Changing the oil in your car might sound like something best left to mechanics, but the truth is—it’s not rocket science. It’s something you can totally do at home, with a little preparation and a willingness to get your hands a bit dirty. Think of it like cooking your favorite comfort food—it takes a bit of time, but it’s worth every drop. Plus, it saves you money, gives you peace of mind, and helps your car run smoother for longer.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through how to change oil in car at home—yes, 8 straightforward steps, from gathering tools to safely disposing of the old oil. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who just needs a friendly reminder, this article is your trusted companion.
Let’s roll up those sleeves!
Why Changing Your Car’s Oil at Home Is a Smart Move
Here’s why more people are choosing to change their oil at home:
- Cost-effective: You save labor fees—sometimes over $50 per visit.
- Convenient: No waiting rooms, no appointments.
- Trustworthy: You know exactly what oil is going into your engine.
- Educational: You learn more about your vehicle every time.
It’s also great bonding time with your ride. You understand its quirks, its sounds, its moods. Kind of like knowing when your dog’s just had enough of the leash.
Step 1: Get the Right Tools and Materials
Before you start, gather all the tools you’ll need. This avoids the classic, “Oops, I forgot the oil filter wrench” situation halfway through the job. Trust me, that’s frustrating.
Here’s a list of essentials:
- New engine oil (check your car manual for the type and quantity)
- Oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Socket wrench
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Jack and jack stands (or ramps)
- Old rags or towels
- Gloves and safety glasses
Pro tip: Double-check the oil type. Using the wrong one can do more harm than good. Your manual is your best friend here.
Now that you’ve got your gear, let’s move to the next step.
Step 2: Warm Up the Engine (But Just a Bit)
This might sound strange, but warm oil drains faster than cold oil. So before you do anything, run your engine for about 5 minutes. Just enough to warm it up—not too hot.
You want the oil to flow out smoothly when you pull the plug, but you don’t want to burn yourself. It’s like letting butter soften before spreading it on toast. Makes life easier.
Then, park your car on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake. Turn off the ignition. Let the engine sit for 2 minutes before you dive in.
Safety is everything. Always use wheel chocks and jack stands if you lift your car. Don’t trust just the jack—seriously.
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil Out
Here comes the part where you really get involved. Slide under the car (using ramps or jack stands), find the oil drain plug—usually a bolt at the bottom of the oil pan—and place the drain pan beneath it.
With your socket wrench, unscrew the plug slowly. You’ll feel it loosen, and then… whoosh. The oil pours out.
Let it drain fully. Give it about 5–10 minutes.
As you wait, breathe in the satisfaction. You’re doing something real. Something millions of people pay for. You’re saving cash, learning, and owning the process.
Once it’s finished draining, clean the plug and its washer, and screw it back in. Tighten firmly, but don’t go Hulk mode—you don’t want to strip the threads.
Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter
The oil filter is like your car’s kidney. It traps gunk and metal particles from harming your engine. So changing it is crucial.
Find the filter—usually a cylinder that sticks out from the engine. Use the oil filter wrench to remove it. Be ready: it’ll have oil in it, so tip it into your drain pan.
Before installing the new filter, dab a bit of new oil on the rubber gasket. This creates a smooth seal and makes removal easier next time.
Screw it in hand-tight. Don’t overdo it.
| Step | Task | Tip |
| 1 | Warm engine | Don’t let it overheat |
| 2 | Drain oil | Use gloves—oil gets messy |
| 3 | Remove oil filter | Have rags ready |
| 4 | Install new filter | Always oil the gasket |
You’re halfway there. Feeling proud yet? You should.
Step 5: Pour in the New Oil
This is the moment you’ve earned—filling your car with fresh oil.
Pop the hood and locate the oil cap on top of the engine. Remove it. Use a funnel to pour in the new oil—slow and steady.
Your car manual tells you how much oil to add. Most cars take between 4–6 quarts.
Once poured, wait a minute. Let gravity do its thing. Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, and check the level. It should be within the safe range—not too low, not overfilled.
Screw the cap back on. Clean any spills. You’re almost done with how to change oil in car at home!
Step 6: Run the Engine and Check for Leaks
You’ve done all the hard parts. Now it’s time to make sure everything’s sealed and tight.
Start the engine. Let it run for 30–60 seconds. Watch the dashboard for any warning lights. Then, turn off the engine and inspect underneath.
Look at the drain plug and oil filter. See any drips? If yes, re-tighten gently.
Wait 5 minutes, then check the oil level again. Sometimes it drops a little as oil moves into the filter. Top off if needed.
You’ve just given your car a mini spa treatment. It’s cleaner, smoother, and better off than it was this morning.
Step 7: Dispose of the Old Oil Properly
This part often gets ignored, but it’s so important.
You can’t just toss used oil in the trash. It’s hazardous and illegal in many places. Pour the used oil into a sealed container (like the original oil jug), and take it to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts oil.
Tip: Most big-box auto shops like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Pep Boys accept used oil for free.
Same goes for the old oil filter—drain it and recycle it too.
