How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil? A Complete DIY Guide

Even with recent developments in automobile technology, engine oil is still essential for the functioning of the internal parts of your engine. It's a crucial ingredient that keeps your engine healthy in the long run. In fact, changing the engine’s oil is such an important element of automotive maintenance that it cannot be ignored. Changing motor oil at regular intervals is not only a good idea; it is required to ensure the long-term health of your engine.

Engine oil is essential not only for lubricating the engine but also it helps in temperature regulation and the internal cleanliness of the engine’s interior. When you lubricate your engine with fresh engine oil, the moving parts of the machine are protected from friction, heat, and corrosion. Moreover, lubricants also help to gather dirt and debris which may cause damage to the engine.

However, these oils lose effectiveness as they age, therefore they must be replaced regularly to ensure that they function properly. Neglected oil will degrade and lose its protective properties over time. Without fresh oil, your engine may overheat, lose fuel efficiency, damage internal parts, and in worse condition, fail completely. Therefore, it is essential to know how often should you change your engine’s oil. Additionally, we will also provide you with a complete guide to changing your vehicle's engine oil by yourself in 7 easy steps.

How Often Should You Change Your Vehicle's Engine Oil?

Earlier, cars required an oil change every 5000 kilometers, but present-day lubricants now allow for far longer intervals between repairs – from 7500 to 10,000 kilometers, and even up to 25,000 kilometers if your vehicle employs full-synthetic motor oil. Let's have a look at the ideal intervals to change the engine's oil for your car whether it is old or a new one.

Older vehicles generally have two maintenance schedules: one for normal usage and one for "critical service" operating conditions, which include short trips (5-10 km or less), harsh temperatures, stop-and-go driving, and carrying large loads or towing a trailer. If your vehicle falls into this category, follow the more rigorous schedule outlined in the owner's manual. Otherwise, you should stick to the standard oil change schedule.

Furthermore, if you drive a newer vehicle, it may have an oil-life monitoring system that changes the oil-changing interval based on the driving conditions. This system will notify you when an oil change is required, and a service technician will reset the system after that.

Despite the oil change intervals, you also have to check your engine oil levels periodically and fill it off as needed. If you don't drive frequently, most OEMs recommend changing the oil once a year, even if the maintenance reminder hasn't come yet.

Common Factors That Influence Oil Change Frequency

Generally, the normal frequency to replace your oil is every 5,000 to 7,500 km or more. But other factors, such as your car's age, oil type, and oil-life monitoring system, can influence how frequently you should change your oil. Other factors include:

Engine Wear

If you often drive in stop-and-go traffic or carry large loads, your engine will wear down faster than if you drove on the highways. As a result, you may need to change your oil more frequently.

Synthetic motor oils last longer and provide superior overall protection than semi-synthetic or mineral oils, allowing vehicles to travel far longer between service intervals. Consult your owner's manual for recommended synthetic oil change intervals.

Engine Oil’s Quality

If you don't use the proper grade of oil for your vehicle, it will not last long and will require more frequent changing intervals. This is why it's critical to use the oil grade specified by your car manufacturer.

Where Should you go to get your Engine Oil Changed?

If you're comfortable handling simple maintenance activities like checking fluid levels and replacing filters, you can do an oil change in the comfort of your own garage. However, if you are unsure about your capacity to complete the task securely and correctly, it is advisable to delegate it to an expert.

Authorised dealerships are normally the most expensive option for oil changes, but they often use high-quality products and the appropriate oil grade for your vehicle. Local independent repair shops are often less expensive than dealerships, but you should always read customer reviews to be rest assured.

Nevertheless, other oil changing stations such as conventional stores, petrol pumps, and quick lubrication services provide quick and affordable oil change facilities. But you have to compare the product they use to the one that is specified by your car’s manufacturer.

Above all, if you want to replace your oil completely by yourself, do not worry! We have outlined seven beginner-friendly steps to do it completely by yourself. Let's jump straight into it:

DIY Oil Changing Guide

Changing your vehicle’s engine oil may seem like a complex task. In reality, it's relatively easy, even if you’re doing it for the first time. All you need is some necessary equipment, basic mechanical knowledge, and a step-by-step instruction guide, which we have outlined in simple steps below:

Step1 - Prerequisites and Preparation to Replace Engine Oil

It is worth preparing everything before performing an oil replacement. This includes knowing your engine basics, the appropriate oil type, and the oil capacity of the engine.

Knowing Your Engine’s Displacement

Vehicle engine sizes vary based on their trim level. If you're not sure which one your vehicle has, here’s how you can find it out:

• You can look at the vehicle owner's manual.
• You can check under the hood where essential information is available about the vehicle and engine properties. You will find the engine’s displacement information. (For Example: 1.5 Liters)
• You can also opt for a VIN decoder online to find the engine capacity.

Appropriate Oil Type

Oils are of various types based on their ingredients (mineral or synthetic) and viscosity. You can not put any kind of engine oil in your vehicle. It can be harmful to your engine. You need to determine which oil type and its viscosity level is appropriate for that particular engine. You can find viscosity by:

• Checking on the vehicle owner’s manual.
• In some models, the oil cap has a sticker that labels the recommended oil type.
• You can simply search for it on Google by entering your make and model.
• Or, just make a call to the dealership or authorised service center.

After finding the appropriate viscosity levels, you then have to decide what kind of oil you want to top the engine, for example:

1. Mineral/Conventional Engine Oils

Made up of mineral oil which is derived from crude oil. It is cheaper but not efficient or refined.

2. Semi-Synthetic Oils

These types of oils are made up of a blend of mineral and synthetic oil compounds. These oils are in midrange price with better refinement.

3. Synthetic Oils

​These are fully synthetic oils, cost more, and are more refined than the above-mentioned oil types.

