An oil and filter change is the single most useful job you can do on your own car. It takes about an hour the first time, needs only a few basic tools, and saves the labour charge of a garage visit every year. This guide walks through the job from start to finish and points out the mistakes that catch people out.
What you need
- The correct engine oil for your engine (grade and specification) in the right quantity
- A new oil filter, plus a new sump plug washer if your car uses one
- A socket or spanner for the sump plug (commonly 13 mm to 19 mm, or a hex/Torx key on some cars)
- An oil filter wrench, a drain pan that holds at least 6 litres, a funnel and plenty of rags
- Gloves, and something to raise the car safely: ramps, or a jack with axle stands
Our Oil Change Kit and Standard Service Kit include the right oil and filter for your registration, so there is nothing to look up.
Before you start
Run the engine for five to ten minutes so the oil is warm and drains quickly, then switch off. Warm oil flows better than cold, but hot oil can burn you, so do not do this straight after a long drive.
Park on level ground, apply the handbrake and raise the front of the car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Use ramps or axle stands on firm ground, and chock the rear wheels.
Open the oil filler cap under the bonnet. This lets air in and helps the oil drain cleanly.
Step 1: Drain the old oil
- Find the sump plug on the bottom of the engine's oil pan. Position the drain pan slightly to the side of the plug, because the oil will come out at an angle at first.
- Loosen the plug with a socket, then unscrew the last few turns by hand and pull it away quickly. Let the oil drain for at least ten minutes.
- Wipe the plug and fit the new washer. Refit the plug and tighten it firmly, but do not overtighten; most sump plugs are tightened to around 25 to 35 Nm. A stripped thread is an expensive mistake.
Step 2: Replace the oil filter
There are two common types:
- Spin-on filter (a metal canister): unscrew it with a filter wrench, keeping the pan underneath because it holds a cupful of oil. Check that the old rubber seal came away with the filter. Smear a little fresh oil on the new filter's seal, then screw it on by hand until the seal touches, plus about three quarters of a turn. No tools needed to tighten.
- Cartridge filter (a paper element inside a plastic or metal housing): unscrew the housing cap, lift out the old element and the old O-ring, fit the new element and the new O-ring supplied in the box, and tighten the cap to the torque printed on it, usually 25 Nm.
Step 3: Refill with fresh oil
- Lower the car back to level ground if you raised it.
- Pour in about half a litre less than the full capacity through a funnel, wait a minute, then check the dipstick. Top up in small amounts until the level sits just below the maximum mark. Overfilling is as bad as underfilling.
- Refit the filler cap, start the engine and let it idle for a minute. The oil pressure light should go out within a couple of seconds.
- Switch off, wait two minutes, recheck the level and look under the car for drips at the plug and filter.
Step 4: Reset the service indicator and dispose of the oil
Most cars let you reset the service reminder through the trip button or the dashboard menu; the method is in your handbook. Pour the old oil into the empty new-oil bottle and take it to your council recycling centre, where it is accepted free. Never pour it down a drain. See our guide to disposing of used engine oil.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong oil grade or specification. Modern engines, especially those with a diesel particulate filter, are fussy. See what oil does my car need.
- Leaving the old filter seal stuck to the engine, then fitting the new filter on top of it. It will leak.
- Overtightening the sump plug or the filter.
- Forgetting to refit the sump plug before pouring in the new oil. It happens more than you would think.
How often should you do it?
Most cars need fresh oil every 12 months or 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Lots of short trips, towing or a turbocharged engine justify doing it sooner. Our guide on how often to service your car covers this in more detail.
Get the right parts for your car
Enter your registration at easyservicekits.com and we will match the correct oil grade, quantity and filters to your exact engine, check them before dispatch and deliver free anywhere in the UK. Not sure which kit you need? Email hello@easyservicekits.com with your reg and we will tell you.