How to Change Oil

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Changing your vehicle's engine oil (also called motor oil) is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how to change oil by following these steps. A correctly performed oil change extends your vehicle's life while keeping you and the environment safe.

Things you'll need from your garage or your local NAPA Auto Parts store:

• Oil catch/recycle container
• Funnel
• New replacement NAPA GOLD oil filter
• Oil drain plug gasket
• Up to 6 quarts new motor oil*
• Oil filter wrench set**
• Clean rags
• Car jack and jack stands / car ramps
• Jack stands
• Safety glasses
• Mechanics work gloves
• Hand cleaner

*Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's oil capacity. Some vehicles take up to 15 quarts!

**If you plan to change your oil regularly, consider investing in a small tool set, an oil filter wrench set, a quality floor jack and jack stands.

Step 1 – Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake.

Run your engine for 5 minutes before draining oil, as warm oil drains faster than cold. Do NOT drain oil that is at full operating temperature as it will be too hot to safely handle. Remove your keys from the ignition, as some hybrid models can auto-start. To be safe, always check your owner's manual before working on a specialty vehicle.

Step 2 – Jack your car up and place it on jack stands.

A jack alone will not safely support the full weight of your car. Consult your manual for the proper jacking points. The placement of a jack stand is just as important as the jack placement. The wrong placement can damage your car's suspension or body parts.

Step 3 – Locate the oil drain plug and place the drain pan below.

The oil drain plug is usually near the front center of the engine, but some vehicles have more than one plug. Check your manual for the exact location. Loosen the plug with a socket or wrench. Make sure that the drain pan is large enough to hold up to six quarts of oil or more. The oil drains at an angle, so position the drain pan to catch it.

Step 4 – Unscrew the plug by hand.

Remove the plug by hand. While unscrewing the plug, push it back towards the vehicle. This keeps oil from rushing out until you are ready to remove the plug from the hole.

Step 5 – Drain all oil.

To speed up the draining process, remove the filler cap located on the top of the engine and allow air to enter from the top. Check your owner's manual for the exact location.

Step 6 – Replace oil plug.

Tighten the oil plug by hand and ensure it is not cross-threaded. Once the plug is snug, finish tightening it with a wrench or by hand. Always use a new drain plug gasket and never over-tighten the drain plug.

Step 7 – Remove existing oil filter.

Place the oil pan underneath the old filter to catch any remaining oil while unscrewing it. Remove the old filter using an oil filter wrench. Use a rag to clean the mounting surface. Make sure that the sealing O-ring from the old filter is not stuck to the mounting surface on the engine. Note: Some vehicles use remote mounted oil filters that may be on top or on the side of the engine.

Step 8 – Lubricate new filter and screw into place by hand.

Lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter with fresh oil. It's usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the wrench. Refer to the filter's instructions. Once the filter is installed, lower the car.

Step 9 – Clean the oil filter neck and pour in the new oil using a funnel.

Typically, you will use up to six quarts of oil, but check your manual for your vehicle's oil capacity. Fill to three-quarters of the engine's capacity to avoid overfilling, as there is always oil that does not drain. Then replace the cap.

Step 10 – Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks.

Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for any leaks. If you notice a leak, shut the engine off immediately and remedy any leaks. Check the dipstick afterward, and add more oil if necessary.

Step 11 – Dispose of the used oil properly.

Just like used car batteries, there are many government regulations around disposing of used motor oil. Nearby city or county recycling centers may accept used oil for a small fee or at no charge. Or, you can contact your nearest NAPA Auto Parts store to see if they accept used oil. Many NAPA Auto Parts stores and NAPA Auto Care centers recycle motor oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and even oil filters.