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How do you drain all the oil out of a car?

Draining all the oil out of a car is a necessary maintenance task that should be performed regularly to keep your vehicle running smoothly. This process involves removing the old oil from the engine and replacing it with fresh oil. Here's a detailed guide on how to drain all the oil out of a car.


Gather the Necessary Supplies



  • Oil drain pan or container

  • Wrench or socket set

  • New oil filter

  • Fresh engine oil (check your owner's manual for the recommended type and quantity)


Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand before starting the oil draining process.


Locate the Oil Drain Plug


The oil drain plug is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan, which is the metal container that holds the engine oil. Locate the drain plug, which is usually a large bolt or nut, and place the oil drain pan underneath it.


Drain the Oil



  1. Using the appropriate wrench or socket, loosen the oil drain plug by turning it counterclockwise.

  2. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the oil drain pan.

  3. Once the oil has finished draining, replace the oil drain plug by turning it clockwise until it is tight.


Be careful when handling the hot oil, as it can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin.


Replace the Oil Filter



  1. Locate the oil filter, which is typically located on the side or top of the engine.

  2. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.

  3. Apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.

  4. Screw the new oil filter on by hand until it is snug, then tighten it an additional three-quarters to one full turn.


Replacing the oil filter is an important step to ensure that the new oil is properly filtered and circulated through the engine.


Add New Oil



  1. Locate the oil fill cap, usually on the top of the engine.

  2. Slowly pour the recommended amount of new oil into the engine, checking the dipstick periodically to ensure you don't overfill.

  3. Replace the oil fill cap when finished.


Consult your owner's manual for the recommended oil type and quantity for your specific vehicle.


Dispose of the Old Oil Properly


Once the old oil has been drained, it's important to dispose of it properly. Many auto parts stores and recycling centers accept used motor oil for proper disposal or recycling.

How do you drain excess oil from a car?


If you have added too much oil to your vehicle, you can loosen the oil pan drain plug and let it slowly drain out until you're at an acceptable level. Or you can use a small pump and run a small hose down the dipstick tube, if you have a large enough one.



What to do before draining oil?


Start the engine and run at idle for minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully inspect under the vehicle for oil leaks (especially by oil drain plug and oil filter).



What to do if too much oil is in a car?


If you detect an oil overfill, switch off the engine in a safe spot, then remove the excess oil from your engine. By using a suction pump, you can draw out the excess oil from the cap access point or the dipstick tube. Or you can quickly release all of the oil by loosening the drain plug or oil filter.



How do I remove all the oil from my car?


  1. Jack up the car or use car ramps.
  2. Open the hood.
  3. Put oil pan under car (get the right tools out) including oil and filter.
  4. Put oil pan under oil drain plug.
  5. Under the hood of the car unscrew the oil plug from engine bay area.
  6. Get under car (make sure the oil pan is under the drain plug opening to collect used motor oil.)



How to completely drain oil from car?


Get under car (make sure the oil pan is under the drain plug opening to collect used motor oil.) Take ideally a socket wrench and remove oil drain plug with the oil pan under it to collect used engine oil. Wait a minute or two for oil pan to catch all the used motor oil. REPLACE OIL DRAIN PLUG WHEN FINISHED.



How do you completely remove oil?


Methods for making the skin less oily

  1. Cleansing regularly.
  2. Limiting alcohol use.
  3. Using salicylic acid products.
  4. Using blotting papers or medicated pads.
  5. Moisturizing regularly.
  6. Making a facial mask.
  7. Using products with green tea.
  8. Making dietary changes.



What to do if you overfill your oil?


If you detect an oil overfill, switch off the engine in a safe spot, then remove the excess oil from your engine. By using a suction pump, you can draw out the excess oil from the cap access point or the dipstick tube. Or you can quickly release all of the oil by loosening the drain plug or oil filter.



Is it better to pump or drain oil?


It is best to use the oil drain plug when changing car oil because it helps flush any collected debris from the bottom of the oil pan. Whereas a pump only gets the oil from the small space where the pickup tube can reach. Ultimately, changing the oil regularly is more important than the method used.



How is my car completely out of oil?


There are three primary causes of a low oil level: leaks, attrition, and owner inattention. Oil leaks are common in older vehicles. As a car ages, so too do the engine's gaskets, seals, and other connections that prevent the oil from leaking.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.