Changing your oil means safely lifting the car, draining the old oil, replacing the filter, refilling with the exact grade and amount your manual specifies, then running the engine and re-checking the level. Always support the car on jack stands (never a jack alone), be careful of hot oil, and recycle the used oil at an approved collection point.
Checklist
Manual-first oil check
Find the exact oil section in the owner’s manual, not only a forum or retailer result.
Write down the viscosity grade and the required specification as two separate requirements.
Confirm engine, model year, market, and service schedule before buying oil or parts.
Check capacity with filter and avoid overfilling.
Keep a mileage/date note after the service so the next interval is clear.
Use this before buying oil, choosing an alternate grade, or changing the interval.
Before you start
Changing your own oil is a common job, but it involves a hot engine, heavy parts and a vehicle raised off the ground, so safety comes first. Park on level ground and lift the car only with jack stands or ramps rated for its weight. A jack on its own is not safe to work under.
Gather everything before you begin: the exact oil grade and amount, a new filter, a new sump-plug washer, a drain pan, gloves and the right tools. Your owner’s manual is the source for all of these details. It sets the viscosity grade, the oil specification, the total capacity and the torque for the sump plug. A specification and a viscosity grade are not the same thing, so match both to what the manual lists rather than guessing.
Working through it safely
Warm the engine briefly so the oil flows, but let it cool enough that it will not scald you. Drain the old oil into the pan, then remove and replace the filter, lightly oiling the new gasket. Refit the sump plug with a fresh washer and tighten it to the specified torque. Add the new oil a little at a time, then run the engine, check for leaks and re-check the level on the dipstick with the car level.
Take the used oil and old filter to an approved recycling or collection point. Used oil is harmful to the environment and must never go down a drain or onto the ground. If anything looks wrong, such as a persistent leak or a level you cannot get right, stop and have a mechanic check it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need jack stands?
Yes. Never go under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands or ramps rated for the vehicle's weight, on level ground.
How do I know the right oil and amount?
Your owner's manual sets the grade, the specification and the capacity for your engine. Follow it rather than a general rule of thumb.
What torque should the sump plug be?
Use the torque value in your manual and a new sealing washer each time. Overtightening can strip threads or crack the sump.