How to Change Oil Filter: Easy Guide for Beginners (6 Steps)

I still remember the first time I changed my car’s oil filter—it felt like a big deal, but it was way easier than I thought! If you’re nervous about doing it yourself, don't worry. Changing an oil filter is a simple way to keep your car running smoothly and save some cash. With a few tools and a little time, you can do it like a pro. In this article, I'll walk you through six easy steps to change your oil filter, sharing tips from my own experience to make it super straightforward.

Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start, you need to have everything ready. It's like cooking—you don't want to run around looking for stuff halfway through! You'll need a few basic tools and supplies to change your oil filter. First, get a new oil filter that fits your car.

Check your car's manual or ask at an auto parts store to find the right one. You'll also need motor oil—again, check the manual for the type and amount. A wrench or oil filter wrench is super important to remove the old filter.

Grab a drain pan to catch the old oil, some rags for messes, and gloves to keep your hands clean. You might need a jack and jack stands to lift your car safely, plus a funnel for pouring new oil.

Having these tools ready makes the job smooth. I learned this the hard way when I started without a drain pan and ended up with oil all over my driveway! If you're unsure about anything, like the oil type, most auto stores are happy to help.

Also, think about safety—work on a flat surface, and make sure your car is secure if you're lifting it. I like to lay down some cardboard to keep things clean and comfy while working under the car. Double-check you have enough oil, usually 4-6 quarts, depending on your vehicle. Once you've got everything, you're ready to move forward.

It's a good idea to buy a little extra oil in case you spill some or your car needs more. If you're new to this, don't feel overwhelmed. Each tool has a simple job, and you'll use them one at a time. For example, the oil filter wrench is just for twisting off the old filter.

If you don't have one, some filters can be removed by hand, but a wrench makes it easier. Keep your workspace organized so you can find things quickly. I like to set my tools on a small table nearby. This step is all about preparation, so take your time to gather everything before diving in.

• Get a new oil filter and motor oil that match your car.
• Grab a wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, rags, and gloves.
• Use a jack and jack stands for safe lifting.
• Work on a flat surface and consider using cardboard.
• Check your car's manual for specific oil type and amount.

Prepare Your Car

Now that you have your tools, it's time to get your car ready. Park it on a flat surface, like a driveway or garage floor, to keep it steady. Turn off the engine and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes.

Hot oil can burn you, and I learned this after touching a warm engine once—ouch! If you need to lift your car to reach the oil filter or drain plug, use a jack and secure it with jack stands. Never work under a car held up only by a jack—it's not safe.

Once the car is cool and secure, open the hood and find the oil filler cap, usually on top of the engine. Remove it to help the oil drain faster later. Then, slide under the car to locate the oil drain plug and oil filter.

The drain plug is usually a bolt on the bottom of the oil pan, and the filter is a small cylinder nearby. If you're not sure where they are, your car's manual or a quick online search for your car model can help. I had to do this the first time, and it saved me a lot of guessing!

Clean the area around the drain plug and filter with a rag to avoid dirt getting into the engine. Dirt in the oil can cause big problems, so this is important. If you're lifting the car, double-check that the jack stands are stable before crawling underneath.

I always give them a little shake to be sure. Also, place your drain pan right under the drain plug to catch the oil when you remove it. Getting your car ready like this sets you up for a clean, safe job.

• Park on a flat surface and let the engine cool.
• Lift the car with a jack and secure with jack stands.
• Remove the oil filler cap under the hood.
• Locate the drain plug and oil filter under the car.
• Clean the area and place the drain pan underneath.

Drain the Old Oil

With your car prepped, it's time to drain the old oil. This part is messy, so be ready! Slide your drain pan under the oil drain plug. Using your wrench, loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise. Do it slowly so you don't drop it into the pan.

Once it's loose, you can usually unscrew it by hand. The oil will start pouring out, so make sure the pan is positioned correctly. It might take a few minutes for all the oil to drain out, so be patient.

When I first did this, I was surprised at how dark and dirty the oil looked! That's normal—old oil picks up dirt and grime from the engine. While it's draining, check the drain plug for a washer or gasket. Some cars have one, and it might need replacing if it's worn out.

