For a first-time oil change, Car & Driver is a top recommendation for its structured, 7-step walkthrough that details necessary tools and safety tips. SlashGear also offers a reliable beginner guide, while Scotty Kilmer’s content is recommended for those wanting a deeper explanation from an experienced mechanic on why specific maintenance steps are critical.
For a first-timer, I’d start with ChrisFix’s “How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)”. It was specifically made for people who have never done an oil change, and it walks through the tools, lifting the car, draining the oil, replacing the filter, and refilling it.
Before you actually do it
Check your owner’s manual first for the exact oil viscosity and capacity. Don't guess.
You'll generally need new oil, a new filter, drain pan, socket/wrench, funnel, gloves, and rags.
Changing your own oil is one of the most rewarding DIY car maintenance tasks you can tackle. For a first-timer, a comprehensive, step-by-step video guide that emphasizes safety and tools is the best starting point.
This complete guide walks you through the exact tools, safety steps, and techniques you need for a smooth, stress-free first oil change:
For a first-timer, a comprehensive, step-by-step video guide is the absolute best way to visualize where the drain plug and oil filter are hiding under your specific car.
Watch this comprehensive guide to see the exact tools, safety steps, and techniques you'll need for your first oil change:
For a first-timer, I’d start with ChrisFix’s “How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)”. It’s specifically aimed at beginners, walks through the tools, choosing the correct oil/filter, safely lifting the car, draining the oil, replacing the filter, and refilling it. It’s about 20 minutes.
Before you start
Google AI Mode· Sep 12, 2026
For a first-timer, visual and step-by-date guidance is best to make sure you don't miss crucial safety steps or make common rookie mistakes (like over-tightening the drain plug or leaving the old filter gasket stuck on the engine).
Recommended Video Tutorials
Watch these comprehensive walkthroughs to see the process in action before you start:
Watch these step-by-step video tutorials to see how to safely lift your car, drain the oil, avoid stripping bolts, and replace the filter correctly:
Essential Tools & Supplies Checklist
Before diving in, make sure you have everything ready:
Correct Oil & Filter: Check your owner's manual (or an online oil finder) for the exact oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) and capacity, plus a brand-new oil filter.
Socket Set & Wrench: To remove the oil drain plug.
Oil Catch Pan & Funnel: To cleanly catch the old oil and pour in the new.
Ramps or Floor Jack + Jack Stands: Never crawl under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack.
I’d start with ChrisFix’s “How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)”. It’s specifically made for beginners, runs about 20 minutes, and walks through the tools, choosing the correct oil/filter, safely raising the car, draining the oil, replacing the filter, and refilling it.
For a first-timer, the best approach is a step-by-step video that breaks down safety, tools, and the exact mechanics without skipping the little details (like not over-tightening your drain plug!).
Watch this comprehensive guide to see the entire process broken down step-by-step for beginners:
Sources AI cites
46% of citations to these sources link to brands' own websites.
Never get underneath a car supported only by a floor jack. Use properly rated jack stands or ramps on a suitable, level surface.
Have a plan for recycling the used oil rather than putting it in the trash or down a drain.
A good written companion is Car and Driver's seven-step guide, which estimates roughly 30–60 minutes for an amateur and shows the same basic process.
If you tell me your year, make, model, and engine, I can also find a tutorial specifically for your car and tell you exactly what oil, filter, tools, and drain-plug setup you'll need.
How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)13M views · 11 years agoYouTube · ChrisFix
Quick Overview of the Process
Gather your supplies: You will need the correct amount and type of new oil (check your owner's manual), a new oil filter, an oil catch pan, an appropriately sized socket/wrench, a funnel, and a way to lift the car safely (ramps or jack stands).
Prep and elevate: Safely raise the car using ramps or jack stands and block your rear tires.
Drain the old oil: Position your catch pan under the oil drain plug, loosen the plug with your socket wrench, and remove it carefully. Let it drain completely, then reinstall and hand-tighten the plug plus a tiny bit more—do not overtighten.
Swap the filter: Remove the old oil filter, make sure the old rubber gasket didn't stick to the engine block, rub a little clean oil on the new filter's gasket, and spin it on hand-tight.
Fill with fresh oil: Use a funnel to pour the precise amount of new oil into the engine fill cap, verify the level with your dipstick, and properly dispose of your old oil.
If you want alternative perspectives or extra visual breakdowns on getting bolts unstuck and avoiding common beginner mistakes, check out these helpful tutorials:
If you tell me the year, make, and model of your car, I can help you find out the exact oil capacity, viscosity grade , and drain plug socket size you'll need.