Finding Engine’s Oil Capacity

After finding the displacement and suitable oil type, you have to find out how much oil your engine needs for proper functioning. The amount of oil needs to be more precise because if you put an insufficient amount, there will be high friction and excess heat buildup which can lead to damage and failure. On the other hand, if you put excessive amount of oil, then it may cause hydrolocking. To find the sufficient oil amount for your engine:

• Check your owner’s manual.
• Call an authorised service center or dealership.
• Google it and look for trusted sources such as your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Step2- Arranging all the Necessary Equipment

After determining the basics, you need to stack up all the tools and equipment in your garage or wherever you are planning to change your engine’s oil. Here is the list of all the equipment you need to replace your car’s engine oil.

• Appropriate Fresh Engine Oil
• Oil Filter
• Oil Drain Pan
• Funnel of Suitable Size
• Appropriate Socket and Socket Wrench
• Magnetic Lights
• Mechanic Creeper
• Jack and Jack Stands
• Rags or Wiping Towels
• Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Step 3 - Apply the Jack to Lift the Vehicle Up and Then Open the Undertray

First, safety is at the utmost priority. You need to raise the car up so there’s enough room to work underneath it. Ensure that everything like jacks or hoists and jack stands are placed correctly to ensure safety. Never overlook any point of safety because it can be very harmful.

Most of the vehicles include a plastic undertray to improve aerodynamics while also protecting important engine components. For some vehicles, you might need to take off an undertray to reach the oil pan and oil filter. Most undertrays are fixed by a combination of bolts, screws, or plastic clips that can be opened using basic handy tools. Additionally, check for leaks before moving to the next step. If you find any kind of leakage or something unusual, consult a mechanic straight away.

Step 4 - Remove the Oil Drain Plug and Let the Oil Poured Out

Place your oil drain pan just beneath the oil plug so that the oil drains straight into it without spilling or causing a mess. Always note that an engine contains a lot of oil.

To remove the drain plug, rotate it counterclockwise with the appropriate tool. Keep a firm grip on the drain plug as you remove it so it doesn’t fly off when the oil starts flowing out. Allow the engine to drain for 5-10 minutes, or until it stops flowing down.

Step 5 - Remove the Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter. It's the softball-sized cylindrical component screwed onto the engine (although some engines have a casing where you may insert a filter cartridge). Using your hand or an oil filter wrench (you'll probably need the latter), loosen the oil filter (turn counterclockwise) until the oil begins to drop down into your receptacle. Wait for the oil to stop flowing, then finish taking off the filter.

Before putting on the new oil filter, check to make sure the old gasket (a small rubber ring) isn’t still stuck. This is very critical because if the old gasket is not removed, the new filter will not seal properly and you may end up having your fresh oil leaked within minutes of ignition. This will make your engine dry and even fail completely. Also, it is important to clean every component covered in oil before replacing the filter and drain plug.

Step 6 - Retight the Drain Plug

​Refit and tighten the drain plug after the oil is drained out completely. But do not torque it too tightly because overtightening may damage the oil pan and the plug. Some OEMs provide a tightening torque for the bolt when fastened using a torque wrench. Moreover, most automobiles employ a washer behind the drain plug, which must be replaced when the plug is reinstalled.

After that, get your new oil filter, apply a bit of oil (using the tip of your finger) all over the rubber gasket on the top. This will help to properly seal it when you tighten the filter. But keep in mind that you don't overtight the filter. Instead, turn it clockwise until it's "hand tight" and then a little more to ensure it's secure.

Step 6: Fill the Engine Oil

Once you’ve put the oil filter and drain plug back, reinstall the undertray and lower the car back down. Then, open the bonnet and remove the oil cap, which should be marked with an oil-can symbol. Pour oil into the engine using a funnel, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Step 7: Ensure Proper Oil Level and Check for Leakages

Once you’ve added the oil, start the engine and let it run for 10 seconds so the oil can circulate throughout the engine. Finally, check the oil levels using a dipstick by putting it out and wiping it properly. Then put it back to the inlet and check the oil mark to ensure the oil is adequately filled up. Then, start the engine again to idle and warm up, and look for leaks under the vehicle and near the oil filter. If you do not find any kind of leaks or pilferage—Congratulations! You have successfully replaced your engine oil and saved a lot of money.

Wait, it is not over yet. If you do not want to do this by yourself, then you can consider some factors to choose the best and affordable place to get your engine oil replaced. Follow the lead below -  

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Oil Change Provider

While you may be persuaded to go with the cheapest choice, there are several additional aspects to consider when choosing an oil vendor. Here's what to watch out for:

Product's Quality

You need to ensure that the oil and filter you use are of good quality and satisfy the manufacturer's standards.

Technician Expertise

You also need to look for the qualifications and training of the technician. It will help to ensure they have the required abilities and expertise to complete the task correctly.

Certifications and Warranties

Some suppliers provide certifications or guarantees for their services; inquire about them before getting your oil replaced.

Other Available Services

You can also consider other add-ons included with your oil replacement service. Some service centers offer these add-ons such as checking the air pressure on tyres, car washing, topping up additional fluids such as brake oil, etc. You can ask if these services are included in it or will cost extra charges.

Convenience Factors

Waiting times, appointment availability, and business hours can all have an impact on how convenient an oil change service is.

Customer Service

Choose a service provider who provides excellent customer service and takes the opportunity to answer any queries you may have concerning your vehicle's needs.

By following these recommendations and understanding how frequently your vehicle will need an oil replacement, your engine will perform best and remain healthy in the long run. To ensure optimal performance, check the oil level regularly and follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. Remember that low oil levels might cause engine damage, which may not be covered in your vehicle's terms of warranty.

Also Read: Essential tips to boost mileage and save money on Old cars​