If the oil stops dripping, you're good to move on. Screw the drain plug back in tightly, but don't overdo it—you don't want to strip the threads. Wipe the area clean with a rag to keep things tidy.

If any oil spills outside the pan, clean it up right away to avoid slipping later. I made that mistake once and nearly fell! Also, make sure the drain plug is secure before moving to the next step. If you're not sure how tight it should be, snug is good—think firm but not Hulk-level strength. This step is all about getting the old, dirty oil out so your engine can run fresh and clean.

• Place the drain pan under the oil drain plug.
• Loosen the plug with a wrench and remove it.
• Let all the old oil drain out completely.
• Check the drain plug for a washer and replace if needed.
• Tighten the plug back and clean any spills.

Remove the Old Oil Filter

Now it's time to take off the old oil filter. This can be a little tricky, but don't worry—you've got this! Slide under the car with your oil filter wrench and find the filter. Wrap the wrench around it and turn counterclockwise to loosen it. If it's really stuck, you might need to try a few times or use a rag for extra grip. Sometimes, I've had to wiggle it a bit to get it going.

Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and be ready for a little oil to drip out. Place the filter in the drain pan to catch any mess. Check the area where the filter was attached to make sure the old rubber gasket didn't stick to the engine. If it did, peel it off carefully. A clean surface is important for the new filter to seal properly. I missed this once, and it caused a small leak—lesson learned!

After removing the filter, look at it. It's kind of cool to see how much gunk it caught! Dispose of it properly—most auto stores take used filters for recycling. Clean the filter mounting area with a rag to get rid of any leftover oil or dirt. This step is quick but important to make sure your new filter works perfectly.

• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter.
• Unscrew it by hand and catch any dripping oil.
• Check for and remove any stuck rubber gasket.
• Clean the mounting area with a rag.
• Dispose of the old filter properly.

Install the New Oil Filter

Now comes the fun part—putting in the new oil filter! Before you screw it on, take a little new motor oil and rub it on the rubber gasket of the new filter. This helps it seal better and makes it easier to remove next time. I learned this trick from a friend, and it really works! Screw the new filter onto the mounting area by hand, turning it clockwise until it's snug.

Don't use the wrench to tighten it—hand-tight is enough. Overtightening can make it hard to remove later or even damage the filter. Once it's on, double-check that it's secure and there's no debris around the mounting area. I always give it a gentle tug to make sure it's not loose. This step is quick, but doing it right keeps your engine happy.

Make sure the filter is the right one for your car before installing it. If you're not sure, compare it to the old filter or check the part number. Also, don't skip the oil on the gasket—it's a small step that prevents big problems like leaks. After the filter is on, you're almost done with the messy part!

• Rub new oil on the rubber gasket of the new filter.
• Screw the filter on by hand until snug.
• Don't overtighten—hand-tight is enough.
• Double-check the filter is secure.
• Ensure you're using the correct filter for your car.

Add New Oil and Check

You're almost there! Now it's time to add fresh oil to your engine. Slide out from under the car and head to the hood. Using a funnel, pour the new motor oil into the oil filler hole where you removed the cap earlier. Check your car's manual to know how much oil to add—usually 4-6 quarts. Pour slowly to avoid spills. I spilled some my first time and felt so silly!

After adding the oil, replace the filler cap and close the hood. Start the engine and let it run for a minute to circulate the oil. Then, check under the car for any leaks around the filter or drain plug. If you see drips, tighten them a bit more. Finally, use the dipstick to check the oil level. Pull it out, wipe it clean, dip it back in, and check that the oil is between the "full" marks. Add more if needed.

This step feels so satisfying because your car is getting fresh oil to run smoothly. If you're new to this, take your time checking the oil level—it's easy to miss. I always double-check for leaks because even a small one can cause trouble later. Once everything looks good, you're done!

• Pour new oil into the filler hole using a funnel.
• Check the manual for the right amount of oil.
• Replace the filler cap and run the engine briefly.
• Check for leaks under the car.
• Use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct.

