Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Look in your local auto parts/hardware store to collect the following:

1. 3/8 inch socket wrench or an open end wrench in the 14-17mm range
2. Oil flter wrench
3. Oil catch/recycle container
4. Funnel
5. New oil flter
6. New Oil
7. Clean rag
8. Newspaper/old rag
9. Have your car manual handy, locate the section on oil
10. Jack stands and Jack
Step 2: Prep Your Car and Yourself
Read the instructions on your oil flter and oil to make sure you understand what is required of you
(requirements can vary between different brands)
Read your car manual section on oil to learn about the manufacturers specifcations
Turn your car on and let it run for about 10 minutes to allow the oil to
warm up to a better fowing consistency
Turn your car off after 10 minutes has passed
Pop your car hood and unscrew the oil cap (this will act as ventilation so the oil can fow more
quickly)
Engage the vehicles parking break
If needed, raise your vehicle using the jack, carefully placing the jack stands underneath the vehi-
cle on even ground
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil
Locate the oil pan and drain plug underneath your vehicle (the oil pan is typically located directly
underneath the engine, and the drain is a large nut on the bottom of the oil pan)
Lay down old cloth or newspaper to protect your concrete from spills and staining
Place the oil pan underneath the drain plug
Put on gloves or grab a rag before proceeding to protect your hands from the oil
Slowly loosen the plug counter-clockwise with a socket or wrench (make sure its the right size)
Be careful not to drop the plug in the oil, sifting through black oil can be very messy!
Step 4: Filter Assembly
Remove your new flter from its packaging
Locate your oil flter (this can be diffcult, there isnt a standard location)
Remove the oil flter by twisting it slowly and steadily in a counterclockwise direction, being
cautious not to spill excess oil
Use an oil flter wrench to help with removal if needed
Preparing to install the new flter, dip your fnger in the new oil and rub it around the gasket ring of
the new flter to allow it slip into place much easier (dont use the old oil as it contains build up that
may later cause a leak)
Before installing the flter, pour some oil into the new flter to help your car regain oil pressure more
quickly
Step 5: Install the New Filter
Carefully screw on your new, lubricated flter
*Paper cartridge flters come with at least one o-ring, sometimes more make sure to replace all of
them
Read the instructions on the flter, it usually will tell you how much to tighten the flter
Tighten the flter until it touches the gasket
Step 6: Add New Oil
Wipe the oil pan plug as well as the surrounding area
Secure the plug back into the oil pan using a socket wrench or open ended wrench
If your vehicle uses an oil plug gasket, be sure to replace this gasket before you replace the plug
Position the funnel to add in the new oil, making sure the nozzle is on top for a smooth pour with
bubbles
Begin pouring the new oil slowly into the flter, allow the oil to settle throughout the engine
Actively check the dip stick to make sure you have the proper amount of oil
*Sometimes the dipstick does not provide an accurate measurement. Wait until frst thing in the morn-
ing when the oil is cold and settled, check the dipstick when your car is on a level surface.
Step 7: Clean Up
Screw on the oil cap
Collect and store tools
Close the hood
Dispose of your used oil and flter by taking it to an auto parts store or recycling center
Step 8: Check for Leaks
Turn on your car and wait to see if your oil light goes off
While your car is running, walk around, check underneath, and make sure that there are no leaks
If you fnd leaks, tighten the flter and drain plugs until leaks are no longer present