What size socket wrench do I need to change my oil?
To change your car's oil, you'll typically need a socket wrench in the range of 13mm to 19mm, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The most common socket size for oil changes is 15mm, but it's important to consult your owner's manual or do a quick online search to determine the exact size required for your specific car.
Determining the Correct Socket Size
The size of the socket wrench you need to change your oil will depend on the size of the oil drain plug on your vehicle. This plug is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan and needs to be loosened to allow the old oil to drain out. The size of the drain plug can vary, so it's important to check your owner's manual or do a quick online search to find the recommended socket size for your car.
- Most passenger vehicles require a 15mm socket wrench to remove the oil drain plug.
- Larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, may require a 17mm or 19mm socket wrench.
- Smaller vehicles, such as compact cars, may use a 13mm or 14mm socket wrench.
It's always a good idea to have a set of metric socket wrenches on hand, as this will ensure you have the right size for your vehicle's oil drain plug. This will make the oil change process much easier and prevent any potential damage to the plug or your vehicle.
Preparing for an Oil Change
In addition to the correct socket wrench, you'll also need a few other tools and supplies to complete an oil change, including:
- Oil filter wrench
- New oil filter
- New engine oil (check your owner's manual for the recommended type and quantity)
- Oil drain pan to catch the old oil
- Rags or paper towels
By having the right tools and supplies on hand, you can ensure a smooth and efficient oil change process for your vehicle.
What size is an oil filter socket?
Oil Filter Socket Sets | 27mm - 36mm Sockets | Euro Car Parts.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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" |
