Master DIY Car Care: How to Change Oil in Your Car

To change your oil, warm the engine briefly, raise the car on ramps with the wheels chocked, drain the old oil from the drain plug, replace the filter (oil the new gasket and tighten it by hand), refit the plug, then refill with the grade and amount in your owner’s manual and check the dipstick for leaks. Take the used oil to a collection point: the EPA says the oil from one change can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. Below we cover tools, safety, steps, intervals and costs.

Do you want to save extra money? Or maybe you want to learn a useful skill. In short, learning how to change oil is the best start. For many, the engine seems scary. However, the process is very simple. In fact, doing a car oil change is satisfying.

Your engine needs clean oil. But heat breaks it down. Then, it turns into sludge. If you wait, your engine might die. Therefore, knowing how to change oil is vital.

In this post, we break it down. To clarify, we use simple words. Above all, we want you to be confident. So, let’s learn how to change oil today.

Why You Should Tackle This DIY Project

First, let’s talk about cash. For example, how much is an oil change at Walmart? Prices vary by location and oil type, and shops charge for labor. But doing a motor oil change at home is cheap. That is to say, you only pay for oil.

Secondly, you control the quality. When you go to a shop, you rarely see which oil and filter go in. However, at home you choose the parts. As a result, the job is done right.

Lastly, it saves time. Usually, driving to a shop takes an hour. Then, you wait in line. Meanwhile, you can finish at home in 30 minutes. As a result, you save your weekend.

What You Need: Essential Tools

Before starting, gather your supplies. After all, you need the right gear. Here is what you need for an oil and filter change.

• Car Ramps: Specifically, car ramps for oil change tasks are safest.
• Wrench: Usually, a socket wrench removes the plug.
• Oil Filter Wrench: To clarify, this removes the old filter.
• Drain Pan: Ideally, get an oil drain pan for the liquid.
• Funnel: Specifically, this stops messy spills.
• Gloves: Finally, keep your hands clean.

Also, buy your oil first. Otherwise, you might get stuck.

Choosing the Right Blood for Your Engine

One big question is, what oil does my car take? Certainly, this is important. Because the wrong oil hurts the engine. Therefore, read your manual.

Understanding Viscosity:

You will see numbers like 5W-30. To clarify, this is the thickness. Nowadays, many current cars use thin oil. As a result, this helps gas mileage.

Synthetic vs. Conventional:

First, there is conventional oil. But it breaks down fast. On the other hand, synthetic oil is better. Because it resists heat, it lasts longer. Also, check how much oil my car needs. Many cars take 4 to 6 quarts. But check your manual to be sure.

Safety First: Preparing the Vehicle

Safety is key when learning how to change oil. Since cars are heavy, be careful.

First, park on a flat spot. For example, a driveway is perfect. Never park on a hill. Next, pull the parking brake. Specifically, pull it hard. After that, use wheel chocks. As a result, the car stays put.

Finally, let the engine cool. However, warm oil is best. So, aim for warmth, not heat.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Oil in Car

Now, let’s do the work. Please follow these steps. In short, this is how to do an oil change.

Step 1: Warm Up the Engine

First, run the car for a minute. As noted, cold oil is thick. However, warm oil flows fast. As a result, the dirt drains out.

Step 2: Lift the Vehicle

Next, you need room. So, drive onto your car ramps. Then, put the car in park. Most importantly, block the rear wheels.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

After that, find the pan. Then, put your drain pan under it. Next, loosen the plug.

• Turn it left.
• Then, pull it away fast.
• Meanwhile, let the oil drain.

Subsequently, wait five minutes. Once it stops, wipe the hole. Finally, put the plug back. But do not make it too tight.

Step 4: The Oil Filter Change

Now, find the filter. Usually, it is a metal can. First, move your pan under it. Then, use your wrench to spin it off.

Before the new one goes on, use a trick. Specifically, put oil on the rubber ring. As a result, it seals better. Finally, screw it on by hand. However, do not use a wrench. This is a key rule of how to change oil.

Step 5: How to Add Oil to Car

Next, open the hood. Then, take off the oil cap. After that, put it in the funnel. To clarify, this is how to put oil in car engines.

Slowly, pour the new oil. For example, pour 4 quarts first. Then, check the level. Because it is hard to remove oil, go slow.

Step 6: Check the Level

Finally, check the dipstick. First, wipe it clean. Then, dip it again. Next, look at the line. Ideally, it is at the top mark.

If low, add more. But if it’s good, close the cap. Then, start the car. Check for leaks. If it is dry, you win. In other words, you know how to change oil.

Real Numbers From a 2025 Owner’s Manual

Every engine has its own numbers, so your owner’s manual beats any general guide. As a worked example, here is what Honda’s 2025 Civic Hatchback manual lists for the gasoline Civic and the Civic Type R.

