Best Way to Change Car Oil Step by Step Guide
What Is the Best Way to Change Car Oil, and When Should It Be Changed?
Changing engine oil is one of the simplest maintenance tasks and one of the most impactful for protecting your car, yet many drivers either delay it past its due date or don't know the correct way to do it.
The question isn't only how to change the oil, it's when to change it and what to replace it with. In this article, you'll find a complete answer to both questions, along with practical steps you can apply whether you decide to change the oil yourself or at a service center.
Why Changing Oil on Time Protects Your Engine
An engine contains hundreds of moving metal parts operating at very high temperatures. Engine oil is the thin barrier that prevents these parts from direct metal-to-metal contact. Over time, this oil transforms from a light, clean fluid into a thick substance full of impurities and combustion residue; at that point, it stops performing its real function.
Degraded oil doesn't just lubricate less efficiently; it becomes a corrosive agent in its own right. Delaying its change doesn't save money; it accumulates a far larger repair bill down the road.
Best Time to Change Car Oil: When Does the Clock Start?
Many drivers search for a specific answer to the question of the best time to change car oil, and the truth is, the answer depends on three main factors:
Distance Traveled
The most common benchmark is mileage. Generally speaking:
- Conventional mineral oils like Total Quartz 5000 20W-50 suit classic engines and need changing every 5,000 to 7,500 km under intensive use conditions.
- Semi-synthetic oils like Total Quartz 7000 10W-40 offer a balance between protection and cost, typically warranting a change every 7,500 to 10,000 km.
- Fully synthetic oils like Total Quartz 9000 Future GF6 0W-20 are designed for modern engines and offer a longer service life of up to 15,000 km under ideal conditions.
Time Regardless of Distance
If your car isn't driven frequently, oil degrades over time even without intensive use. Oxidation and moisture affect its properties even when it's sitting still. The general rule is to change the oil at least every 6 to 12 months, even if the recommended mileage hasn't been reached.
Driving Conditions
Stop-and-go city driving, extreme heat as experienced across much of Saudi Arabia, and high-mileage engines all call for shortening the interval between oil changes.
In these conditions, waiting for the last recommended kilometer may be an uncalculated risk.
The Best Way to Change Car Oil: Step by Step
Whether you're changing the oil yourself or want to understand what happens at the service center, this is the correct and complete method:
Before You Start: What You Need
- The correct new oil for your engine in the required quantity
- A new oil filter
- A filter wrench
- A drain pan to collect the old oil
- Clean rags or shop towels
- A jack or ramps if your car sits low
Step One: Warm the Engine Slightly
Run the engine for just two minutes, then switch it off and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before starting.
Slightly warm oil flows more easily during draining compared to completely cold oil. Avoid working on a fully hot engine, as very hot oil poses a serious burn hazard and makes accurate level reading impossible.
Step Two: Raise the Car and Access the Underside
Use a jack or ramps to access the underside of the engine. Make sure the car is completely secure before going underneath. Position the drain pan below the oil drain plug.
Step Three: Remove the Drain Plug
Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan using the correct size wrench.Be mindful of the direction to avoid damaging the threads. Let the oil flow completely into the pan; this typically takes five to ten minutes.
Step Four: Replace the Oil Filter
While waiting for the old oil to drain, remove the old filter using a filter wrench. Before installing the new filter, lightly coat its rubber O-ring with a small amount of new oil, then hand-tighten it until fully seated, no tool needed for final tightening.
Step Five: Reinstall the Drain Plug
Once the old oil has fully drained, reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to the correct torque. Over-tightening damages the threads; under-tightening causes leaks. If the plug has a side sealing washer, replace it with a new one when possible.
Step Six: Pour in the New Oil
Return to the top of the engine, open the oil filler cap, and slowly pour in the correct quantity of new oil.
Consult your owner's manual for the exact amount for your engine, typically between 3.5 and 5.5 liters. Do not exceed the maximum mark on the dipstick.
