What socket is needed for an oil change?

There isn’t a single universal socket for every oil change. The socket you need depends on your vehicle’s drain plug head and the type of oil filter you’re removing. In most cases, you’ll use a metric socket (often 14 mm or 17 mm) for the drain plug, and you’ll also need an oil filter wrench for the filter. Always verify with your owner’s manual or by inspecting the plug on your specific car.

How to identify the correct socket for your vehicle

To determine the exact socket size, locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and inspect its head. If it has a traditional external hex at the corners, the size is usually one of the common metric measurements (14 mm, 17 mm, etc.). If the plug has an internal hex (Allen) or a Torx pattern, you’ll need the corresponding Allen key/bit or Torx socket. Some vehicles use specialty plugs, and the oil filter itself is typically removed with a dedicated oil filter wrench rather than a socket.

Common drain plug socket sizes

Here are the sizes you’ll most often encounter on passenger cars and light trucks. Use the size that fits the plug head snugly to avoid stripping.

• 14 mm — by far the most common for modern passenger cars (many Japanese makes and numerous European models)


• 17 mm — found on some European and American models


• 19 mm — less common, seen on certain larger vehicles and trucks


• Non-standard head types (internal Allen/Hex or Torx) — may require a dedicated Allen key/bit or Torx socket rather than a standard external-hex socket

Verifying the exact size for your vehicle reduces the risk of damaging the drain plug. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a service manual for your exact year/model.

Notes on non-socket drain plugs

Some vehicles use an internal hex (Allen) or a Torx pattern on the drain plug. If you encounter one of these, you’ll need the corresponding bit (for Allen, sizes like 6 mm or 8 mm; for Torx, common sizes include T40 or T50). A standard external-hex socket will not fit properly and can strip the plug. In these cases, use the correct bit or a dedicated drain-plug wrench compatible with the plug design.

Oil filter removal: what tools you may need

In addition to the drain plug socket, most oil changes require a tool to loosen the oil filter. The exact tool depends on whether your engine uses a spin-on filter or a canister-style filter. The filter is separate from the drain plug, and using the proper filter wrench helps prevent damage to the filter and the housing.

• Oil filter wrench (strap/band type) — works with many spin-on filters and canister housings when space is limited


• Oil filter cap wrench — a socket-style cap that fits a range of filter diameters; common on many modern engines


• Adjustable pliers or locking pliers — a last-resort option if you don’t have the proper wrench, though it risks damaging the filter

Having the right filter-removal tool matches the specific filter on your vehicle and prevents damage during the oil-change process.

Putting it all together: practical steps for a smooth oil change

Before you begin, confirm the exact drain plug size and the filter type for your vehicle. Gather a metric socket set (covering at least 12–19 mm), a drain-pan, an appropriate oil-filter wrench, an adjustable wrench or pliers if needed, and a torque-torque-limiting approach per your manual. Always start with the engine cool or after a short drive so the oil is warm enough to drain, but not hot enough to risk burns. Follow the vehicle-specific torque specifications for the drain plug and reinstall the drain plug securely, then replace the oil filter with the correct wrench and ensure no leaks once you refill with fresh oil.

Summary

There isn’t a universal answer to “which socket is needed” for an oil change. The drain plug head determines the socket size—commonly 14 mm or 17 mm, with some vehicles using 19 mm or non-standard heads requiring Allen or Torx bits. The oil filter typically requires its own filter wrench or cap-style tool. Always verify your exact vehicle’s drain plug type and filter design in the owner’s manual or service guide, and assemble the appropriate socket, filter-wrench, and other basic tools before starting.

What socket do I need for an oil drain 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.

Do you need a socket set for an oil change?

You'll need a socket set and socket wrench for the oil pan and cap wrench. You might need an extension to be able to reach the oil filter comfortably. You'll need a jack and jack stands, unless you have a truck talk enough to crawl under. An oil catch pan and a funnel should be all the tools you'll need.

What tool do I need for an oil change?

To perform an oil change, you need a jack and jack stands (or ramps) for lifting the vehicle, an oil drain pan to catch old oil, a socket wrench and the correct socket for your drain plug, an oil filter wrench, and a funnel for adding new oil. You will also need the new oil and new oil filter.
 
Tools for safely lifting the car

• Jack: A floor jack or a scissor jack to lift the vehicle. 
• Jack stands: To safely support the car once it's lifted. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. 
• Wheel chocks: To place behind the wheels to prevent the car from rolling. 

This video demonstrates the necessary tools for a safe oil change, including jack and jack stands: 1mDIY PETEYouTube · Oct 4, 2024
Tools for draining and refilling

• Oil drain pan: A pan to collect the old oil. 
• Socket wrench: To remove the oil drain plug. 
• Socket set: To ensure you have the correct size socket for the drain plug. 
• Oil filter wrench: To remove the old oil filter. 
• Funnel: To pour the new oil into the engine without spills. 

This video shows a list of all tools needed for an oil change, including the drain pan and funnel: 56sFix Car YourselfYouTube · Aug 31, 2023
Other helpful items

• New oil and filter: Make sure to purchase the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle. 
• Gloves: To protect your hands from oil. 
• Rags or paper towels: For cleaning up spills. 
• Screwdriver set: May be needed if your car has an engine cover that needs to be removed. 
• Degreaser: To clean up any spilled oil under the car. 

What socket do I need to change my oil?

You will need different sockets for a car oil change: a metric or SAE socket for the drain plug and an oil filter wrench (which may be a socket-type wrench, adjustable wrench, or strap wrench) for the oil filter. The exact socket size for the drain plug varies by vehicle (common sizes are 17mm, 19mm, and 14mm), so check your owner's manual or a part finder online.
 
For the oil drain plug

• Socket/Wrench: You will need a socket and ratchet or a combination wrench of the correct size for the drain plug bolt. 
• Size: The size is vehicle-specific. Look up the exact size for your car, but common metric sizes include 17mm, 19mm, and 14mm. Some domestic vehicles might use SAE (standard) sizes, but many use metric even for non-metric models. 
• Type: Use a 6-point socket to avoid rounding off the bolt head, and not a 12-point socket. 

For the oil filter

• Oil Filter Wrench: This is often a specialized tool, as there are many types of oil filters and filter housings. 
• Types of wrenches:
  • Cap Wrench: A socket-style wrench that fits onto the end of the filter housing. These are very common and are often specific to certain brands or models. 
  • Adjustable/Strap Wrench: These can work for spin-on style filters and may be more universal, but a cap wrench is often a better fit if you can find one. 
• Size: The size of a cap wrench depends on the specific filter you are using. Check your owner's manual or search online for your car's oil filter diameter. 
• Other common tools: You may need a Torx bit or other socket to remove underbody panels before you can access the drain plug and filter.