How to Remove the Drain Plug in a Car to Change Oil

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: December 17, 2023 References

Under ideal conditions, you should be seeking to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles (4,800 km). If you are driving around in high temperature conditions or dusty, you can even replace the oil more often than that. The process is very simple, as long as one, two or three simple.

Steps

Download Article

Get oil and a filter replacement.
2
Gather more materials. Get together a jack, a socket set and oil.
- Park on a flat surface, or, if your car has a low clearance, use jack slopes or set it up. If you choose to support the car, use two jacks, rather than a slope.^{[1]
  X
  Research source} (An additional jack costs about US $ 20, this is a very small price and guarantees you'll avoid a serious over-balance and a car crushing your face).
Advertisement
This will oil the drain plug more easily. You might want to check the weight of your car's oil and oil-filter manually you need to use.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

Go to source}
Crawl under, and find the engine oil screw near the front. Where you plug in the socket, use the wrench to loosen the plug in a counterclockwise direction. Once relaxed, you can use your hand and remove the plug. The hot oil will begin to pour out. Ensure that all the old oil goes into the pan. Once it is completely discharged, wipe the screw and plug opening.^{[3]
X
Research source}
6
Next, find the oil filter. They are usually found in the side of the engine. Filter off any of the oil sump.
- Remove the oil filter (use gloves if it is too hot) and wipe clean the filter area, especially when it is installed in the engine.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Dab rubber seal on your new oil filter, and then twist it with your hands. You don't have to use the wrench to tighten the oil filter.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
Remove the filler cap above the engine of the car. Position the funnel at the opening point. Check the correct oil capacity in your car's manual, but typically, you will need to pour four to five quarts of oil. After it's full, put back to the filler cap.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Check the dipstick. If you need, add more oil.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

Go to source} Now check near the oil drain and plug any leaks. If you find leaks, simply screw in the plugs or the oil filter. You're done.
Carefully wipe excess oil, old oil into a plastic container, and then deal with it. Don't just pour in any place, however. It is better to bring it to a recycling center or other authorized locations.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices

Go to source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can the oil be drained by removing the oil filter and starting the car?

Community Answer

I would not do this! It will drain the oil, but your engine will be running without any, potentially causing major damage.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
Question

Can I change an oil plug without changing the oil?

Community Answer

Yes, if the oil is completely viable (pretty darn new) you could drain it into a CLEAN container and then pour it back in after you have switched the drain plug.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

My drain plug is so tight it won't come out. Can I use breaker bar with a six point socket?

Community Answer

Yes, just be careful that you are going the right direction, counter-clockwise, and make sure it is the correct socket size so it won’t strip the bolt head.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1