Item	Civic (2.0L)	Civic Type R
Oil grade	Honda Genuine 0W-20, API SN or higher	Honda Genuine 0W-20, API SN or higher
Capacity, change without filter	3.9 US qt (3.7 L)	5.28 US qt (5.0 L)
Capacity, change including filter	4.2 US qt (4.0 L)	5.71 US qt (5.4 L)

Notice the spread. The “4 to 6 quarts” range in this guide is only a range: one model family needs 4.2 quarts and its performance version needs 5.71. Buying a 5-quart jug by habit could leave you short or with leftovers.

Honda’s 2025 Civic Hybrid manual also gives procedure details that many guides skip:

• Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then tighten the bolt to 30 lbf-ft (40 N-m).
• Check that the old filter gasket did not stay stuck to the engine. If it did, remove it before the new filter goes on.
• Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the new filter gasket.
• Start the engine, run it for a few minutes and look for leaks at the drain bolt and filter.
• Stop the engine, wait three minutes, then read the dipstick and add oil if needed.

Honda also says to change the oil and filter according to the maintenance message on the driver information display. Torque values differ between engines, so use the figure in your own manual, not the one above.

How Often to Change Oil?

Check how often to get oil change services. In the past, the common rule was 3,000 miles. However, that is old news.

In 2025, AAA says the 3,000-mile rule is out of date. Most automakers recommend 5,000 to 7,500 miles with conventional oil, and 10,000 to 15,000 miles when full synthetic is required. Changing car oil too soon wastes cash. But waiting too long is bad.

Signs you need a change:

• First, the oil is black.
• Second, the engine is loud.
• Third, the light is on.

Cleaning Up: How to Get Rid of Oil

Now, you have dirty oil. So, you must dump it right.

• Never use the sink.
• Also, never use the trash.

Instead, use an old jug. Then, go to an auto store. Many parts stores, including most AutoZone locations, accept used motor oil for free. As a result, it gets recycled. This is part of how to change oil.

Recycling the Oil and the Filter: What the EPA Says

Most DIY guides stop at the used oil. The EPA says to handle the filter too: drain and recycle used oil filters as well, usually at the same collection centers that take used oil.

1. Pour the used oil from the drain pan into a leak-proof container with a tight lid. Do not spill any while you collect it.
2. Drain the old filter so the remaining oil goes into the same container. Honda’s manual says to dispose of the remaining oil from the filter.
3. Find a drop-off using the EPA’s links to the Earth911 recycling search tool or the American Petroleum Institute’s used motor oil collection site, or ask local auto shops, waste collectors or government waste officials.
4. Keep the oil and filter out of the trash and off the ground.

The EPA notes that motor oil does not wear out, it just gets dirty, so recycling saves a valuable resource. One gallon of used motor oil provides the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil, and re-refined oil must meet the same standards as virgin oil. The EPA says it passes all prescribed tests and in some situations even outperforms virgin oil.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Shop

Let us check the price. To sum up, is it worth it?

Expense Item	DIY Cost (Approx.)	Shop Cost (Approx.)
5 Quarts Oil	$30	$0
Oil Filter	$10	$0
Labor	$0	Included
Total	About $40	Varies; get a local quote

As shown, you save money. Especially with synthetic oil. Since shops charge extra, you win. When you know how to change oil, you keep the cash.

Does Changing Your Own Oil Void the Warranty?

No. The FTC says it is illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage because you had routine maintenance or repairs done by someone else. What the FTC does ask is proof. It tells owners to keep records of oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads and inspections, so you can show you maintained the vehicle if you ever need the warranty.

For a home oil change, a simple record covers it:

• Date and odometer reading.
• The oil grade and quantity you used, such as 0W-20, 4.2 quarts.
• The filter brand and part number.
• Receipts for the oil and filter, plus a photo of the oil bottle label.
• Where you took the used oil for recycling.

Use the grade your manual lists. FuelEconomy.gov says running 10W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-30 can lower gas mileage by 1% to 2%, and 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower it by 1% to 1.5%. Check your warranty booklet for any extra maintenance terms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things happen. Here are easy fixes.

The Drain Plug is Stuck

Don’t panic. Instead, use a big wrench. Also, tap it lightly. As a result, it loosens.

Leaking After Change

First, check the filter. Did you leave the old ring? If so, it leaks. Therefore, check the gasket.

Stripped Threads

If you spin it too hard, it breaks. As a result, it won’t seal. In that case, buy a new plug.

Conclusion

The bottom line, you can now change oil. To summarize, we listed the tools. Also, we walked through the steps. Changing oil is great. Rather, it is practical and smart.

Whether you have a truck or car, it is the same. Even if you call it a cambio de aceite, do it right. Always check your levels.

So, go get your tools. Then, use your car ramps. Ultimately, your car will last. To sum up, knowing how to change oil is power.

Start this weekend. Certainly, you can do it!

Related guides: more check engine codes explained and EGR Valve Cleaning Insights.

FAQs

Sources

• AAA: how often should you change engine oil
• EPA: managing, reusing and recycling used oil
• FuelEconomy.gov: keeping your car in shape
• Honda 2025 Civic Hybrid owner’s manual: changing the engine oil and filter
• Honda 2025 Civic Hatchback owner’s manual: specifications
• FTC: auto warranties and auto service contracts