How to Change Your Oil

Are you thinking about changing your own oil but aren’t sure how to? Russell & Smith Ford is here to help. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide for drivers from Houston, Sugarland, and Missouri City, Texas, so they can learn how to change their vehicle’s oil.

We’ve outlined the six steps of changing your car’s oil, so you’ll know what to do when it comes time to do so. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your next oil change.

Step One: Elevate Your Vehicle Safely

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The first thing you’ll want to do is lift your vehicle high enough that you can work under it. You’ll want to engage its parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels. Then, use a vehicle jack and raise the front of the car.

While working on your vehicle, wearing goggles and gloves is always a good idea!

Step Two: Remove the Undertray and Loosen the Drain

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Most vehicles have a plastic undertray to protect important under-vehicle components. Remove this undertray to get access to the oil pan and filter.

You’ll want to grab a container—such as an oil drain pan—to contain the oil you’ll be draining out of your car. Beneath the undertray, you’ll see an oil drain plug. Remove the plug by unscrewing it.

The oil will begin flowing out when you remove it, so make sure you’re ready with the oil drain pan. Allow the oil to drain for about five minutes or until it slows to a trickle.

Step Three: Replace the Oil Filter and Put the Drain Plug Back

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Next up is replacing the oil filter. It’s a cylinder piece screwed into the engine. Some more oil might leak out when you loosen the filter and receptacle. Once the oil stops leaking, replace the filter. Make sure you remove the rubber ring—the gasket—from the old filter from the container. This ensures your new filter seals properly.

Wipe down anything with oil on it before continuing. Then, put your drain plug back on and tighten it. You can put the undertray back on now, too.

Step Four: Fill Your Vehicle Up With New Oil

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Step Five: Check the Oil Level

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Give the oil a few minutes to settle. After a couple of minutes, check the oil level. You can do this using the car’s dipstick. If it hits the correct mark on the dipstick, you’ve got the right amount of oil.

Step Six: Check for Leaks

The last step is to check for leaks. To do this, you’ll want to start your engine. Let your vehicle run for a few minutes and check for leaks underneath your car and around the oil filter.

Get Your Oil Changing Supplies or Schedule Your Oil Change

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Now that you know how to change your oil, it’s time to grab the supplies. If you have questions, feel free to ask! Drivers from Houston, Sugarland, and Missouri City, TX, can visit Russell & Smith Ford’s parts center to pick up oil filters and oil itself.

Visit our dealership’s parts center or contact us to schedule your next oil change today.