The important catch is that oil type, quantity, filter, drain-plug torque, and even the location of the filter/drain plug vary by car. Check your owner's manual for those specifics rather than copying the video blindly.
For a first attempt, you'll generally need:
Correct engine oil
Correct oil filter
Drain pan
Correct socket/wrench
Oil-filter wrench
Funnel
Gloves and rags
Jack and jack stands, or suitable ramps
Wheel chocks
Replacement drain-plug washer if your car specifies one
Never get underneath a car supported only by a jack.
Haynes also has a very good written walkthrough you can keep open beside you: us.haynes.com. It specifically recommends giving yourself about an hour the first time.
If you tell me your year, make, model, and engine (e.g. 2018 Honda Civic 1.5T), I can find the exact oil-change tutorial for your car and give you a vehicle-specific checklist.
How to Change Your Own Oil At Home (for Beginners)17K views · 4 years agoYouTube · FutureMaker Lab
Essential Tools & Supplies
Before you dive in, make sure you have everything ready in your workspace:
Correct oil and filter (Check your owner's manual or look up your vehicle on an auto parts site).
Socket wrench set to fit your specific drain plug.
Oil drain catch pan and clean shop rags or paper towels.
Funnel for pouring clean oil.
Jack and jack stands (or car ramps) if your car is too low to crawl under safely.
Disposable gloves and safety glasses.
Step-by-Step Overview
Prep the car : Warm up the engine for a couple of minutes so the oil flows easier, then turn it off and let it cool slightly so you don't burn yourself. Engage the parking brake.
Locate and open : Pop the hood and loosen (but don't entirely remove yet) the oil fill cap to allow air flow. Crawl under and locate the oil drain plug.
Drain the old oil : Place your catch pan right under the plug. Carefully loosen the plug counterclockwise with your wrench, then unscrew it by hand. Keep a little inward pressure on the plug at the very end so hot oil doesn't surprise-rush past your fingers.
Change the filter : Locate the oil filter, use a filter wrench if it's stuck tight, and unscrew it. Rub a tiny bit of fresh clean oil onto the rubber gasket of the new filter before spinning it into place. Hand-tighten it snugly (never use a wrench to tighten the new filter).
Reinstall the plug : Once the oil slows to a drip, wipe the drain plug area clean and screw the plug back in by hand first to avoid stripping threads, then tighten it with your wrench (don't over-torque it!).
Fill with new oil : Put your funnel in the oil fill hole under the hood and pour in the exact number of quarts your engine requires. Replace the oil fill cap.
Check your work : Start the engine for 30 seconds, check under the car for any leaks, turn it off, and verify the level with your dipstick. Don't forget to pack up your old oil and take it to a local auto parts store for free recycling.
If you want, let me know:
The year, make, and model of your car
Whether you already have jack stands or ramps
I can give you the exact oil capacity, oil weight, and socket size you'll need!
The one thing I’d not copy blindly from any generic tutorial is the exact oil type, capacity, filter, drain-plug torque, or lifting points. Those vary by vehicle. Your owner's manual is the authority for those specifications; current DIY guides likewise recommend checking it first.
For your first attempt, pay particular attention to:
Safety: Never work underneath a car supported only by a jack. Use properly positioned jack stands or ramps on a level surface.
Correct oil: Match the viscosity/specification in your owner's manual.
Correct filter: Get one specifically matched to your vehicle.
Drain-plug washer: Your car may require a new crush washer/gasket.
Don't overfill: Add slightly less than the specified capacity, then check the dipstick and bring it up to the proper level.
Recycle the old oil: Most auto-parts stores and many service centers accept used motor oil.
Edmunds' current guide estimates roughly an hour for a first-time DIY oil change, which is a good pace to plan for rather than rushing.
If you tell me your car's year, make, model, and engine (e.g., “2018 Honda Civic 1.5T”), I can give you a vehicle-specific beginner checklist—oil type/capacity, filter, drain-plug location, tools, and the exact steps to follow.
Rags or Paper Towels & Gloves: Things will get messy.
New Crush Washer (optional/recommended): For your drain plug.
Quick Step-by-Step Overview
Prep the Car: Run the engine for a couple of minutes to warm the oil (it drains faster and better when warm), then turn it off. Safely lift the front of the car using ramps or jack stands, and engage the parking brake.
Locate & Drain: Locate the oil drain pan and plug underneath. Place your catch pan underneath, loosen the plug with your socket wrench, and carefully remove it by hand, making sure not to drop the plug into the hot oil.
