Is it possible to change your own oil?
Yes. In most cases, you can change your own engine oil if you have the right tools, a safe workspace, and a basic understanding of the process. Doing it yourself can save money and teach you more about your vehicle, but it carries risks if steps aren’t followed correctly. This guide explains what you need to know, what to gather, and how to perform the change safely.
Key considerations before you begin
Before you grab a wrench, understand your car’s oil specifications, capacity, and any warranty or manufacturer cautions. The steps below apply to many vehicles, but always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific details.
Vehicle-specific factors
Oil grade (synthetic vs conventional), total capacity, drain plug torque, and filter type can vary by engine and model. Some modern engines also require special filters or limited access due to underbody shields. Check for turbocharged, direct-injected, or Variable Valve Timing (VVT) configurations that might have unique requirements.
What you’ll need
Gather these items before you start. Having everything on hand helps prevent spills and delays.
- Correct engine oil (viscosity and quantity per your manual)
- New oil filter compatible with your vehicle
- Drain pan or oil collection container
- Funnel
- Socket set or wrench to remove the drain plug
- Oil filter wrench (if needed)
- Rags and gloves
- Car jack and jack stands or ramps to safely elevate the vehicle
- Replacement drain plug crush washer if required by your car
- Oil disposal container (for transporting used oil)
- Torque wrench (optional but recommended for precise tightening)
With the right tools and materials ready, you’ll be prepared to perform the oil change with less risk of spills or mistakes.
Step-by-step guide
These steps cover the typical workflow for a passenger car. Always reference your owner's manual for model-specific details, especially torque specs and oil capacity.
- Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and if possible, use wheel chocks. If the engine has been recently running, let it cool to avoid burns.
- Lift the car safely with a jack and support it on jack stands or use ramps. Ensure the vehicle cannot move while you work underneath it.
- Place a drain pan beneath the oil pan. Remove the oil fill cap to allow air in and speed up drainage.
- Remove the drain plug with the correct socket or wrench and let the old oil drain completely into the pan.
- Inspect the drain plug and replace the crush washer if your vehicle requires it. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten to the manufacturer’s torque specification.
- Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Let any remaining oil drain from the filter cavity. Lightly oil the gasket on the new filter and install it by hand until snug, then give it a final turn per the filter’s instructions or the vehicle manual.
- Pour the new oil into the engine through the funnel. Add the amount specified in your manual. It’s safer to add a portion first, then check the level before adding more.
- Replace the oil fill cap, start the engine and run for 1–2 minutes to circulate the new oil. Check around the drain plug and filter for leaks.
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary to reach the correct level.
- Dispose of the used oil and old filter responsibly—take them to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service center that accepts used oil.
Following these steps will typically yield a clean, correctly filled engine with a reduced risk of leaks. Double-checking the level after the car has sat for a moment helps ensure accuracy.
Safety, disposal, and troubleshooting
Safety and environmental responsibility are paramount. Here are practical guidelines to keep you safe and compliant with local rules.
- Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack; use jack stands or ramps.
- Allow the engine and oil to cool before starting work to prevent burns.
- Wear gloves and eye protection; work in a well-ventilated area and keep flames or sparks away from spilled oil.
- Use an appropriate container to collect used oil and recycle it properly; don’t pour it down drains or on the ground.
- Keep the old oil filter and fluids separated from other waste; seal containers to prevent leaks during transport.
- Clean up any spills promptly with absorbent material and dispose of it according to local regulations.
- After refilling, inspect for leaks and re-check the oil level after the engine has run and cooled.
Adhering to safety and disposal guidelines minimizes risk to you and protects the environment while ensuring your vehicle remains in good operating condition.
When to seek professional help
DIY oil changes are practical for many vehicles, but certain situations call for a professional service:
- Your vehicle has a complex oil system, tight spaces, or a difficult-to-access filter location.
- You are under warranty and need to preserve coverage, or you’re unsure about torque specs, filter compatibility, or oil grade.
