What size socket wrench do I need to change my oil?
Changing your oil is one of the most essential maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle. It not only keeps your engine running smoothly but also extends its lifespan. One of the key tools you'll need for this task is a socket wrench. In this article, we'll discuss the appropriate size socket wrench for changing your oil and provide some helpful tips for a successful oil change.
Understanding Socket Wrench Sizes
Socket wrenches come in various sizes, typically measured in inches or millimeters. The size you need for changing your oil primarily depends on the type of oil drain plug your vehicle has. Most vehicles use either a standard or metric size. Here are the common sizes:
- 13mm - Common for many Asian and European vehicles.
- 15mm - Often used in various domestic vehicles.
- 17mm - Frequently found in some Honda and Toyota models.
- 19mm - Used in larger vehicles or trucks.
It's essential to check your vehicle's manual or the oil drain plug itself to determine the exact size needed. Using the correct size socket wrench will help prevent stripping the drain plug, which can lead to costly repairs.
Steps to Change Your Oil
Once you have the right socket wrench, follow these steps to change your oil:
- Gather your tools and materials: You'll need a socket wrench, the correct size socket, an oil filter wrench, a new oil filter, new oil, and a drain pan.
- Prepare your vehicle: Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down if it has been running.
- Locate the oil drain plug: Underneath your vehicle, find the oil drain plug, which is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan.
- Remove the drain plug: Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the pan.
- Replace the oil filter: Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Install the new filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Reinstall the drain plug: Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely with your socket wrench.
- Add new oil: Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Pour in the new oil using a funnel, checking your vehicle's manual for the correct type and amount.
- Check oil level: After adding oil, wait a few minutes, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth oil change process. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's health, so make it a part of your routine maintenance schedule.
Final Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when changing your oil:
- Always use the correct oil type: Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended oil viscosity and type.
- Dispose of old oil properly: Take your used oil to a recycling center or an auto parts store that accepts used oil.
- Check for leaks: After changing your oil, monitor the area under your vehicle for any signs of leaks.
By following these guidelines and using the right tools, you can successfully change your oil and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Happy wrenching!
Frequently Asked Questions
What wrench do I need to change oil?
Wrench. You'll need a box wrench or socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Once you do, you can probably finish the job by hand.
How do I know what size socket wrench I need?
Measure the fastener head or nut with metric calipers. On the table, locate in the minimum opening column and the first number larger than you measured. Look to the left of that number to find the wrench size.
What do you unscrew to change your oil?
Using your hand or an oil-filter wrench (you'll likely need the latter), loosen the oil filter (turn counterclockwise) enough that the oil starts to come out of the top and drip down into your receptacle. Wait until the flow subsides and finish removing the filter.
Are oil drain plugs universal size?
Let's get one thing straight: oil drain plugs are not universal. Just because an oil drain plug has the thread pitch you need for a vehicle, that doesn't mean it will work with the oil drain pan. Here's what you need to know about oil drain plugs and gaskets so you can select the right replacements.
What socket do I need for oil plug?
What size wrench to use for an oil drain plug depends on the size of the oil drain plug itself, which is a long bolt head. There is no universal oil plug size, but they do come in just a few several standard sizes, such as ¼ inch (. 6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (. 9 centimeters), ½ inch (1.3 centimeters), etc.
Can you use normal socket on oil filter?
And oil filter wrenches often accommodate a range of oil filter sizes, unlike sockets which are intended for a specific canister diameter. If you've got enough room to swing a wrench handle around the body of the canister, those regular wrenches can do the job without a lot of fuss.
What size socket do I need to do an oil change?
Place a 3/8-inch (0.9 centimeters) socket in the socket wrench, fit it over the drain plug's nut and turn it counterclockwise. The oil drain plug should open easily, draining the used oil from the engine. Make sure to place a bucket and some newspaper under the car's engine to catch all the draining oil.
What size is an oil filter socket?
Oil Filter Socket Sets | 27mm - 36mm Sockets | Euro Car Parts.
What size socket set for car maintenance?
⅜” drive sockets are probably the most useful size for a DIY'er. Small enough for most access situations, yet large enough to be useful where some force is required.
What is equivalent to a 14mm wrench?
Wrench Size Chart
| Bolt Diameter | Metric | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | 14mm | 9/16" |
| 7/16" | 16mm | 5/8" |
| 1/2" | 19mm | 3/4" |
| 9/16" | 21mm | 13/16" |
