Perform a Basic Oil Change

How to perform an oil change

The purpose for this series of instructions is to learn the basics of performing an engine oil change on a vehicle. Vehicle ownership incurs maintenance and operating costs where drivers have the potential to save money, and develop a new skill by performing ones own routine maintenance. These instructions serve as a step-by-step guide, accompanied by images, for performing an engine oil change. Most tools, equipment, and oil and be found at most major retailers and auto repair facilities that sell automotive parts and services.

The following steps will be applied to doing an oil change on a 1997 Toyota 4Runner.

Tool & Materials to complete an oil change effectively:

1. Disposable Gloves - engine oil contains harsh chemicals, heavy metals, and carcinogens which may be harmful if left exposed to skin. Disposable gloves are used to keep engine oil away from skin contact and for easy cleanup.
2. Shop Towels - during the engine oil change process, it is important to maintain a clean working environment. Use shop towels to remove, check, and clean up components and tools during the engine oil change process.
3. Drain Pan - during the process of an engine oil change, dirty engine oil will be drained from the bottom of the engine and must be collected for proper disposal. Draining engine oil onto the ground is especially harmful to the environment and can incur hefty environmental fines if done maliciously.
4. Socket & Ratchet - most vehicles have different-sized engine oil pan drain plugs located in a variety of easy, or difficult locations. Having the appropriate-sized socket will reduce the potential for “rounding-off” the drain plug head, failing to drain the oil properly.
5. Torque Wrench - all vehicles are designed with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specification for oil pan drain plug tightness. The use of a torque wrench will reduce the potential for over-tightening, resulting in stripped engine oil pan threads or a broken drain plug.
6. Oil-Filter Wrench - the engine oil filter may be extremely hot and near other vehicle accessories, leaving little room for clearance for the user's hands. Using an oil filter wrench will greatly aid in oil filter removal and reinstallation.
7. Engine Oil - certain vehicles have specific SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards for engine oil viscosity and synthetic types (for example: 0w20, 5w30, 15w40…conventional, full-synthetic, etc.) Taking note of what specific engine oil type and quantity required is essential to engine operation.
8. Engine Oil Filter - all vehicles have a specific engine oil filter type required for a vehicle’s specific engine. Taking note of the OEM specifications is crucial for engine oil filtration and oil flow.
9. Drain Plug Gasket - all vehicles require an oil pan drain plug gasket to be routinely replaced. Having a fresh gasket ensures a proper seal to prevent leaks.
10. Trash Bag - during the process of an engine oil change, it is important to maintain a clean workspace. Having a trash bag nearby is recommended to keep trash and oily rags collected during an oil change.

Other optional equipment:

1. Funnel - refilling the engine oil can be cumbersome, using a funnel in the engine oil cap during refilling can eliminate unnecessary spillage, waste, and clean up much easier.
2. Splash Guard - during the engine oil drain process, oil may drain at great velocity, resulting in unwanted spillage on the ground and the user. Having a splash guard will reduce the potential for spillage.

1. Identify Make & Model of the vehicle

This can be completed by referring to the vehicle owner's manual, consulting with a mechanic or auto parts dealer, or by consulting online sources. As one begins the process of performing an engine oil change, it is vital to identify and take note of the vehicle engine specifics such as:

1. Vehicle Mileage - It is important to take note of the vehicles current milage. This is used for tracking mileage and months since the previous oil change, and is used to measure out the next oil change cycle.
2. Engine Oil Capacity - similar makes and models of vehicles may have different engines with varying levels of engine oil capacity. Taking note of how much engine oil is required is vital to engine health and longevity.
3. Engine Oil Type - certain vehicles have specific SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards for engine oil viscosity and synthetic types (for example: 0w20, 5w30, 15w40…conventional, full-synthetic, etc.) Taking note of which specific engine oil type is required is essential to lubrication and engine operation.
4. Engine Oil Filter Type - all vehicles have a specific engine oil filter type required for a vehicle’s specific engine. Taking note of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications is crucial for engine oil filtration and oil flow.

1. Park the Vehicle

1. Place the vehicle on a relatively flat surface, which ensures the engine may drain as much used engine oil as possible.
2. Ensure the parking brake is engaged.

2. Start the Vehicle

1. Let the Vehicle run for approximately 10 minutes, or until vehicle is at normal idle temperature. Letting the vehicle run will allow the engine oil to heat up as designed and it will be easier to drain from the vehicle.

3. Shut off the Vehicle

1. Turn off the vehicle and fully remove the key from the ignition.

1. Identify the Hood Latch Release

1. Use the Hood Latch Release located near the driver's seat, which is identified by an open-hood vehicle logo.

2. Secure Vehicle Hood

1. Identify the hood prop and secure the hood in its secure position, which is identified by the ARROW indicator on the inside of the hood.

1. Remove Engine Oil Cap

1. Identify Engine Oil Cap, using a shop towel to remove the engine oil cap in a counterclockwise fashion until removed. This allows for efficient oil drainage.
2. Place the engine oil cap in the middle of the hood latch mechanism. This action keeps track of parts and may prevent misplacing or losing vehicle components.

2. Remove Engine Oil Dipstick

1. Identify the engine oil dipstick, typically marked yellow across most makes and models.
2. Remove the oil dipstick from its housing, using a shop towel to clean while removing.
3. Identify Low- and Full-level markings on dipstick body (distance between marks = 1 quart).

