack and let the vehicle down. Pull oil drain out from under vehicle.
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Step 6
Open the hood, unscrew the oil cap, and begin pouring in oil through a funnel. This is where you will need to know how much your engine requires. After you have poured the appropriate amount in, you now need to check the oil level. Start the vehicle and let run for a few seconds. Be sure in put the oil cap on before starting your vehicle. Turn off vehicle and pull the dipstick out to check for fluid level. Add more oil as needed.
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Step 7
Let engine run for a few minutes, then turn off. Check under car for any leaks. If you have no leaks, you are good to go.
