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How To Change Engine Oil & Filter | Supercheap Auto

Engine oil maintenance and replacement is essential if you want long life from your vehicle. Find out how to change your engine oil and your oil filter in under an hour! It’s easier than you think.

07 September 2023

How To Change Engine Oil & Filter

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Overview

Engine oil is the magic stuff that keeps all the parts of your motor running smoothly. Over time, it gets dirty and needs changing. An engine oil change should be combined with an oil filter change and your vehicle manufacturer will have a guide on how often an engine oil change is required. Let’s keep it running super! With an easy engine oil change.

Before you start

Always consult the owners manual, and preferably a service manual as well before commencing an oil and filter change on your vehicle. Some vehicles may require a computer reset, or have other unique service requirements which if not followed correctly; may lead to engine damage.

Should I Use Engine Oil Flush?

Engine oil flush is a product designed to loosen gunk and deposits inside your engine immediately prior to an engine oil change. This entire bottle will be added to your engine and the engine idled for between 10 and 20 minutes before draining the oil.

Engine oil flush does not need to be used at every single engine oil and filter change, you might like to do it every second or third filter change.

If you own a much older car, you should think twice about using engine oil flush if it has never been used before. In extreme cases, the crud that builds up inside an older engine is masking bad oil seals. Once that crud is removed; you may have quite a leaky engine on your hands.

Items

Parts you’ll need for an easy engine oil change

Tools you’ll need for an easy engine oil change

Suitably sized Socket, spanner, or sump plug kit
A Torque wrench
A service manual for your vehicle
Oil filter removal tool
Oil Drain pan
Large funnel
Trolley jack
Jack stands
Wheel chocks
Mechanics creeper (if you’d like to be comfortable)

Steps

Step 1: Preparation

An engine oil change and oil filter change should take about an hour. The better prepared you are, the better it will go. For starters, make sure you’ve got the right type and amount of engine oil, plus the right oil filter. Use the My Garage feature on the Supercheap Auto website. All you need is your rego. Or come and see us in store.

If you’re using engine oil flush, run the engine according to the instructions on the bottle. Then park up on a hard, level surface. Your engine should be warm to allow for easy engine oil drainage, but not hot enough to burn yourself.

To make for an easy engine oil change; put your vehicle in park, handbrake on, chock the wheels and raise your vehicle onto your jack stands. Pop on those gloves and glasses. A bit of oil in the eyes is not fun.

Step 2: Remove and Drain

For this you’ll have to get under your car. If you’ve got a mechanics creeper, glide on under with your socket or sump plug kit, and oil drain pan. If not, you’ll just have to wriggle. Crack the sump plug loose and be ready to catch the oil. It rarely goes where you expect unless it’s on your hands. It always gets on your hands.

Put the sump plug aside and while the oil drains, tackle the oil filter. Sometimes they come off easily by hand, other times you’ll need a filter wrench. Either way, there will be a splash of old oil waiting to stain your face or your garage floor. So be ready with a small tub. An old ice-cream tub works great. Once the filter is off, leave it to drain on the oil drain pan.

Step 3: Clean up and replace

Once your oil has drained, remove your drain pan and wipe your sump plug clean. Pop on a new sump plug washer, then get back under and tighten the sump plug in place. This is NOT a job for the rattle gun. For an easy engine oil change next time it’s a good idea to use a torque wrench until you know what “just tight enough” feels like.

Now complete your oil filter change. Every new oil filter needs the seal lubricated. A quick wipe of fresh engine oil will do the trick. Spin your new filter on until it contacts the housing and give it another quarter turn by hand (or to the manufacturers torque specification where stated).

Your used engine oil cannot be disposed of in your domestic bin. But fear not! Many Supercheap Auto stores offer a free oil recycling service! Don’t forget to ask a team member next time you’re in store.

Step 4: Fill er’ up!

Grab your funnel and locate the oil filler port. Pour in the amount recommended by those books in your glovebox or via the My Garage feature on the Supercheap Auto website.

Once you’ve poured in the recommended amount, pop the filler cap back on, check you haven’t left any rags in the fan, and run the engine for one minute.

This allows the oil to circulate and fill the oil filter. Let the oil settle again for a couple of minutes before checking the dipstick and topping off the oil as necessary.

Tips

It really is that easy! Sure, it might take a little longer the first time around but that’s okay. In no time you’ll be an oil change super star. Just don’t tell your friends or you’ll be changing their oil too.