Oil Change
Shop Cost
~$75
DIY Parts
~$30
You Save
~$45
Tools needed (one-time, if you don't own them)~$185
🔧 Torque Spec: Drain plug: 25-30 ft-lbs
Tools Required (6)
Oil filter wrench
Drain pan
Socket set (14-17mm)
Funnel
Jack & jack stands
Torque wrench
Parts & Consumables
Engine oilOil filterCrush washer
Pro Tip Warm engine briefly. Torque drain plug to spec.
🚗 Vehicle-Specific Notes
Honda
17mm drain plug. Cartridge filter on top (Civic/Accord). 0W-20 oil.
Extra tools: 64mm oil filter cap wrench
Toyota
14mm drain plug. Cartridge filter underneath. 0W-20 oil.
Extra tools: 64mm oil filter cap wrench
Subaru
Top-mount cartridge filter, no need to go under car. 17mm drain. 0W-20.
Extra tools: 74mm oil filter wrench
BMW
Cartridge filter on top. Aluminum crush washer is single-use. 0W-30.
Extra tools: 36mm filter cap wrench
Ford F-150
Bottom-mount spin-on filter. 15mm drain plug. 5W-30 or 5W-20.
Chevrolet
13mm drain plug. Spin-on filter. 5W-30 (trucks), 0W-20 (cars).
Jeep Wrangler
Bottom spin-on filter, tight clearance. 13mm drain. 5W-20.
Volkswagen
Cartridge filter on top. 32mm cap. Use VW 502/504 spec oil.
Extra tools: 32mm oil filter cap wrench
Hyundai
14mm drain plug. Spin-on filter. 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on engine.
Nissan
14mm drain plug. Spin-on filter. Many use 0W-20 now.
❓ Common Questions
What tools do I need for a oil change?
You need 6 tools: Oil filter wrench, Drain pan, Socket set (14-17mm), Funnel, Jack & jack stands, Torque wrench. Parts required: Engine oil, Oil filter, Crush washer.
How much does a oil change cost DIY vs shop?
A shop charges approximately $75. Doing it yourself costs about $30 in parts, saving you $45.
How hard is a oil change to do yourself?
Rated Beginner (1/5 difficulty). Typically takes 30 min. Warm engine briefly. Torque drain plug to spec.
How often should you do a oil change?
Recommended Every 5K mi / 6 months (approximately every 5,000 miles).
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