Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for its longevity and performance. One of the most fundamental maintenance tasks is the oil change. Many car owners might feel intimidated by the process, but changing your oil is actually a straightforward job that can be done in your own garage with a few basic tools. This guide, inspired by expert automotive technician John Wrigley, will walk you through essential Oil Change Steps, saving you money and empowering you to take care of your car.
Step 1: Safely Elevate Your Vehicle
The first step in performing an oil change is to safely gain access to the underside of your vehicle. This is necessary to reach the oil pan drain plug. You have a couple of options for safely elevating your car:
- Ramps: If you have ramps, driving your vehicle onto them is often the easiest method. Ensure the ramps are properly rated for the weight of your vehicle and are placed on a level surface.
- Jack and Jack Stands: Alternatively, you can use a jack to lift your vehicle and then securely support it with jack stands. Always use jack stands – never rely solely on a jack to hold the vehicle’s weight while you are working underneath. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct jacking points.
Alt: Automotive students learning oil change steps with instructor John Wrigley, demonstrating practical vehicle maintenance in a workshop setting.
Step 2: Drain the Old Engine Oil
Once your vehicle is safely elevated, locate the oil pan drain plug underneath the engine. Place a drain pan with sufficient capacity to hold all the old oil beneath the drain plug. It’s better to use a larger pan to avoid spills.
Using the correct size socket wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Once loosened, you can usually remove it by hand. Be prepared for the oil to start draining immediately as you unscrew the plug. Keep a firm grip on the plug as you remove it to prevent it from falling into the drain pan and getting lost in the used oil.
Caution: Used engine oil can be hot, especially if the engine has been running recently. Allow your engine to cool down for a bit before starting the oil change to avoid burns.
Step 3: Inspect Your Vehicle While Oil Drains
While the old oil is draining, take this opportunity to perform a quick visual inspection of other components under your vehicle. Check for:
- Leaks: Look for any signs of oil leaks around seals, gaskets, or hoses.
- Damage: Inspect the undercarriage for any damage to exhaust components, suspension parts, or the chassis.
- Wear and Tear: Observe the condition of belts and hoses for cracks or wear.
This proactive inspection can help you identify potential issues early on.
Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug with Correct Torque
After the oil has completely drained (this usually takes several minutes), it’s time to reinstall the drain plug.
First, clean the drain plug and the surrounding oil pan threads with a clean rag. Inspect the drain plug for any damage to the threads or the sealing washer. Replace the washer if it’s worn or damaged. Some drain plugs use a crush washer that should be replaced every oil change to ensure a proper seal.
Thread the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once it’s hand-tight, use your socket wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer-specified torque. This is a critical step. Over-tightening can damage the oil pan or strip the threads, while under-tightening can lead to leaks. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a reliable repair manual for the correct torque specification. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten it snugly but avoid excessive force.
Step 5: Remove the Old Oil Filter
Locate the oil filter. Its position varies depending on the vehicle make and model. You may need an oil filter wrench to remove it, as they can sometimes be quite tight. Place your drain pan beneath the oil filter area as some residual oil will spill out when you remove it.
Unscrew the old oil filter in a counter-clockwise direction. Be prepared for some oil to drip out as you remove it. Dispose of the old oil filter properly according to local regulations.
Step 6: Prepare the New Oil Filter
Before installing the new oil filter, clean the oil filter mounting surface on the engine block. Make sure the old oil filter’s O-ring gasket is not stuck to the mounting surface. Remove it if it is.
Take your new oil filter and lightly lubricate the rubber O-ring gasket with fresh, clean engine oil. This helps create a better seal and makes it easier to remove the filter during the next oil change.
Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter
Thread the new, lubricated oil filter onto the engine mounting plate by hand. Screw it on until the rubber O-ring makes contact with the mounting surface. Once it makes contact, tighten it by hand an additional ¾ to 1 full turn. Always refer to the instructions on your new oil filter box, as tightening specifications can vary slightly between brands. Avoid over-tightening the oil filter, as this can damage the seal and make it difficult to remove later.
Step 8: Add New Engine Oil
Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the engine oil fill cap. Remove the cap. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the correct type and amount of engine oil your vehicle requires. Using a funnel, pour the specified amount of new engine oil into the engine. Using a funnel prevents spills and ensures the oil goes directly into the fill opening.
Step 9: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
Replace the oil fill cap securely. Start your vehicle’s engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds to allow the new oil to circulate and the oil filter to fill up. While the engine is idling, carefully inspect the drain plug and oil filter areas for any oil leaks. If you see any leaks, immediately shut off the engine and address the issue before proceeding. It might be necessary to tighten the drain plug or oil filter slightly more, but be cautious not to over-tighten.
Step 10: Final Oil Level Check
Turn off the engine and wait for a few minutes (at least 30 seconds) to allow the oil to settle back into the oil pan. Locate the dipstick, usually marked with a bright handle. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a lint-free rag, and then reinsert it fully. Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If it’s below the minimum mark, add more oil in small increments, rechecking the level each time, until it reaches the correct level. Avoid overfilling.
Once you have confirmed the correct oil level, you have successfully completed your DIY oil change! Remember to properly dispose of the used oil and old oil filter at a designated recycling center or auto parts store. Regularly changing your oil is a key step in maintaining your vehicle’s engine health and ensuring its optimal performance for years to come.
