Changing Your Oil: 5 Things to Know

March 20, 2025

6 min read

March 20, 2025

6 min read

It's easy to change your car’s motor oil - opens in new window or tab. in your garage or driveway. Frequent oil changes prolong the life of your engine.

Before you get started, it’s essential to know when to change your oil and what else needs to be done at the same time. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to buy the right motor oil and oil filter—and get started.

Why It’s Important to Change Your Oil

A backyard mechanic wearing blue nitrile gloves, checking his vehicle’s owners manual. — Check your vehicle’s owners manual for the factory-specified oil weight.

Fresh oil is needed to lubricate the moving parts in an engine. This lubrication reduces friction and prevents wear, helping the engine run efficiently and smoothly.

Over time, the oil absorbs contaminants from normal use. These contaminants and debris break down the oil and make it less effective. If you don’t regularly change your oil, sludge can build up in the engine. Therefore, oil changes increase engine life.

Clean, fresh motor oil also improves your fuel economy. When the engine is properly lubricated and running its best, it is more efficient, meaning fewer trips to the pump.

Motor oil also helps dissipate heat from the engine. When old oil breaks down, it can’t cool the engine as effectively, creating the potential for overheating and expensive repair bills.

If your car is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, any potential claims could be denied if you don’t adhere to the recommended maintenance. The cost of an oil change is worth the peace of mind.

Changing Your Oil Is Quick, Easy, and Cheap

A backyard mechanic wearing blue nitrile gloves holding the oil drain bolt while oil drains from the oil pan. — Position the drain pain carefully to avoid messy oil spills in the driveway.

If you’re even slightly mechanically inclined, you should change your own oil.

Is it hard to change oil?

Changing your oil is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can perform at home. You’ll need some basic supplies, like an oil pan, the right oil, and an oil filter.

How long does it take to change oil?

In most cases, you can change your oil within an hour. The time will decrease as you get more skilled at the task. Go slowly the first time, and after a few tries, you’ll become a pro.

How much does it cost to change your oil?

Doing your own oil change can help you save money. Let’s break down the costs.

DIY oil change: A gallon of oil may cost you $15 to $40, depending on the type. The filter may add another $5 to $15. In total, you will spend anywhere from $20 to $55 for a typical oil change.

Lube shop: A conventional oil change ranges from $30 to $60. If your car requires synthetic oil, prices will run between $50 and $100.

Based on these estimates, you could save anywhere from $10 to $80. Keep in mind that your first change will require you to purchase some equipment if you don’t have it already. You may need to buy an oil filter wrench - opens in new window or tab. ($10 to $20), an oil drain pan - opens in new window or tab. ($5 to $25), and an oil funnel - opens in new window or tab. ($3 to $10). You’ll use these every time you change your oil, and when you do DIY oil changes, you’ll get to know your car better.

Change Your Oil and Filter Together

A backyard mechanic wearing a blue nitrile glove on his right hand applies fresh oil to the new oil filter’s gasket. — Applying fresh oil to the new oil filter’s gasket ensures a proper seal between the filter and oil pan.

Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter at the same time. The oil filter - opens in new window or tab. captures particles and debris suspended in the oil. Over time, these contaminants build up, and the filter can become clogged. By replacing the oil and filter at the same time, you provide the best engine protection.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil and Filter?

A backyard mechanic pouring fresh oil into the engine. — Use a funnel when adding fresh oil to prevent spills.

Oil change frequency is determined by several factors but is often measured in miles. The recommendation is usually anywhere between 3,000 and 10,000 miles. If you don’t drive a lot, you might plan to change your oil every three to 12 months. You should never go beyond the mileage or time interval specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Most automakers and oil manufacturers list a range for oil-change intervals. Here are the most important factors.

Type of motor oil: Conventional engine oil with a conventional filter should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. Synthetic motor oil lasts longer and can perform better in extreme conditions, allowing for changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or six to 12 months.

Manufacturer recommendations: It’s always best to follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual. If the manufacturer specifies synthetic oil (common on high-end cars), you should never switch to conventional. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined by the manufacturer.

Driving style/conditions: If you spend a lot of time towing or hauling heavy loads, you may need more frequent oil changes. The same is true when driving in harsh conditions, such as constant stop-and-go, extreme hot or cold weather, or lots of miles on dirt roads.

Signs You Need An Oil Change

A backyard mechanic wearing blue nitrile gloves pours the dirty old oil into an empty five gallon oil container. — Pour the dirty old oil into an empty five gallon oil container and bring it to a recycling center.

Aside from following the recommended oil change interval, you can also keep an eye out for these signs your car needs an oil change.

Oil on the dipstick is dark brown or black
Oil looks gritty, thick, or sludgy
Increased engine noise or knocking sounds
Reduced fuel economy
Gray or blue exhaust smoke from burning oil - opens in new window or tab.
Low oil pressure warning - opens in new window or tab. on the dashboard
If equipped, the onboard computer indicates it’s time for an oil change

Vehicle Maintenance to Combine with DIY Oil and Filter Change

A backyard mechanic wearing blue nitrile gloves checks the fresh oil, before cleaning the dipstick with a shop towel. — Checking the fresh oil is the last step. Be sure not to overfill the crankcase.

Most manufacturers recommend a tire rotation - opens in new window or tab. at the same time as your oil change. With the right equipment, this is another simple task that you can do at home.

You may consider an oil flush - opens in new window or tab. before your oil change. This maintenance step is helpful in older engines or after the car has been in storage for a long time. An engine oil flush usually involves pouring a concentrated cleaning solution into the engine, running it while parked for a few minutes, then performing an oil and filter change. The engine flush is designed to break up sludge and deposits, suspending them in the oil so they drain out with your oil change. Never drive your car with oil flush in the engine, and always follow the instructions on the bottle exactly.

You should also inspect your vehicle during an oil change. Take a good look at the engine oil pan before you drain the old oil. If there are any oil pan leaks - opens in new window or tab., you’ll need to replace the oil pan gasket before adding more oil. Check for worn accessory belts, fluid leaks, loose wires, or suspension damage while you’re waiting for the old oil to drain.

About the author

Brian Jones

Brian worked for several decades as an ASE Certified Master Technician in dealerships before starting his used car lot. Today, he writes for top automotive publications including Motor1. In his spare time, he's dreaming of an escape to the country's best trails in an off-road beast.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.