Final Thoughts

Changing your oil filter is easier than it seems, and it's such a great way to take care of your car! I felt so proud the first time I did it, and you will too. It saves money and gives you confidence in maintaining your vehicle. Just follow these steps, take your time, and don't be afraid to ask for help at an auto store if you're unsure. You're not just changing oil—you're keeping your car happy for the long road ahead!

Step	Action	Tools Needed
1	Gather tools and supplies	Oil filter, motor oil, wrench, drain pan, rags, gloves, jack, jack stands
2	Prepare your car	Jack, jack stands, rags
3	Drain the old oil	Wrench, drain pan, rags
4	Remove the old oil filter	Oil filter wrench, drain pan, rags
5	Install the new oil filter	New oil filter, motor oil, rags
6	Add new oil and check	Motor oil, funnel, dipstick

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to change the oil filter without changing the oil?

You can change the oil filter without changing the oil, but it's not the best idea. The oil filter traps dirt and grime from the engine, and old oil carries that junk around. If you only change the filter, the new one will get dirty faster because of the old oil. I tried this once to save time, but my car didn't run as smoothly. It's better to do both at the same time to keep your engine clean and happy. Most experts recommend changing the filter and oil together every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on your car and driving habits. Always check your manual for the right schedule.

Can I reuse an old oil filter?

No, you shouldn't reuse an old oil filter. It's designed to trap dirt, metal bits, and grime from your engine, and once it's full, it can't do its job well. Reusing it could let that junk flow back into your engine, causing damage over time. I learned this when I thought about skipping a filter change to save money—it's not worth the risk! A new filter is cheap, usually $5-15, and it keeps your engine running smoothly. Always replace it with a new one that matches your car's specs.

Do I need to lift my car to change the oil filter?

It depends on your car. Some cars have enough space underneath so you can reach the oil filter without lifting. Others, like my old sedan, need to be raised with a jack and jack stands to get to the filter and drain plug. Check your car's manual or look underneath to see if there's room. If you do lift it, always use jack stands for safety—never trust just a jack. I always double-check the stands are secure before sliding under. If you're unsure, a mechanic can show you the first time.

Is it safe to change an oil filter at home?

Yes, it's safe if you follow the steps carefully. Always work on a flat surface, let the engine cool to avoid burns, and use jack stands if lifting the car. I was nervous my first time, but taking it slow made it safe and easy. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and clean up spills to avoid slipping. If you're unsure about any part, like lifting the car, ask a friend or mechanic for help. Safety comes first, and with care, it's a simple job.

Can I use any oil filter for my car?

No, you need the right oil filter for your car's make and model. Using the wrong one might not fit properly or filter well, which can hurt your engine. Check your car's manual or ask at an auto parts store to get the correct filter. I once grabbed the wrong filter by mistake, and it wouldn't screw on! Most stores can look up your car's filter using your vehicle's details, so it's easy to get the right one.

Do I need special tools to change an oil filter?

You don't need fancy tools, but a few basics help. An oil filter wrench is super useful for removing the old filter, especially if it's stuck. A regular wrench works for the drain plug. You'll also need a drain pan, rags, gloves, and maybe a jack and jack stands. I started with just these, and it was enough. You can find them at any auto store or online for cheap. If the filter is loose enough, you might even remove it by hand, but the wrench makes it easier.

Is it normal for oil to drip when removing the filter?

Yes, it's normal for a little oil to drip when you remove the old filter. The filter holds some oil, so when you unscrew it, a small amount spills out. That's why you place a drain pan underneath. I was surprised by the drip my first time, but it's no big deal if you're ready. Just keep rags handy to clean up any mess. Make sure the pan catches everything to avoid oil on your driveway or garage floor.

Can I change the oil filter if I'm not a mechanic?

Absolutely, you don't need to be a mechanic! Changing an oil filter is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks. I had zero experience when I started, and with simple tools and these steps, I did it fine. Just follow the guide, take your time, and double-check everything, like making sure the filter is snug and there are no leaks. If you're nervous, watch a video for your car model or ask a friend to help the first time. You'll feel like a pro after!