Learn the 7 steps to change your car engine oil at home like a pro. Save money and extend your engine’s life with this practical guide.
Table of Contents
Why Changing Your Engine Oil Matters
Changing your engine oil regularly is one of the easiest and most essential maintenance tasks. It keeps your engine lubricated, cool, and clean. Fresh oil helps reduce friction and wear, extending the life of your vehicle and improving gas mileage.
If you ignore this basic maintenance, you risk costly engine damage. That’s why knowing the 7 steps to change your car engine oil is not just useful — it’s vital.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather the following:
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New engine oil (Check your owner's manual for specs)
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A new oil filter
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Oil filter wrench
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Socket wrench
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Funnel
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Drain pan
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Gloves and rags
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Car jack and jack stands or ramps
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Owner’s manual (for reference)
You can shop high-quality oil filters and engine oil on SparesFlex.com.
7 Steps to Change Your Car Engine Oil
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Park your car on a flat surface and make sure the engine is off and cool. Use jack stands or ramps to lift the vehicle if necessary. Lay out your tools so everything is within reach.
2. Warm Up the Engine
Start your engine and let it run for 5 minutes. Warm oil flows better and drains more easily. Turn the engine off and wait a minute or two.
Safety Tip: Don’t let the engine get too hot — you want warm oil, not boiling metal.
3. Drain the Old Oil
Place your drain pan underneath the oil drain plug. Use a wrench to carefully remove the plug. Let the oil flow out completely. It may take 5–10 minutes.
Make sure the old gasket comes off with the plug. Replace the plug once all oil has drained.
4. Replace the Oil Filter
Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter. Some oil will spill, so be ready. Apply a bit of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter, then screw it on hand-tight.
5. Add New Engine Oil
Pop the hood and remove the oil cap. Insert a funnel and slowly pour in the new engine oil. Refer to your manual for the correct quantity.
Internal Tip: If you're unsure about oil type or volume, check this detailed guide from Mobil .
6. Check Oil Levels
Start your car and let it run for a minute. Then shut it off and wait a couple of minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level again. Add more oil if needed.
7. Dispose of Old Oil Properly
Used engine oil is hazardous. Never pour it down a drain. Instead, take it to a local recycling center or auto parts store. Most accept used oil for free.
Internal Resource: Visit SparesFlex Oil Section to get the right oil for your vehicle.
When Should You Change Engine Oil?
A general rule of thumb is every 3,000–5,000 miles, but always refer to your vehicle’s manual. Newer cars and synthetic oils may allow longer intervals.
Some cars have oil life monitors that tell you exactly when it’s time to change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-tightening the oil filter
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Forgetting to replace the drain plug
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Using the wrong oil type
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Not checking for leaks after finishing
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Disposing of oil improperly
Avoid these errors to make your oil change routine seamless and safe.
Helpful Resources
Here are some external and internal tools to support your DIY journey:
Final Thoughts
Learning the 7 steps to change your car engine oil is an empowering skill. It’s a small task that delivers huge benefits for your car’s performance and longevity. Plus, it saves you a good amount of money over time.
Whether you're a first-time DIYer or a seasoned gearhead, following this guide ensures a smooth, mess-free oil change process.
If you're looking for quality products to support your next oil change, check out the full engine oil selection at SparesFlex.