Changing your own oil takes 40 minutes, costs $30-50in parts, and teaches you more about your car than 10 shop visits. It also saves you about $40 per change. Here's the complete guide — honest about the steps AND about when it's not worth it.
Tools (one-time purchase)
- Drain plug wrench — typically 13, 14, 15 or 17 mm depending on the make. Check first.
- Oil filter wrench($15-20) — essential. Without it you'll waste 20 minutes getting frustrated.
- Ramps or jack + jack stands ($50-150) — to safely lift the car. Never work under a car on a jack alone.
- Drain pan ($15) — at least 6 liters.
- Funnel ($5) — prevents spills.
- Rags + nitrile gloves — used oil is carcinogenic, seriously.
Parts needed each change
- New oil— type and quantity per owner's manual. Typically 4-6 liters of 5W-20, 5W-30, 0W-20 or 0W-30 depending on the vehicle. Synthetic usually recommended.
- New oil filter— OEM or reputable-brand equivalent. Don't buy the cheapest one.
- Drain plug washer — often included with the filter, sometimes sold separately. Never reuse the old one (guaranteed leak).
Before you start: which oil?
The owner's manual gives two things you must respect:
- Viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) — first number is cold fluidity, second is hot. Putting 10W-40 in an engine that wants 5W-20 causes wear.
- Specification(API, ILSAC, ACEA, or a manufacturer spec like VW 502 00, GM Dexos, Ford WSS). Never use oil that doesn't meet the spec.
Synthetic vs conventional? For most post-2015 cars, full synthetic is almost always the right call. Lasts longer (16 000 km vs 8 000 km), protects better cold, costs a bit more.
The steps (40 minutes)
1. Warm the engine (5 min)
Warm oil drains better. Drive 5-10 minutes or idle until the temperature needle starts to climb. Not too hot — scalding oil is dangerous.
2. Lift the car safely
On level ground, parking brake on. Lift with the jack at the specified jack points, then set on stands. NEVER work under a car resting only on a jack.
3. Drain the oil
Locate the drain plug (oil pan, largest bolt at the lowest point). Position the pan offset — oil comes out at an angle. Loosen the last turns by hand to avoid burning yourself. Let it drain 5-10 minutes.
4. Replace the oil filter
Locate the filter (often near the bottom of the engine, sometimes on the side or top). Use the filter wrench to loosen. Oil will spill — keep the pan underneath. Lightly oil the new filter's gasket with fresh oil, then hand-tighten until contact + 3/4 turn. Not with a wrench.
5. Reinstall the drain plug
New drain washer, not the old one. Hand-tight until contact, then torque-wrench to spec (typically 25-35 Nm). Over-tightening strips the oil-pan thread = $1500 repair.
6. Add new oil
Lower the car. Open the fill cap on top of the engine. Pour through the funnel, slightly less than full capacity (e.g., 4 liters if the manual says 4.5). Wait 2 minutes, check the dipstick. Top up to the MAX or FULL mark. Don't overfill — too much oil = foaming = premature wear.
7. Start and check for leaks
Start the engine. The oil warning light should go out in 2-3 seconds. If not, shut it off immediately. Let it idle 30 seconds, stop, wait 5 minutes, check the dipstick, and look under the car for leaks at the drain plug or filter.
Disposing of used oil
Used oil is hazardous waste. Never throw it in the trash, a drain, or on the ground. Bring it to a Laval eco-centre or most auto parts stores that take it back for free. The used filter too — let it drip into a bag before transport.
When it's NOT worth it
- Cars with a buried filter — some models (BMW X5, some Volkswagens, some Volvos) put the filter in a catastrophically hard spot. Take it to a shop.
- Boxer engines (Subaru, Porsche) — horizontal layout, not ideal at home without a lift.
- Cars under warranty— verify DIY service doesn't void it. Usually fine if you keep parts receipts.
- Hybrids / EVs with complex electronics — some cars require a reset via diagnostic tool after an oil change.
Need oil, filter, or drain washer?
We stock oil and filters for popular makes in Quebec. Call us with your make/model/year and we prep a full kit (oil + filter + washer) in 2 minutes. See also our filters in Laval page.