Prep checklist
- • correct oil grade and quantity
- • new oil filter
- • new crush washer if used
- • drain pan, funnel, rags, gloves
- • safe lift point plan before you begin
Step-by-step
- 1.Warm the engine for a minute or two, then shut it off so the oil drains more freely without burning you.
- 2.Lift the car safely on level ground, remove the drain plug, and let the oil drain fully before touching the filter.
- 3.Swap the filter, lightly oil the new filter gasket, reinstall the drain plug with the proper washer, then refill with the correct amount.
- 4.Start the engine, look for leaks, shut it off, wait a minute, and confirm the level again before resetting the maintenance minder.
Common mistakes
- • over-tightening the drain plug
- • double-gasketing the filter by leaving the old gasket behind
- • guessing oil quantity instead of checking the dipstick
Stop here if
Stop if the drain plug is damaged, the filter housing is stuck beyond reason, or the engine is obviously low on oil for a deeper reason than missed interval timing.