How to Change Your Oil — Step by Step

Step 1 — Warm the engine briefly

Run the engine for 2–3 minutes so the oil is warm (not hot) and flows easily when drained. Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle in the pan. Do not drain oil at full operating temp — burns are the most common DIY oil-change injury.

Step 2 — Lift the vehicle safely

Raise the front of the vehicle on ramps, or with a jack and jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight. Never work under a car held up only by a floor jack. A hydraulic jack can fail. Jack stands are non-negotiable.

Step 3 — Drain the old oil

Position the drain pan under the oil pan. Locate the drain plug (usually a single hex bolt on the lowest point of the oil pan). Remove it with a socket — the oil will gush, so keep your hand out of the stream. Let it drain completely (5–10 minutes). When flow slows to drips, reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer, torqued to manufacturer spec (typically 25–35 ft-lb).

Step 4 — Replace the oil filter

Remove the old filter with an oil filter wrench — twist counterclockwise. Expect some residual oil, so keep the drain pan positioned underneath. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag. Rub a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter's rubber gasket (this prevents the gasket from sticking). Hand-tighten the new filter until snug, then tighten another 3/4 turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten — you'll damage the gasket.

Step 5 — Add new oil

Lower the vehicle. Pop the hood and open the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Using a funnel, pour in the exact quantity specified by your owner's manual (usually 4–6 quarts). Replace the filler cap snugly.

Step 6 — Check the oil level

Start the engine for 30 seconds to circulate the oil and fill the new filter. Shut off and wait 2 minutes. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert fully, and pull again to read the level. Top off in 1/4 quart increments if needed — overfilling is as bad as underfilling.

Step 7 — Log the oil change in Trackara

In the Trackara app, open the vehicle profile and log the oil change with date, mileage, oil grade (e.g., 5W-30 full synthetic), and filter part number. Trackara automatically sets the next oil change reminder based on your service interval (typically 5,000 or 7,500 miles). See factory service intervals.

Dispose of the old oil properly

Pour drained oil into a sealed container (the new oil's empty jug works). Take it to any auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance, NAPA) — they all accept used oil for free. Never dump oil on the ground or in a storm drain — it's illegal and one gallon contaminates a million gallons of water.

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