A step-by-step guide to changing your own car oil at home. Simple enough for beginners, detailed enough to get the job done right. Save money and time.
Doing your own oil change is the gateway to car maintenance. It is satisfying, saves you money, and ensures your engine is running on exactly the quality of oil you choose. Here is how to do it without a mechanic — simple enough for a complete beginner, detailed enough to get the job done right.
Critical Safety Warning: Never get under a car supported only by a jack. Jacks can fail. Always use jack stands or drive onto sturdy ramps before going underneath the vehicle.
In the UK, the easiest way to find your oil type is to use a number plate lookup on a motor factor website or check your owner's manual.
Locate the sump plug — a large bolt at the bottom of the engine's oil pan, usually the lowest bolt visible under the engine. Place your drain pan directly underneath, unscrew the bolt (finish loosening by hand), and let the oil drain completely. Warning: the oil may be warm, so stay clear of the splash zone. Once drained, replace the bolt with a new washer if provided and tighten firmly. Do not overtighten or you could strip the thread.
Slide the drain pan under the filter location — the old filter holds some oil too. Unscrew the old filter. If it is too tight, use the filter wrench. Dip your finger in new oil and smear it around the rubber gasket of the new filter to ensure a perfect seal. Spin the new filter on until it touches the engine, then give it one more half-turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten it.
Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine (it usually has an oil can symbol). Use your funnel to pour in about 0.5 litres less than the manual states — it is easier to add oil than remove it. Wait a minute for the oil to settle, pull out the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it, and check the level. Gradually top up until the level sits between the Min and Max marks.
Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Check underneath for leaks around the sump plug and filter. Top up if needed.
Do not pour old oil down the drain — it is illegal and terrible for the environment. Put your old oil back into the empty containers and take it to the Hitchin or Stevenage Household Waste Recycling Centre. Most accept engine oil for free. Your local parts shop may also take it.
If you have started the job and realised you are in over your head, or if that drain plug just will not budge, do not worry. Junior's Auto Workshop is just a short drive away. Call us or book online and we will finish the job for you — no judgement.
We provide: MOT tests (£50), car servicing, bodywork repair, Ford wet timing belt replacement, car and engine diagnostics, brakes, clutches, tyres, cambelts, exhaust repairs, suspension work, oil changes, and fleet maintenance.
Head down Grove Road in Hitchin. At the traffic signal before the tunnel, turn left onto Bury Mead Road. Take the ramp on the right just after the Ransom Naturals factory into North End Industrial Estate. Keep driving and you will see us on your left. Open in Google Maps.
"Excellent service, clear understanding of the work required. Junior took time to explain the costs and was extremely helpful accommodating my tight deadline. This is now our new garage in Hitchin, glad I got the recommendation."
— Shani G, Local Guide · Hitchin
"One of the best garages I've been to in a long time. Junior is an expert who really takes pride in every bit of work. Very transparent with pricing and work carried out. Genuinely couldn't recommend them enough."
— Ben, Hitchin
"Really impressed with Junior's. Junior took the time to explain everything clearly and offered a sensible, affordable solution after I'd been quoted an astronomical amount elsewhere. Excellent communication, genuine honesty, and clear mechanical expertise throughout. The work was completed quickly and the car went straight through its MOT."
— Stephen C, Local Guide · Hitchin
"Junior has done lots of work for me on my vehicles, always provides quality service and in good time. He always makes sure I know what's happening every step of the way and is overall a brilliant mechanic."
— Michael K, Hitchin
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