How to Change Your Oil

Changing engine oil follows a similar process for most vehicles, although oil type, capacity, and intervals vary by engine and manufacturer. Regular oil changes protect your engine from wear, overheating, and sludge buildup.

Time Needed:

30–45 mins

Difficulty:

Moderate

Cost:

$35

Video By : ChrisFix

Before changing engine oil, make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground, the engine is turned off, and the oil has cooled enough to work safely. Use proper lifting equipment if raising the vehicle, and ensure used oil can be collected and disposed of responsibly. With basic tools and the right steps, you can complete a clean, safe oil change that keeps your vehicle running smoothly.

Tools Needed

New engine oil (correct grade)
New oil filter
Socket wrench
Drain pan
Funnel
Gloves & safety glasses
Jack + stands or ramps
Clean rags

How to Change Your Oil (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Park on level ground.
Engage the parking brake and shut off the engine.
If needed, lift the front of the vehicle with ramps or a jack + jack stands.

Safety Note: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Drain Plug

remove drain plug to change your oil — Source: ChrisFix (YouTube)

Place a drain pan under the oil pan.
Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug, then remove it by hand.
Allow the oil to drain completely for several minutes.

Step 3: Replace the Oil Filter

remove oil filter to change your oil — source: ChrisFix YouTube

Locate the oil filter under the engine.
Position the drain pan to catch any remaining oil.
Loosen and remove the filter using an oil filter wrench.
Confirm the old gasket has come off with the filter.

Pro Tip: Lightly oil the gasket of the new filter to ensure a proper seal.

Step 4: Reinstall Components

Reinstall the drain plug and tighten to manufacturer-recommended torque.
Install the new oil filter by hand until the gasket seats, then tighten an additional ¾–1 turn.

Step 5: Add New Oil

add new oil to change your oil — Source: ChrisFix (YouTube)

Remove the oil fill cap under the hood.
Pour in the correct amount of new oil using a funnel.
Replace the oil fill cap securely.

Step 6: Start the Engine & Check for Leaks

Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds.
Check the drain plug and oil filter areas for leaks.
Turn off the engine, wait briefly, and check the dipstick level.
Top off if necessary.

‍

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong oil type: Always follow the manual during an engine oil change to ensure the correct viscosity and specification when you change engine oil.
Over-tightening the drain plug: This can strip threads and cause leaks during the oil change procedure, tighten only to the recommended torque.
Leaving the old filter gasket on: A double gasket prevents proper sealing and often leads to leaks after you change engine oil.
Skipping leak checks after filling: Always inspect under the vehicle once the engine is running; this final step is critical in all oil change steps.
Rushing the process: Following proper oil change steps matters, shortcuts during how to change engine oil or how to change car oil often lead to repeat repairs.

When to Change Your Oil

You should perform an oil change when you notice:

Dark, dirty, or gritty oil on the dipstick
Higher engine temperature
Louder engine noise or ticking
Reduced fuel efficiency
Oil change warning light

For fleets, delaying oil changes accelerates engine wear and increases downtime from preventable repairs.

How to manage replacement across your fleet?

Oil changes are routine, but managing them at scale requires structure. Here’s how fleet managers stay ahead:

Set fixed PM intervals based on mileage and engine hours.
Track oil grade and fill amounts for every vehicle in your fleet.
Train drivers to report oil leaks, engine noise, or dashboard warnings early.
Stock common filters and oil types for quick in-house service.