3. Measure Oil Level

1. Place the engine oil dipstick into the dipstick housing.
2. After approximately 1-2 seconds, gently remove the dipstick with the end facing down or parallel to the ground for an accurate reading.

(Checking engine oil levels before draining is a factor in tracking engine health and performance in case of failure or unexpected maintenance.)

1. Place Drain Pan

1. Place the oil drain pan underneath the vehicle.
2. Locate the pan near the engine oil drain plug for quick retrieval of draining oil.

2. Break Drain Plug Seal

1. Using the appropriate size socket and ratchet, secure the tooling to the oil pan drain plug.
2. Gently rotate the drain plug counterclockwise until the drain plug is hand-loosened.

1. Remove Oil Pan Drain Plug

1. Gently twist the drain plug until removed from the engine oil pan.

(Oil will be actively draining from the vehicle)

1. Monitor oil flow, adjusting the splash guard and drain pan to avoid spillage.
2. Continue monitoring oil flow until oil is loosely dripping.

(Once the drain plug is removed, ensure the drain plug gasket is removed as well. Not doing so may result in oil leakage during engine operations and cause catastrophic failure)

1. Install Oil Pan Drain Plug

1. Remove the old oil pan drain plug gasket.
2. Install a new oil pan drain plug gasket.
3. Hand-tighten the oil pan drain plug into the engine oil pan.

2. Torque Down Oil Pan Drain Plug

1. Adjust the torque wrench setting to OEM specifications, twist the drain plug clockwise until the wrench "clicks", indicating desired torque on the drain plug.
2. Use a shop towel to clean up any residual oil remaining around the drain plug and the surrounding area.

1. Identify Engine Oil Filter Location

1. Engine oil filters can be located in easy and complicated spots across vehicle makes and models. Refer to OEM specifications for proper location.

2. Install Oil Drain Pan

1. Place the oil drain pan underneath the engine oil filter to capture oil drainage

3. Remove Engine Oil Filter

1. Using the oil filter wrench, place the wrench onto the oil filter to allow counterclockwise rotation of the oil filter
2. Once hand-loosened, slowly spin the oil filter until removed, use a splash guard if needed to prevent unnecessary oil spillage.

*(Oil will be actively draining from the vehicle)*

**(Once the engine oil filter is removed, ensure oil filter gasket is removed as well. Not doing so may result in oil leakage during engine operations and cause catastrophic failure) **

1. Clean the Oil Filter Mount

1. Using a shop towel, clean the engine oil filter mounting plate of any debris and residue.
2. By hand, twist the mounting stud clockwise to clean the mounting threads and ensure the mounting screw is on tight.

2. Prepare the New Engine Oil Filter

1. Using a small amount of new engine oil, apply a light coat of oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. This aids in creating a seal for the new engine oil filter to prevent leaks, keep from drying out, and keep contamination from entering the engine.
2. Place the new engine oil filter onto the engine oil mounting plate, and rotate clockwise until hand-tightened.
3. Use the oil filter wrench to secure the new oil filter slightly above hand-tightened to ensure a secure seal.

(Overtightening the engine oil filter can potentially tear the oil filter gasket and damage to the filter housing)

1. Clean the Oil Pan Drain Plug

1. Using a shop towel, double-check any residual oil, trash, and debris.

2. Clean the Engine Oil Filter

1. Using a shop towel, wipe off the engine oil filter and the surrounding area of any residual engine oil.

1. Refill the Engine Oil

1. If needed, use a funnel and place it into the engine oil reservoir. Gently lift and refill the engine with new engine oil.
2. Cap off any used oil containers and place them in the trash receptacle.

2. Check Oil Level

1. Check the oil level following the actions in Step 4.
2. Continue adding oil and checking each interval until the oil level is at the Full-level mark.
3. Secure the engine oil cap and the oil dipstick in their respective locations.

1. Check all manipulated components

1. Physically check the engine oil cap and dipstick and firmly secure them.

2. Secure work area

1. Remove all tools away from the vehicle.
2. Clean up any trash or used materials and properly dispose of them.

3. Start the Vehicle

1. With clean hands, place the keys into the ignition and start the vehicle.

(It is important to visually inspect the undercarriage after starting the vehicle to ensure no oil is leaking while the engine is operating.)

1. Leave the vehicle and visually inspect the undercarriage for any oil drips and leaks. Visually inspect the engine oil filter and drain plug for any signs of leaks.
2. Let the vehicle idle until the vehicle is at normal idle oil pressure and operating temperature.

4.Shut off the Vehicle

1. Repeat actions in Step 4 to accurately measure engine oil level.
2. If oil level is below the full mark, add additional oil until Full-mark is reached.

1. Check Engine Bay

1. Visually inspect any remaining oil residue, using a shop towel, wipe down any presence of engine oil.

2. Check Undercarriage

1. Visually inspect any remaining oil residue, using a shop towel to wipe down any presence of engine oil.

3. Remove Cleaning Supplies and Tools

1. Place any disposable trash and oil-covered towels into a trash bag.
2. Pick up any loose tools and place back into appropriate locations.

4. Discard used Engine Oil

1. Clean the drain pan and secure all fittings for transport.
2. Discard used engine oil and trash products to the nearest oil-disposing receptacle.

(Most automotive repair and auto parts facilities offer free oil disposal.)