How to change your oil
Learn how to change engine oil in your car with our step-by-step guide. Discover the best practices for car engine oil change, including tools, tips, and expert advice to ensure smooth performance.
Performing a regular car oil change is important for your car to maintain the power and efficiency - find out how to change your car's engine oil.
Understanding car engine oil change fundamentals
Engine oil is essential to your car's engine. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps manage heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective. That's why regular maintenance matters so much. Fresh oil keeps your engine clean and protects it from wear.
The good news? Learning how to change oil is well within reach of regular folks. A DIY oil change saves money and gives you confidence under the hood. Most vehicles need about 4 to 8 quarts of oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact amount and grade. Castrol® offers a full range of engine oils for every vehicle type — from conventional blends to full synthetics.
Not sure where to get started in choosing the right oil for your car? Here's a quick breakdown of the main types.
| Oil type | Typical cost (5 quarts) | Change interval | Best for |
| Conventional | ~$28 | 5,000–7,500 miles | Standard driving conditions |
| Synthetic blend | ~$35 | 7,500–10,000 miles | Mixed driving, light towing |
| Full synthetic | ~$45 | Up to 10,000 miles | High-performance, extreme temperatures |
| High mileage | ~$40 | 5,000–7,500 miles | Vehicles over 75,000 miles |
How to do an oil change
Regular oil changes help maintain your car’s power and efficiency and extend engine life. With the correct oil, filter, and tools on hand, you can prepare the vehicle safely, drain the used oil, replace the filter, refill the engine, check the oil level, and recycle the used oil.
- Gather the correct oil, a new filter, and the required tools and safety equipment (see below). Refer to our Oil Selector and Where to Buy tools if needed.
- Park safely and prepare the vehicle. Park on level ground with the engine warm but not hot and the handbrake engaged, then lift the hood.
- Position the drain tray. Place the oil drain tray under the sump and remove the oil filler cap.
- Drain the used oil. Loosen the sump plug with the sump plug key until the oil begins flowing into the drain tray.
- Remove the old oil filter. Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the filter counterclockwise so the remaining oil can drain fully. Empty the oil inside the filter into the drain tray, then place the filter in a plastic bag until it can be recycled.
- Reinstall the sump plug. Once the used engine oil has stopped flowing, replace the sump plug and tighten it.
- Install the new oil filter. Apply a light coating of oil around the filter’s gasket to help ensure a good seal, then screw the new filter into place.
- Add the recommended oil. First confirm exactly how much oil your vehicle requires. If you are unsure, add it in increments and use the dipstick to avoid overfilling the sump.
- Complete the oil change. Replace the oil filler cap and dipstick, then close the hood.
- Recycle the used oil and filter. Take the old engine oil and filter to an approved recycling location.
Common signs your vehicle needs an oil change
An engine oil change becomes necessary when old oil stops doing its job. Not sure when it's time? Here are the most common signs:
Dark, gritty oil
Fresh oil is amber and translucent. Old oil turns dark and thick.
Engine noise
Oil quiets moving parts. When it breaks down, you may hear knocking or ticking.
Oil change reminder light
Many modern cars have a dashboard indicator. Check your owner's manual for what it means.
Exhaust smoke
Some vapor is normal. Visible smoke is not.
Oil smell inside the cabin
This can signal a leak.
Decreased fuel economy
Worn oil increases friction. That means your engine works harder.
Recognizing these signs is the first step in learning how to change the oil yourself.
Pro Tip: Check your oil at every other fill-up. It takes 30 seconds and catches problems early.
How long should it take to change oil in your car?
For first timers: about 1 hour
Once you have some experience: around 30 minutes
Essential tools and supplies required
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct engine oil and oil filter for your vehicle, along with the necessary tools and safety equipment listed in the sections below. Check your owner’s manual for the required oil grade and quantity.
For a DIY oil change, prepare the vehicle safely, drain the used oil, replace the oil filter, reinstall the drain plug, add the specified amount of new oil, check the level, inspect for leaks, and recycle the used oil. Always follow your owner's manual for vehicle-specific instructions.
An engine oil replacement at home typically costs between $30 and $75. Doing it yourself can save you around $158 per change.
Knowing how to change car oil means you always have the right supplies on hand. If you've never done it before, how to do an oil change is simpler than you might think.
Which tools and supplies do I need to change my oil?
- New oil (check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specifics or use The Castrol® Oil Finder Tool)
- New oil filter
- Wrench set
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Container with a secure lid for transporting used oil for recycling
- Funnel
- Rubber or latex gloves to keep oil and grease off your hands
- Safety goggles
- Car jack
- Jack stands or ramps, depending on how much you need to raise your vehicle
- Rags for cleanup
Inspecting engine oil condition and levels
Checking your oil is simple. Park on level ground. Wait for the engine to cool. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean. Reinsert it fully, then pull it again. Check where the oil sits on the marked area. It should be between the minimum and maximum lines. Look at the color too. Fresh oil is amber and translucent. Dark or gritty oil needs changing. If the oil looks milky, coolant may be leaking. That needs a mechanic's attention. Low oil? Top it off with the correct grade. Check your owner's manual for the right type.
Pro Tip: If the oil level is consistently low between changes, your engine may be burning oil. Have it checked by a professional.
Best practices for ongoing engine maintenance
An engine oil change is just one part of keeping your engine healthy. Follow these practices for long-term performance:
- Follow the schedule. Most modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Synthetic oil can go up to 10,000 miles. Always check your owner's manual.
- Use the right oil. The wrong grade can reduce performance and protection. Castrol® GTX® is a premium conventional blend. Castrol® EDGE® is a full synthetic for maximum performance.
- Replace the filter every time. A clogged filter reduces oil flow. Always install a new filter with each oil change.
- Check oil regularly. Don't wait for the reminder light. Check every other fill-up.
- Keep records. Track your oil changes. It helps with resale value and warranty claims.
Once you know how to change car oil, you'll save on every service.
Related links
Comparing the types of motor oil
Motor Oils are formulated and marketed as conventional, full synthetic, part synthetic and semi synthetic. What is the difference between synthetic and semi synthetic or semi synthetic and conventional? The difference lies in the type of base oils that are used in the formulation and this is what defines these motor oil categories.
How to recycle your used motor oil
Here at Castrol, we understand the importance of looking after the environment by recycling used motor oil.
Oil viscosity chart – motor oil grades
Viscosity is the resistance to flow of a fluid. Motor oil viscosity grades are based on a scale developed by the API (American Petroleum Institute) lubricant organization. The values are defined in a specification known as API 1509 and are based on the resistance the oil gives to flowing at two different temperatures – cold and high temperature.