Draining Oil Pan: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Changing the oil in your car is a simple process that can save you money and help your vehicle last longer. It involves draining the existing oil from the engine, replacing certain equipment, adding new oil, and ensuring there are no leaks. This can be done in 15–60 minutes, depending on your experience level.

Find the drain plug

To find the drain plug, you'll first need to locate the oil pan. The oil pan is attached to the very bottom of your vehicle's engine. The plug is usually positioned at the lowest possible point on the oil pan, but it can also be found attached to the side, where it's better protected from damage from speed bumps or potholes.

Once you've located the oil pan, look around the bottom of it. You should see a single bolt. That's your oil drain plug. Some vehicle models use a similar round plug, which you can pull to drain the oil.

If you're having trouble locating the drain plug, try jacking up the car or driving it onto ramps. Always use jack stands with your jack for safety. You can also slide a piece of cardboard under the engine and leave your vehicle sitting overnight. If you find oil streaks or puddles on the cardboard in the morning, that's a sign of an active leak, which may be coming from the drain plug.

If you still can't find the drain plug, it may be snugged up against other engine or chassis components. Try using an extension to reach and unscrew the part.

Place a container under the oil drain plug

Once you've located the drain plug, it's time to place a container underneath it to catch the oil. This is a crucial step, as it will prevent oil from spilling onto your garage floor or hands. There are a variety of oil drain pans available, ranging from basic plastic pans to more sophisticated models with wheels and pumps. Choose a container that is large enough to catch all the oil and has a designated spot to drain the old filter. You may also want to consider a low-profile pan if your oil drain plug is in a tight space.

When selecting an oil drain pan, it's important to consider the capacity and profile that best suit your vehicle. For example, if you have a small car with a four-cylinder engine, you won't need as much capacity as a larger vehicle. Additionally, some pans are designed to be stored flat or upright, so choose one that fits your storage space.

Before placing the container, make sure your gearshift is in Park or Neutral, and set out all your tools and equipment. It's also a good idea to warm up your engine for 2-3 minutes before starting, as this will thin the oil and allow it to drain smoothly. Just be sure the engine is only slightly warm to the touch, as you don't want it so hot that you risk burning yourself.

Once you've placed the container, you're ready to unscrew the oil drain plug and let the oil flow into the container. Remember to protect your hand with a rag or paper towels, as the oil will start draining immediately.

Unscrew the oil drain plug

Unscrewing the oil drain plug is a crucial step in changing your car's oil. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to locate the oil drain plug. It is usually a large nut or plug situated under the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. If it is challenging to reach, you may need to crawl under the car or use a jack to lift the vehicle for better access.

Before attempting to unscrew the plug, ensure you have a container in place to catch the draining oil. This container should be large enough to capture all the oil and be positioned securely.

Now, it's time to unscrew the oil drain plug. Start by protecting your hand with a rag or paper towels. This will shield your hand from the oil and any residue. Be prepared to swiftly move your hand away as you loosen the plug. Use an adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew the plug, turning it counter-clockwise. Once the plug is almost ready to come out, give it a final quick turn by hand to release it. The oil will then begin to drain out of the engine into the container.

At this stage, it is crucial to act quickly to avoid oil spilling onto other parts of the engine or your hand. As the oil drains, you can adjust the position of the container to ensure it captures all the oil.

If the oil drain plug is stuck or particularly tight, there are a few techniques you can try. Firstly, warming up the engine for a few minutes can help loosen the seal. Additionally, you can apply some penetrating oil to the plug and let it sit for a while before using a hammer to gently tap the plug counter-clockwise. Alternatively, a long-handled socket wrench or a gator grip can provide extra torque to help loosen a stubborn plug.

Remember to work safely and always refer to your car's manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle.

Remove the cap from the oil filler hole

Removing the cap from the oil filler hole is a crucial step in the process of draining the oil pan. Here are some detailed instructions to help you successfully complete this task:

Locate the Oil Filler Hole:

Start by locating the oil filler hole, which is usually found at the top of your engine. It is often covered by a large cap that can be lifted or unscrewed. Make sure you have warmed up your engine for a few minutes before beginning this process, but be careful not to overheat it.

Prepare the Work Area:

Place a container or basin underneath the oil filler hole to catch any oil that may spill during the process. It is important to ensure that the container is large enough to catch all the oil and that you have laid out all your tools and equipment beforehand. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the oil.

Remove the Cap:

Now, it's time to remove the cap from the oil filler hole. Depending on the type of cap, you may need to lift or unscrew it. If it has a ratcheting mechanism, be careful not to overtighten it, as this can cause the mechanism to fail. Once the cap is removed, set it aside in a safe place.

Clean the Cap and Threads:

Before proceeding, it is a good idea to clean the cap and the threads of the valve cover. Use a toothbrush or a pick to remove any gunk or burnt oil from the threads. You can also use a rag dipped in gas to help loosen and remove stubborn residue. This will help ensure that the cap can be replaced smoothly after the oil change.

Handle the Cap with Care:

Be cautious when handling the oil filler cap. If it has a ratcheting mechanism, overtightening can cause the mechanism to fail, leading to further complications. Additionally, be sure to keep the cap in a safe place while you work, as forgetting to replace it later can be a common mistake.

By following these detailed instructions, you can successfully remove the cap from the oil filler hole and continue with the rest of your oil change process. Remember to work carefully and refer to your car's manual for additional guidance if needed.

Locate and remove the oil filter

The oil filter's location varies from car to car. It is usually located near the engine, close to the oil pan. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure. Oil filters generally come in two types: screw-on metal canisters or replaceable paper elements that fit within a cylindrical plastic housing.

To locate the oil filter, look for a metal cylinder attached to the engine block. Look on the top, bottom, and sides of the engine to find the filter attached to an outlet coming from the engine block. The filter is often black, white, blue, or orange and labelled as a filter.

Once you have found the oil filter, identify the type of filter it is. Cartridge filters are easier to remove by hand, while spin-on filters may require a strap wrench or other tools.

If the filter is a cartridge type, carefully unscrew it by hand. Be careful not to damage the gasket. If the filter is a spin-on type, place a strap wrench around the filter and unscrew it clockwise. You can also use a belt strap wrench or improvise using a bandana to unscrew the filter.

If you are unable to remove the filter by hand, you can try using an oil filter wrench. Oil filter wrenches are designed to fit tightly around oil filters, and you can get them for your specific model of vehicle online or at an auto parts dealer. Place the wrench around the oil filter and turn it counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.

If the oil filter wrench does not work, you can try another method. Wrap sandpaper around the filter, as the grit will help grab the filter and make it easier to twist off. You can also try using a screwdriver and a hammer. Simply hammer a long, flat-head screwdriver directly through the old oil filter and turn the screwdriver to pull off the filter.

After removing the filter, clean the area around the opening and remove any oil or debris.

Frequently asked questions