How to Change Your Own Oil: Save $80 Every Time in 30 Minutes
An oil change at a quick lube chain costs $70 to $110 for a synthetic oil service. The parts cost for doing it yourself — a filter and five to six quarts of synthetic oil — runs $28 to $40 depending on your vehicle’s requirements. The labor takes about thirty minutes once you’ve done it twice. Over the life of a vehicle that requires oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, the savings compound to several thousand dollars, and the mechanical familiarity you develop by working on your own car pays dividends in understanding what other services actually need to be done versus which ones are unnecessary upsells.
What You Need
The correct oil viscosity and quantity for your specific vehicle — found in the owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap. An OEM or quality aftermarket oil filter — check the Fram, Purolator, or Wix cross-reference for your vehicle. A drain pan to catch the old oil. A filter wrench for removal. A socket set for the drain plug — typically 14mm to 19mm. Ramps or jack stands to access the drain plug. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack — it can slip. A funnel for adding new oil without spills.
The Process
Warm the engine for two to three minutes to thin the oil and allow it to drain more completely. Raise the vehicle safely and locate the oil drain plug on the oil pan — the lowest point of the engine block. Position the drain pan and remove the drain plug with the appropriate socket, keeping pressure against the plug until it breaks free to prevent a sudden rush of oil. Allow to drain fully — three to five minutes. Remove and replace the oil filter. Reinstall the drain plug. Add the correct amount of new oil through the filler cap on top of the engine. Check the oil level on the dipstick. Start the engine, check for leaks at the drain plug and filter, and verify the oil pressure light goes off within a few seconds of startup.
Disposing of Old Oil
Used motor oil is environmentally hazardous and cannot be disposed of in household trash. AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and most quick lube shops accept used oil for recycling free of charge. Pour the used oil from your drain pan into a sealed container — the original oil bottles work perfectly — and drop it off at any of these locations.