Doing this right means you’re not just maintaining your car—you’re protecting the planet too. That’s something to feel good about.
Step 8: Reset the Oil Change Light (If Your Car Has One)
This last step ties a bow on the entire process. After all that effort, you want your car to know you’ve taken care of it. Many modern vehicles have an oil change indicator light or a maintenance reminder system. If you don’t reset it, the reminder will keep bugging you—even though you’ve already done the work.
How do you reset it? It varies by make and model. But here’s a general approach that works for most vehicles:
- Turn the ignition to the “on” position, but don’t start the engine.
- Press and hold the trip reset button on the dashboard.
- Wait for the oil light or maintenance light to flash and disappear.
- If that doesn’t work, check your owner’s manual or do a quick search for your car’s model and “reset oil light.”
Resetting the indicator keeps your records accurate. Plus, it feels awesome to clear that alert knowing you handled the job yourself. You didn’t just look after your car—you bonded with it.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil at Home?
So you’ve completed your first oil change. Now what?
Most mechanics used to say, “Change your oil every 3,000 miles.” That was true back in the day. But with modern engines and synthetic oils, 5,000 to 7,500 miles is the new norm. Some cars even go up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic oil.
Here’s how to know when it’s time:
- Check your owner’s manual – It gives the most accurate interval.
- Watch for warning signs – Engine noise, dark oil, or dashboard lights.
- Track your mileage – Set a reminder for your next change.
Changing your oil regularly is like giving your car a fresh pair of lungs. It breathes easier. Runs cleaner. Lives longer.
Bonus tip: Keep a small notebook in your glovebox to record oil changes, dates, and mileage. It’s handy and adds value when selling your car.
Things I Wish I Knew Before My First DIY Oil Change
Let me be honest with you—my first oil change didn’t go as smoothly as I wanted. I had the wrong oil filter size. I dropped the drain plug in the pan. And I forgot to recycle the used oil for two weeks.
But you know what? That’s okay. Because every mistake taught me something valuable. And that’s why I’m sharing this with you.
If I could give my younger self a checklist, it would look like this:
- Double-check oil type and filter size
- Lay down cardboard to catch spills
- Use gloves—warm oil isn’t fun on bare hands
- Keep an extra rag nearby
- Label the oil bottles if you’re using multiple types
The key is to stay calm. Even if things get messy, you’re learning and growing. That’s the magic of doing it yourself.
Benefits of Doing Oil Changes at Home (That Go Beyond Money)
We’ve talked about savings and convenience, but there’s more to it.
When you learn how to change oil in car at home, you’re not just getting hands-on with your vehicle—you’re also building self-reliance. It’s the same joy people get from fixing a leaky faucet or baking bread from scratch.
Here are some deeper benefits:
- Emotional satisfaction – You did this. With your own hands.
- Quality control – You know what’s going into your engine.
- Mindful maintenance – You notice other issues under the hood.
- Bonding time with kids or family – A perfect weekend project.
- Sustainability – Recycling oil and reducing trips to the shop helps the environment.
Honestly, it becomes a little ritual. Something calming and empowering. Like tending to a garden. Except the flowers have four wheels and horsepower.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t worry, we all make mistakes. But if you know what to watch out for, your oil change experience will go much smoother. Here are the most common blunders and how to avoid them:
- Over-tightening the oil plug or filter
- This can strip the threads or damage the gasket. Always go hand-tight plus a gentle turn.
- Using the wrong oil type
- Always check the manual. Viscosity matters—5W-30 is not the same as 10W-30.
- Forgetting the drain plug
- It sounds silly, but it happens. Don’t pour in new oil with the plug still out!
- Mixing oil brands or types
- If you’re topping off or doing a full change, consistency is key. Stick with one brand/type.
- Not disposing of oil responsibly
- You must recycle it. Tossing it down the drain or into the yard is harmful and illegal.
Making mistakes isn’t a failure—it’s part of the process. But when you avoid these common ones, you look like a pro.
Your 8-Step Guide to How to Change Oil in Car at home
Let’s wrap it all up with a quick recap:
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Gather tools and materials |
| 2 | Warm the engine slightly |
| 3 | Drain the old oil completely |
| 4 | Remove and replace the oil filter |
| 5 | Add new engine oil carefully |
| 6 | Run the engine and check for leaks |
| 7 | Dispose of old oil and filter properly |
| 8 | Reset the oil change reminder light |
You now know how to change oil in car at home with confidence and clarity. You’re not just someone who owns a car. You’re someone who cares for one.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Learning how to change oil in car at home is one of those things that sounds intimidating until you do it. Then you realize—it’s not only doable, it’s empowering.
There’s something deeply satisfying about taking care of your own vehicle. It’s an act of independence. A moment of connection. And a practice that adds years to your car’s life.
Whether you’re saving for something big, teaching your teen the basics, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with some good music in the background, an oil change can be more than just maintenance. It can be a ritual.
So next time someone says, “I just take mine to the shop,” you’ll smile and say, “I do mine at home. It’s easy once you know how.”
Now go get your hands a little dirty—you’ve earned it.