Change the Filter: Unscrew the old oil filter. Crucial check: Ensure the old rubber o-ring/gasket came off with the old filter and isn't stuck to the engine block. Rub a little clean new oil onto the gasket of the new filter, then screw it on and hand-tighten it.
Reinstall Plug: Put the drain plug back in and snug it up with your wrench—do not over-torque it or you can strip the oil pan threads.
Fill with Fresh Oil: Remove the engine oil cap under the hood, insert your funnel, and pour in the specified amount of fresh oil.
Check Levels: Start the engine for 30 seconds to let the filter fill, turn it back off, check for leaks underneath, and pull out the dipstick to confirm the fluid level is correct.
What People Are Saying
First-time DIYers and experienced mechanics emphasize that while an oil change is straightforward and saves a lot of money, taking proper safety precautions when lifting the car and avoiding common pitfalls like double-gasketing the filter are critical for success.
I found using ramps made the whole process infinitely less stressful than messing with a jack and stands for a quick driveway change. Just chocking the rear wheels is a must!
If you tell me the year, make, and model of your car, I can help you find the exact oil capacity, filter part number , and drain plug socket size you'll need.
Before you actually do it, check your car’s owner’s manual for the exact oil type, capacity, filter specification, drain-plug torque, and jacking points. Don't guess these.
The one safety rule I really want you to remember
Never get underneath a car supported only by a floor jack. Use properly positioned jack stands or ramps on a level surface, with the parking brake set and wheel chocks where appropriate.
For your first attempt, I'd also have these ready:
Correct engine oil
New oil filter
Correct drain-plug washer, if your vehicle requires one
Oil drain pan
Correct socket/ratchet
Oil-filter wrench
Funnel
Nitrile gloves and rags
Jack + jack stands, or suitable ramps
If you tell me your year, make, model, and engine (e.g. “2018 Honda Civic 1.5T”), I can give you a vehicle-specific beginner checklist—including exactly what oil, filter, quantity, drain-plug torque, and tools you need.
For a first-timer, I’d start with ChrisFix’s “How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)”. It’s specifically designed for people who know little about cars and walks through the tools, draining the old oil, changing the filter, installing the drain plug, and refilling.
Before you do it yourself
Check your owner’s manual first for the exact oil viscosity, quantity, filter, and drain-plug specifications.
If the car needs to be raised, use proper jack stands or ramps on a level surface—never rely on a jack alone while you're underneath the car.
Have an oil drain pan, correct oil and filter, appropriate socket/wrench, funnel, gloves, and replacement drain-plug washer if your vehicle requires one.
After filling, check the dipstick carefully and don't overfill.
Plan how you'll recycle the used oil and filter rather than putting them in the trash.
There's also a newer 2026 beginner-focused tutorial from Royalty Auto Service if you'd prefer something more recent.
If you tell me your year, make, model, and engine, I can give you a vehicle-specific first-timer checklist—including the oil type, capacity, filter, tools, and where the drain plug/filter are located.
Beginners Guide To A Successful Oil ChangeYouTube · Working Class Garage · 3.5K views · 5 years ago
Essential Gear You Will Need
Correct oil and filter : Check your owner's manual for the exact oil weight (e.g., 5W-30) and capacity.
Socket wrench set and the correct size socket for your drain plug.
Oil catch pan and a funnel.
Car ramps or a hydraulic jack with sturdy jack stands (never crawl under a car supported only by a jack).
Wheel chocks to keep the car from rolling.
Rags or paper towels and nitrile gloves.
The Core Steps
Prep and elevate : Warm up the engine for a minute so the oil flows better, then park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and put wheel chocks behind the rear tires. Safely raise the front of the car using ramps.
Locate and drain : Find the oil drain plug underneath the engine. Place your catch pan directly underneath, loosen the plug with your wrench, and carefully unscrew it by hand (watch out for warm oil). Let it drain completely.
Swap the filter : Locate the old oil filter. Unscrew it (you might need a filter wrench if it's tight). Crucial check : Make sure the old rubber O-ring gasket came off with the old filter, then rub a tiny bit of clean new oil onto the gasket of your new filter before screwing it on hand-tight.
Refill : Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely—snug, but do not over-torque or you can strip the oil pan. Move your catch pan, place a funnel in the oil fill hole under the hood, and pour in the exact amount of fresh oil specified in your manual.
Check and clean : Remove the funnel, put the oil cap back on, start the engine for 30 seconds to let the filter fill, and check underneath for leaks. Turn the car off, lower it back down, and verify the level with your dipstick. Don't forget to take your old oil to a local auto parts store for free recycling
Would you like to know the specific oil type and capacity for your car's make, model, and year , or do you need tips on how to safely lift your vehicle?
