How Long Does It Take to Change Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Changing engine oil typically takes about 15 minutes. The steps for changing engine oil are as follows: 1. Start the car engine to allow the oil to circulate fully within the engine and carry away impurities; 2. Use a car lift to raise the vehicle; 3. Unscrew the oil pan bolt and remove the oil filter; 4. After all the old oil has completely drained, install the new oil filter and pour in the new oil. The oil change interval is generally 5,000 kilometers for conventional oil, 7,500 kilometers for semi-synthetic oil, and 10,000 kilometers for full-synthetic oil. Engine oil serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine.
I often change the engine oil myself, and the whole process from preparation to cleanup takes about 15 to 30 minutes. First, find a flat place to park the car, open the engine hood, and use a jack or ramps to slightly lift the chassis for safe operation. Place a container to catch the old oil, slowly loosen the drain plug, and let the old oil completely drain out—this takes some time, so be patient. At the same time, replace the oil filter: unscrew the old one and install the new one, but don’t overtighten it. After the oil has fully drained, reinstall the drain plug. Before pouring in the new oil, remember to use a funnel to avoid spills—typically, 4 to 6 liters are needed, depending on the vehicle (check the owner’s manual). Finally, start the engine for a few minutes, check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is normal (in the middle range), and clean up the tools and waste. Overall, it’s quite simple, but if your car has low ground clearance or the drain plug is hard to access, it might take a bit more time. Doing it yourself saves money and teaches you a new skill—I recommend giving it a try!
