How to Change Your Car’s Oil at Home – Step-by-Step Guide

Routine oil changes are at the top of the list when it comes to good car maintenance for ensuring an engine runs well. Oil serves to lubricate the moving parts within the engine, to prevent overheating, and to remove impurities. Most motorists know they need to go to a garage and book an oil change, but this can be at home, at least with the required equipment and know-how.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we're going to get you through the process of safely changing your car's oil, both saving you money and keeping your vehicle running properly.

Reasons to Change The Oil of Your Vehicle

Now that we are into its steps, first let us understand that why oil change is very much essential for the better health of a car:

✅ Introduces a Lubrication Effect — Inhibits Friction and Reduces Wear on Moving Parts

✅ Engine Cooling — to run cool.

✅ Cleans up Gunk & Sludge: Ensures the engine runs clean by washing away contaminants.

✅ Better Fuel Economy — Dirty oil will make your engine work harder.

✅ Prolongs Engine Service Life: Reduces damage to the engine prolongs car life.

What is the frequency of changing motor oil?

• Traditional Oil: Every 3000–5000 miles
• Synthetic Oil: Every 7,500 10,000 miles
• Look In Your Owner’s Manual The OEM recommends vary by manufacturer.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you get started, here is a list of tools and supplies that you will need:

🛠 Tools:

• Oil filter wrench
• Socket wrench set
• Funnel
• Jack and jack stands
• Oil drain pan
• Rags or paper towels

🛢 Materials:

• Fresh engine oil (follow your owner’s manual for type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Gloves and goggles that can be worn only once

How to Change Your Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Car

• Park on Even Ground — Make sure the automobile is on level driveway or garage flooring.
• Switch engine:Leave the car to cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Apply the Handbrake: Avoids rolling while in work.
• Lift the Car (if you really have to): If your car stands low, get a jack and jack stands.

Step 2: Find the drain plug for the oil

• Get your oil drain pan and put on some gloves.
• Get underneath the car and look for the oil pan (a metal container at the very bottom of the engine).
• Find the drain plug (a big bolt located towards the end portion of your pan).

Tip: Always refer to your owner manual if you are not sure.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

• Position the oil drain pan beneath the drain plug
• Loosen the plug (counterclockwise) using a socket-wrench
• Allow the old oil to completely drain out (this can take between 5–10 minutes).
• Check drain plug washer for wear; replace as necessary.
• Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely (being careful not to cross thread).

Step 4: Remove Oil filter and Install new one

• Find the location of the oil filter (typically next to the engine block)
• Loosen and take off the old filter with an oil filter wrench.
• Inspect the gasket, a rubber ring, on the old filter. Peel it off if it is stuck to the engine,
• Rub a little new oil on the rubber ring on the new filter.
• Hand-tighten the new oil filter, screw it in as far as it goes, until the metal to metal part.

💡 NOTE: Do not overtighten the filter—hand tight with a slight turn from the wrench is sufficient.

Step 5: Add New Oil

• Lift the hood and find the oil filler cap on the engine near the top.
• Use a funnel and gradually add the new oil into the engine.
• Use a dipstick to check oil level:
• Take out the dipstick, wipe clean, put back in, check level.
• If the level is low, top it up progressively with oil.

TIP: Do not overfill; it can cause engine damage.

Step 6: Fire it up and look for leaks

• Switch on the ignition and allow it to run for a minute
• Oil leaks around the drain plug and filter — look under the car.
• After running the engine check the dipstick and ensure the correct level of oil at all times when turning of the engine.
• Top up with more oil to bring it to the level indicated, if necessary.

Step 7: Remove Old Oil

• Do NOT pour leftover oil down the sink or in the trash 🚨 🚨
• Bring the old oil to a sealed vessel.
• Have it disposed of at an auto parts store or recycling center.
• There are even some places that will take waste oil free of charge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Cranking Down the Drain Plug or Oil Filter — Causes threads to strip and seals to break.

❌ Wrong Oil Type — Always Refer To The Owner's Manual

➕Not Reinstall the Drain Plug or Cap – Can lead to catastrophic leaks💧

❌ Oil Over Filling – Excess oil can damage the engine parts.

❌ Fail to Leak Check – A minor leak can cause catastrophic engine failure.

Advantages of Full Synthetic Motor Oil Full Synthetic Oil Change Benefits

✅ Cut Costs — DIY hard floor oil change half less than professional service

✅ Convenient: You do not have to wait in the repair shop.

✅ Quality Assured — You determine the type of oil and filter you want.

✅ Enhances Car Performance – The engine works perfectly with clean oil.

✅ Rewarding Do-It-Yourself Skill — You become more confident with working on your car.

FAQs About Oil Changes

Could I reuse my old filter?

No. You should always replace with a new oil filter. Filters were previously full of trapped contaminants that can potentially harm your engine.

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

That means bad engine performance, overheating, sludge accumulation, and risk of engine failure due to dirty oil.

How do I know if it is time to change my oil?

• Filthy, black oil on the dipstick
• Check engine light is on
• Engine noise or knocking
• Poor fuel efficiency

If you were to mix synthetic and normal oil micca immature consequences?

It can, yes, but you probably don't want to do that. It cuts performance when you mix oils. Stick to one type.

Can I do an oil change in cold weather?

Well, oil tends to drain slower with cold temperatures. Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes to warm it up.

Final Thoughts

One of the simplest and cheapest home workmanship is changing your car oil as this is something really important because in some cases changing your car oil is needed to keep your engine running healthy. So, here is the complete guide to shampoo car carpet, through which you can keep your car in the best condition and save the money you pay to professionals.

💵 Frequent oil change also greatly contribute to performance enhancement and longevity of the engine. So, this diy oil change kit will get your tools ready for your and we start oil change today! 🚗