How To Change Your Engine Oil

Changing the engine oil and filter regularly is the best way to keep an engine in good condition.


You will need the following:


Plenty of clean cloth, disposable gloves, draining container (5 litres), oil filter removal tool, spanner to fit drain plug, new oil filter, new drain plug sealing washer, engine oil and funnel, hydraulic jack and axle stands


Before you start:


The engine should be warm (after a short run). Jack up the front of the car and support on axle stands. Disconnect the battery negative lead.

Step 1:

Remove the oil filler cap, put on the gloves. Position the draining container below the drain plug.

Step 2:

Loosen the drain plug, unscrew by hand for the last couple of turns. As the plug comes out, pull it away quickly - the oil runs into the container, not up your sleeve! Wipe clean the plug and around the plug hole. Fit a new sealing washer to the plug, then screw it back in and tighten it.

Step 3:

Move the draining container under the oil filter, it may be most easily reached from under the car.

Step 4:

Using an oil filter removal tool, loosen the filter (turn the filter anti- clockwise), then unscrew it by hand. Drain the oil from the filter into the container.

Step 5:

Wipe around the filter mounting on the engine. Smear a little clean engine oil on the sealing ring of the new filter.

Step 6:

Unscrew the new filter onto the engine by hand until the sealing ring touches the engine, then tighten it by hand another half-to three-quarters of a turn. Remove the draining container and tools from under the car, and lower the car to the ground.

Step 7:

Pour in about two-thirds of the recommended quantity of oil (see your Haynes Manual for oil capacities), using a funnel to stop spills, then wait a few minutes for the oil to run down into the engine. Reconnect the battery negative lead while you're waiting.

Step 8:

Check the oil level on the dipstick and top up as required.

Run the engine for a couple of minutes to check for leaks around the filter or drain plug. Re-tighten slightly if you spot a leak, but don't overtighten. If all is well, leave the engine for five minutes, then check the oild level once more.

*Dispose of your old oil correctly*