- You don’t have a safe, level workspace or the necessary equipment (ramps, stands, or a reliable drain setup).
In these cases, a qualified technician can ensure the job is done correctly and safely, with proper disposal and disposal documentation if required by local regulations.
Summary
For many drivers, changing your own oil is a doable and cost-saving maintenance task. It requires the right oil, a compatible filter, basic tools, a safe workspace, and careful adherence to the manufacturer’s specifications. Always consult your owner’s manual for oil type, capacity, and torque values, follow safety and environmental guidelines for disposal, and know when a professional service is the better option. Regular, proper oil changes help protect your engine and extend its life.
Is $100 for an oil change normal?
An oil change costing $100 is not standard but can be justified depending on the vehicle and oil type. A basic conventional oil change typically costs between $35 and $75, but a full synthetic oil change can easily fall in the $65 to $125 range. The price will also vary based on location, the specific vehicle's needs, and any additional services included.
Factors that influence the cost
- Type of oil: Conventional oil is the cheapest option, followed by synthetic blends, and then full synthetic oil, which is the most expensive but lasts longer.
- Vehicle type: Some cars require more oil, specific filters, or specialized synthetic oils (like those for European cars), which can increase the price.
- Labor costs: Labor rates vary by location, and modern vehicles may have more complex engines or larger oil pans that increase the complexity and time of the job.
- Additional services: Many service centers offer add-ons like tire rotations, fluid top-offs, or inspections, which will increase the total cost.
How to determine if $100 is reasonable
- For a full synthetic oil change: If you drive a vehicle that requires full synthetic oil, a price of $100 is within a normal range, especially at a dealership or for a premium service package.
- For a conventional oil change: A $100 price for a conventional oil change is likely too high and may be a sign of upselling for additional, unnecessary services.
- Compare quotes: It is always a good idea to compare prices from different service centers to ensure you are getting a fair price for the service your car needs.
Is it hard to change oil yourself?
No, changing your own oil is generally not hard, but it can be a messy job that requires some basic tools and attention to safety. It's a relatively easy and straightforward DIY task that can save you time and money if done correctly.
This video demonstrates the steps of changing a car's oil: 50sSIXSPEEDOFFICIALYouTube · Jun 29, 2022
What you'll need
- Safety gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and old clothes
- Tools: A wrench for the drain plug (the right size is crucial), an oil filter wrench, and a funnel
- Supplies: A pan to catch old oil, new oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount), new oil filter, and a new crush washer for the drain plug
- Lifting equipment (if necessary): Ramps, jack, and jack stands for safety
Key steps
- Safety first: Park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks for extra stability. If you need to lift the car, use ramps or a jack and place jack stands before getting underneath.
- Warm the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which will help it drain more easily. Then, turn it off and remove the oil filler cap to allow for better airflow.
- Drain the old oil: Place the catch pan under the drain plug, which is typically on the oil pan. Loosen and remove the plug with the correct wrench, letting the old oil drain completely. Avoid using pliers, which can damage the plug.
- Replace the drain plug: Once the oil has finished draining, replace the drain plug with the new crush washer and tighten it snugly, but do not overtighten.
- Replace the oil filter: Position the catch pan under the old oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Before installing the new filter, put a thin layer of new oil on the rubber gasket. Hand-tighten the new filter until it's snug, then give it an additional quarter to half turn. Avoid overtightening.
- Refill with new oil: Add the correct amount and type of new oil to the engine, referring to your owner's manual.
- Check and clean up: Remove the dipstick and check the oil level, adding more if needed. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Check for leaks, then turn off the engine. Dispose of the old oil and filter responsibly at a local collection site.
You can watch this video for a complete guide on changing your oil: 1mChrisFixYouTube · Aug 14, 2015
Is it risky to do your own oil change?
There are several risks involved that you should be aware of before you decide to do it yourself. Changing oil poses a number of health hazards to workers, such as sensitization and irritation from skin contact with oil, inhalation of oil vapors or fumes, and eye injuries from oil splashes or debris.