Step Seven: Start and Inspect
Start the engine for one minute while watching the dashboard to confirm the oil warning light goes off. Switch off the engine, wait two minutes, then recheck the oil level on the dipstick and add a small amount if needed. Also, inspect underneath the car to confirm there are no leaks.
Choosing the Right Oil: The Most Important Step Before Changing
Every step above begins with one decisive choice: selecting the right oil for your engine. Using oil with incorrect specifications, even from a trusted brand, may not provide adequate protection for your engine.
To go deeper on this topic and understand why manufacturer recommendations vary from one car to another, you can read why you should choose the engine oil recommended by manufacturers for a clearer picture that helps you make the right decision.
Common Oil Change Mistakes to Avoid
Not replacing the oil filter with every change: An old filter carries impurities that can transfer immediately to fresh oil, significantly reducing its effective lifespan.
Overfilling the oil: Excess oil causes foaming inside the engine due to crankshaft movement, which degrades its properties and raises pressure abnormally.
Changing oil on a fully hot engine: Extremely hot oil poses serious burn risks and makes reading the true oil level impossible. Always let the engine cool for an adequate period before starting.
Using expired or long-stored oil: Oil has a shelf life. Oil stored at high temperatures or for extended periods loses some of its properties even before use.
Skipping documentation: Always record the change date and odometer reading so you don't have to guess next time.
DIY Oil Change or Service Center?
Both options have their merits. DIY oil changes save on labor costs and give you full control over the oil type used, but they require the right tools and sufficient experience. Authorized service centers offer convenience and speed, and may identify other issues during inspection.
What matters in either case is ensuring the correct oil is used, the one specified by your vehicle's manufacturer for your specific engine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Oil Changes
When Is the Best Time to Change Car Oil?
The best time to change car oil is when the recommended mileage for your oil type has been reached, or when signs of oil degradation appear, such as the oil turning thick and black, or unusual engine sounds developing.
From a practical standpoint, early morning before the engine has been started is the ideal time to check oil condition, as the oil will have settled fully in the pan and give you an accurate dipstick reading. For determining the actual change schedule, always refer to your owner's manual and factor in your specific driving conditions.
What Is the Maximum Period Before Changing Car Oil?
There is no single answer that applies to all vehicles, but as a general rule, it is not advisable to exceed 12 months or the maximum mileage specified for your oil type, whichever comes first.
Conventional mineral oils like Total Quartz 5000 should not go beyond 7,500 km or 6 months. Semi-synthetic oils like Total Quartz 7000 can reach 10,000 km or 9 months. Fully synthetic oils like Total Quartz 9000 may reach 15,000 km, but exceeding 12 months is not recommended under any circumstances.
Can You Change Engine Oil When It's Hot?
Technically, slightly warm oil flows faster during draining, but working on a fully hot engine is inadvisable and carries real risks. Extremely hot oil reaches temperatures that can cause serious burns, and its elevated pressure can make removing the drain plug hazardous.
The correct practice is to run the engine for just two minutes, then switch it off and wait 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures efficient oil flow without burn risk, and gives you an accurate actual oil level reading after the change.
How Many Months Should I Go Between Engine Oil Changes?
The short answer is every 6 months at a minimum for conventional mineral oils under normal use conditions, and every 9 to 12 months for semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oils in moderate conditions.
However, if you drive in harsh conditions, such as intense heat or constant stop-and-go traffic, it is advisable to reduce this interval by at least a third. Months alone are not the only measure; always monitor your oil level and color periodically, as these are the most reliable indicators of oil condition regardless of how many months have passed.
Conclusion
The best way to change car oil starts with selecting the right oil and ends with documenting the next change date. No maintenance procedure is simpler or more impactful at the same time.
Whether you choose Total Quartz 5000 for classic engines, Total Quartz 7000 for balanced performance, or Total Quartz 9000 for modern high-performance engines, committing to change intervals and following the correct steps is what makes the real difference in the life of your engine.