Changing Your Car Oil Filter

Old and dirty oil can cause unwanted wear on some of your car's engine parts, which you could otherwise avoid by replacing a car oil filter. This, along with regular oil changes will add miles to your car and keep your engine in tip top condition. You can safely and quickly change your car's oil filter by following the steps below.

Step 1 – Let Your Engine Cool

By waiting at least two hours after you have driven your vehicle before changing the oil filter, you will lessen the risk to becoming burned by a hot engine. Nonetheless, neither should you change oil in a cold engine. When the oil is warm it will be more thin than when it is cold.

Step 2 – Remove the Oil Cap and Oil Filter

Locate the oil cap and oil filter and remove them both.

Step 3 – Raise Your Car's Front End

Use a car jack to raise your car's front end, then place jack stands under the car's front axle to support the car's weight.   

Step #5 – Unscrew the Sump Plug

Place a catch basin on the floor under your sump plug and in a position where it will catch any oil or debris that drains from your car. With a socket wrench, unscrew the sump plug by turning it counterclockwise a few turns. Be sure that when you remove the sump plug your head or face are not beneath it.

Step #6 – Drain the Oil

In removing the sump plug, it will be tight at first, and you'll need to use your wrench to turn it. As it becomes loose and easier to turn, continue turning it with your fingers, being careful to keep the plug from dropping into the dirty oil in the catch basin.

Step 7 – Protect the Drain Plug Seal

Using a clean cloth, wipe the oil off your sump plug, taking care to keep the washer (seal) from dropping and breaking. If it become compromised, you'll need to replace it to keep oil from leaking at the drain plug.

Step 8 – Remove the Oil Filter

In a counterclockwise motion, unscrew the oil filter with a chain wrench, allowing any residual oil to drain from the car's crankcase.

Step #9 –. Lubricate the New Filter Seal

To make sure your new oil filter seals properly, apply a thin layer of oil around its rubber seal before you turn the filter into place.

Step #10 –Replace Your Oil Filter

Screw the new filter into place, using your hand rather than the chain wrench. This will ensure that you will avoid stripping the seal by screwing the filter too tight.

Step #11 – Replace Oil Plug, Filter

Replace the Sump Plug,  and the catch basin beneath your car. Remove the jack stands and lower your car.

Step #12 – Prepare Your Car's Oil Dipstick

Remove your car's dip stick and wipe it off. This will allow you to take an accurate reading of your car's oil level, once you pour the oil into your car's engine.

Step #13 – Add Your New Oil

Fill your oil until it is at the highest level on the dip stick. Finally, replace the oil-filler cap.