One of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks you can do is to change your car’s oil. An oil change will keep your car in top condition, extending the life of your engine and improving performance. Many drivers rely on service centers. Doing it yourself, however, can lead to significant cost savings and an improved knowledge of maintenance fundamentals.
This beginner tips guide will show you how to you change your oil in an efficient manner, avoid common mistakes and make certain that your vehicle is road-ready. This guide contains everything you need to do a successful DIY car oil change on either your older model or one of the latest U.S. cars you own in 2025!
An oil change is one of the easiest vehicle maintenance tasks that can be done, but you may be wondering if you should be doing it yourself instead of taking it to a mechanic or dealership. Getting regular oil changes allows your car to run better and prevents damage to engine components. Ensuring your car gets its optimal performance, by changing the oil and filter yourself, you regulate the quality of oil and filter used.
Demand oil changes every 5,000 and 7,500 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and driving conditions in which they are used. Understanding the fundamentals of engine maintenance means you spot issues when they’re small and can fix them before they become expensive repair work. There’s also the rewarding satisfaction of taking care of your vehicle maintenance yourself.
Here’s what you need to do before you even get started on your DIY car oil change. First, you must need the tools and materials needed:
With all this in place, you’re also going to be doing the whole thing by the book and in less time, without having to waste time for whatever process delays.
Here’s how to change your vehicle’s oil.
Start the engine and let it run for 1 minute. This redistributes the new oil throughout the system. Look underneath for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
Shut the engine off, wait a few minutes, and check the oil level again. Add more if necessary.
Used motor oil is a hazardous waste and it needs to be disposed of legally. Most auto parts stores or service centers will take your old oil to recycle it. Never pour it down a drain or on the ground.
Mistakes can happen, even with the best beginner tips. Here are some to look out for:
Using the wrong oil – Always read your car’s manual for the correct oil type and viscosity.
Over-torquing the drain plug or oil filter – It can cross-thread or cause leakage. It should be good enough if tightened by hand.
Forgetting to put in the drain plug – An easy oversight, but an expensive one that results in a loss of oil.
Failing to check for leaks – Always check for leaks after an oil change.
Ignoring regular changes — Change the oil at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, even if it looks clean.
The biggest advantage of a DIY car oil change is the cost savings. Depending on the vehicle and oil type, professional oil changes often cost between $50 and $100. If you do it yourself, you can reduce that expense by half or more.
Buy cases of oil and filters in bulk for even greater savings. Certain synthetic oils offer long change intervals that translate to further cost savings over time.
Although an oil change is a critical part of maintenance essentials, there are several regular check-ups that keep your vehicle running smoothly:
By doing these things independently, you improve your car’s lifespan and make sure it runs more smoothly.
Oil changes are a little different depending on what kind of U.S. car you have. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Sedans and compact cars – Usually need less oil (4-5 quarts) and have filters that are easy to get to.
SUVs and trucks – Might require additional oil (6-8 quarts) and higher-viscosity alternatives. Drain plugs and filters may be less accessible.
Hybrid and electric vehicles – Hybrids still need oil changes, just not as often. They never require an oil change like gas cars do.
Always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
How often you should do a DIY car oil change depends on a variety of factors, including what kind of vehicle you have, what kind of driving you do, and what kind of oil you use. Most U.S. cars traditionally needed oil exchanged every 3,000 miles, but advancements in engines and oil formulations have stretched these intervals considerably.
These days, most carmakers advise oil changes for regular oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and most synthetic oil can go between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Oil should be changed regularly, but there are many factors that come into play when determining how often. You might need to change your oil sooner if you regularly drive in stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or dusty environments.
If you tow or carry heavy loads, your engine undergoes greater stress, requiring shorter oil change intervals. Knowing these maintenance basics will allow you to avoid premature engine wear and keep your vehicle in the best condition.
However, one thing we should regularly do is check your oil. If it looks dark, greasy or smells burnt, it’s time to switch it out. Keeping an eye on the oil level with the dipstick ensures that your engine is always appropriately lubricated, which avoids costly repairs down the line.
Following a regular schedule for oil changes can save you a lot of money in the long run, as it can extend the life of your engine and improve fuel economy. If you follow these simple tips, your car will run in better condition without unnecessary service costs. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific advice appropriate to your car’s make and model.
This car oil change step by step guide for a DIY oil change will provide you with everything you need to do this at home! This knowledge of maintenance basics will help prevent expensive repairs and keep your ride in prime shape.
If you follow the beginner tips in this guide, you’ll become confident in looking after your vehicle. You’ll save a considerable amount of money in the process. On the other hand, if you drive a compact sedan or one of the newer U.S. cars, being an oil change pro makes you master your car’s maintenance destiny.
This content was created by AI