Car Oil Change

I decided to change my car’s motor oil today. After taking it on a restocking trip to Costco, the oil was properly warmed up and ready to drain. Before draining the oil, it is necessary to make sure you have the proper motor oil on hand.

Reading the oil cap

Also, check the factory manual that comes with the car for how much oil should be added with an oil change.

Factory specifications

I was actually going to change the oil last week, but I only had 5W-20 for the other car.

Steps to changing oil:

1. Make sure all tools/oil/filter/oil pan are on hand
2. Jack up the car and properly place safety stand
3. Place oil pan and remove drain plug
4. Loosen oil cap
5. Reposition oil pan
6. Remove old oil filter
7. Insert and tighten drain plug
8. Lubricate new oil filter
9. Attach and tighten new oil filter
10. Pour in the new oil
11. Dispose of the old oil

Here is my oil pan.  It keeps most of my oil change equipment together.

Oil change supplies

If you are unable to reach the oil reservoir without difficulty, then you will need to raise the front of the car.  Identify the front jack point and use it.  Then place the safety stand on the side of the car and lower the car slowly onto the stand.  This will give the car stable support.

Jack point at the front of the car

Safety stand

Once the car is safely supported and you can access the oil reservoir, you are ready to begin.  Identify the size of your drain plug.

Finding the right socket size

Then place the oil pan under the drain plug. Remember that it will squirt out, so position it in front of the plug. Remove the plug.

Draining the oil

After the oil has stopped draining, locate the oil filter. It will be attached to the engine block a little bit higher than the reservoir. You may need to reposition the oil pan to get under the oil filter. Remove the oil filter. If it is too tight to remove by hand (or is too slippery), you may consider using a tool.

Adjustable oil filter wrench

I like this tool because it is adjustable to a variety of oil filter sizes. After you remove the filter, the engine should like look this:

After removing the oil filter

Let the oil drain from both the points. While that is happening, upend the old filter to drain it.

Draining the old oil filter

When the oil is finished draining, lubricate the o-ring of the filter with oil. This helps prevent the seal from sticking to the engine.

Lubricating the new oil filter

Re-attach and tighten the oil filter and drain plug. There is no need to over-tighten. You don’t want to strip the threads or make the next oil change more difficult.

Use a clean funnel to pour in the new oil. Do not over-fill, it will reduce engine efficiency. Then, use the same funnel to pour the dirty oil into a plastic container. I like to use either the now-empty bottle of oil, 64oz juice containers, or laundry detergent containers. Used motor oil can be taken to recycling centers. Some gas stations will also accept it.

Time: With experience, it will take less than 30 minutes. If difficulties are encountered (e.g., removing the old filter), it can easily take longer.

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