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February, 2020
How to Change Your Engine Oil
Being able to service your car is a helpful skill that will save money long term. And the good news is, lots of car parts are easy to replace yourself if you have the know-how. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to replace your car oil in no time.
Tips for Replacing Your Engine Oil
- Read up on the signs that mean you need to replace your engine oil here.
- Aim to replace your engine oil every 5,000–7,000 miles.
- Find out why it’s so important to replace your engine oil here.
- When you service your engine oil, you should also service your oil filter. Read our simple step-by-step instructions on how to self-service your oil filter here.
Equipment You Need
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Wrench
- Small bucket
- Funnel
- Paper towels
- Jack stands (optional)
8 Simple Steps to Change Your Engine Oil
Disclaimer: Every vehicle is different. This is a general guide.
Step One
Check the temperature of the engine before you begin. Ideally, the engine should be warm before you change your engine oil because cold oil is thicker than warm oil and takes longer to drain. Turn the engine on for five minutes before you begin to reach an optimum temperature. Be careful not to leave the engine on for too long, or it will become hot enough to burn you. Remember to turn the engine off before starting the procedure.
Step Two
Open the bonnet and identify the dipstick. This should be easy to find – most are topped with a brightly coloured loop. Unscrew the dipstick and wipe it on a paper towel. Then, push the dipstick all the way back in and withdraw it again. The oil should come up to a certain point on the dipstick. If the oil mark sits between the two indicators on the dipstick, your oil levels are fine. If the oil mark doesn’t reach the lower marker, you need to drain and refill your car oil.
Step Three
Put paper towels or newspaper underneath your car to prevent oil stains before draining the engine oil.
Step Four
If you have a jack, it may be useful to raise the front of the car to provide easier access to the drain valve.
Step Five
Locate the oil plug beneath your car and loosen it with a wrench. You should then be able to remove it by hand. Place the bucket beneath the oil plug to collect the old oil as it drains.
Step Six
You may also replace the oil filter at this point. You’ll be able to loosen the oil filter with the wrench and then remove it by hand. Lubricate the seal with new oil and insert the new oil filter before returning the stopper.
Step Seven
Open the bonnet and remove the oil dipstick. Use a funnel to pour your new oil into the engine block without any spillages. Use the dipstick to measure the correct level of oil – overfilling can cause engine damage.
Step Eight
Take your old oil to an oil change facility or recycling centre. Read about how to responsibly dispose of engine oil here.
Purchasing Engine Oil
DIY Car Service Parts stocks a wide variety of oils for petrol and diesel engines. Choose between synthetic and non-synthetic, as well as long-mileage or regular-mileage. Read about the different engine oil types here.
Keep in mind that average vehicles of 1000-1800cc require approximately four litres of engine oil.
Unsure which engine oil to buy? Simply enter your registration plate into our number plate lookup tool to generate instant engine oil recommendations for your car.
All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.
About DIY Car Service Parts
Whether you’re changing your own car parts or saving costs by providing them to your local garage, DIY Car Service Parts is the ultimate site for easily identifying the vehicle parts that you need.
DIY Car Service Parts isn’t just about accessing car parts from the best brands at the lowest prices. With over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we are experts in the car parts field. Our specialist team is on hand to answer any of your queries and offer valuable advice so that you can understand more about the ways that your car works and get savvy under the bonnet.
