Changing your vehicle's engine oil is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how To change oil by following these steps.

A correctly performed oil change extends your vehicle's life while Keeping you and the environment safe.

The quick-lube chains usually recommend it be done every three Months or 3,000 miles, but many mechanics would tell you that such frequent changes are overkill.

Indeed,Most car owner's manuals recommend changing out the oil less frequently, usually after 5,000 or 7,500 miles.

Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake

Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake Run your engine for 5 minutes before draining oil, as warm oil drains faster than cold.Do NOT drain oil that is at full operating temperature as it will be too hot to safely Handle. Remove your keys from the ignition, as some hybrid models can auto-start.To be safe, always check your owner's manual before working on a specialty vehicle.

Jack your car up and place it on jack stands

A jack alone will not safely support the full weight of your car. Consult your manual for The proper jacking points. The placement of a jack stand is just as important as the jack Placement. The wrong placement can damage your car's suspension or body parts.

Locate the oil drain plug and place the drain pan below

The oil drain plug is usually near the front center of the engine, but some vehicles have More than one plug. Check your manual for the exact location. Loosen the plug with a Socket or wrench. Make sure that the drain pan is large enough to hold 4-5 quarts of oil Or more. The oil drains at an angle, so position the drain pan to catch it.

Unscrew the plug by hand

Remove the plug by hand. While unscrewing the plug, push it back towards the pan.This prevents oil from rushing out until you are ready to remove the plug from the hole.

Drain all oil

To speed up the draining process, remove the filter cap located on the top of the Engine and allow air to enter from the top. Check your owner’s manual for the exact Location.

Replace oil plug

Tighten the oil plug by hand so it is not cross-threaded. Once the plug is tight, finish Tightening with a wrench or by hand. Always use a new drain plug gasket and never Over-tighten the drain plug.

Remove existing oil filter

Place the oil pan underneath the old filter to catch any remaining oil while unscrewing it,Using an oil filter wrench. Use a rag to clean the mounting surface. Make sure that the Sealing O-ring from the old filter is not stuck to the mounting surface on the engine.

Note: Some vehicles use remote mounted oil filters that may be on top or on the side Of the engine.

Lubricate new filter and screw into place by hand

Lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter with fresh oil. It’s usually not necessary to Tighten the oil filter with the wrench. Refer to the filter’s instructions. Once the filter is Installed, lower the car.

Clean the oil filter neck and pour in the new oil using a funnel

Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil, but check your manual for your vehicle’s oil Capacity. Fill to three-quarters of the engine’s capacity to avoid overfilling, as there is Always oil that does not drain. Then replace the cap.

Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks

Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for any leaks. If you notice a leak,Shut the engine off immediately and correct it or them. Check the dipstick afterward, And add more oil, if necessary.