How often:
Plan to change your oil every 3,000-5,000
miles or every 3 months.
Things you'll
need from your garage or your local
NAPA AUTO PARTS Store:
- Oil filter wrench set*
- Oil catch/recycle container
- Funnel
- New NAPA GOLD oil filter
- 4-5 qt. new oil**
- Clean rags
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Safety glasses
- Mechanics work gloves
- Hand cleaner
*If you plan to change your oil regularly,
consider investing in a small tool set,
an oil filter wrench set and a quality
floor jack and stands.
**Always check your owner's manual. Some
vehicles take up to 15 quarts!
Park your car on a level surface;
apply parking brake.
Run engine for 5 minutes before draining
oil (warm oil drains faster than cold).
Do NOT drain oil that is at full operating
temperature (too hot!). Remove keys
from the ignition, as some hybrid
models can auto-start. To be safe,
always check manual when working on
a specialty vehicle.
Jack your car up and place it
on jack stands.
A jack alone will not support the
full weight of your car safely. Consult
owner's manual for proper jacking
points, as the placement of a jack
stand is just as important as where
to place a jack. Misplacement can
damage suspension or body parts.
Locate oil drain plug under the
engine and place the drain pan below.
The plug is usually near the front
center of the engine, and some vehicles
have more than one (see owner's manual
for exact location). Loosen the plug
with the proper tool. 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 make sure your
pan is positioned to catch it.
Unscrew the plug by hand.
Remove the plug by hand. While unscrewing
the plug, push the plug 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 the draining process, remove
the filter cap located on the top
of the engine (see owner's manual)
and allow air to enter from the top.
Replace oil plug.
Tighten by hand so plug is not cross-threaded.
Once the plug is tight, finish tightening
with the correct tool. Always use
a new drain plug gasket and never
over-tighten the drain plug.
Remove existing oil filter.
Position oil pan underneath to catch
any remaining oil while unscrewing
the old oil filter, using the proper
oil filter wrench. Use a rag to clean
the mounting surface in preparation
for the new filter. 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 (always follow the
manufacturer's tightening specifications).
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 (see manual for exact oil capacity).
Fill to three-quarters of the engine's
capacity to avoid overfilling (there
is always oil that does not drain).
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 oil leaks.
If a leak is noticed, shut the engine
off immediately and correct any leaks.
Check the dipstick. Add more oil if
necessary.
Dispose the used oil properly.
Bring your used oil to a recycling
center or a NAPA AUTO PARTS Store
to recycle it for you. These are the
only acceptable methods for oil disposal.
Important
Tips:
- Read your owner's manual or see
your local NAPA AUTO PARTS Store specialists
to ensure you are using the correct
type of oil and oil filter.
- You'll need the year, make, model
and mileage of your car if you go
to a NAPA AUTO PARTS Store.
- Make sure the car is securely supported.
You will need two jack stands to support
the front of your car after jacking
it up.
- Record the date and mileage after
you change the oil so you will know
when your car is due for another oil
change. It helps to put a small sticker
on your windshield to remind you.
- Handle hot motor oil with extreme
caution.
- Mechanic gloves will keep your hands
protected and clean.
- Only dispose of used motor oil and
filters at authorized locations.
- If you prefer, bring your car to
your local NAPA AutoCare Center and
they can change your oil for you.
