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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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• Using the wrong oil type: Always follow the manual’s viscosity recommendation.
• Over-tightening the drain plug: This damages threads and can cause leaks.
• Leaving the old gasket on: A double gasket prevents proper sealing and leads to leaks.
• Not checking for leaks after filling: A quick inspection can prevent costly engine damage.

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.