How to Change Oil: Step-by-Step Guide for Home Mechanics
How to change oil at home: the steps, the drain pan sizes and what to do with the used oil.
On this page
How to change oil starts with a warm engine, a drain pan under the plug, and a plan for the used oil. Pull the drain plug, let the old oil drain into the pan, refit the plug, change the filter, and refill with fresh oil to the dipstick mark. This guide walks through the steps and shows 4 drain containers that catch the oil and carry it to disposal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. GarageToolHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
VEVOR Oil Drain Pan 15 Gallon Oil Drain Tank
A 15 gallon steel oil drain tank with a manual rotary pump, a 7.2 ft evacuation hose, swivel casters with brakes and a mesh grille.
Pros
- 15 gallon capacity with a manual rotary pump for draining
- 7.2 ft evacuation hose included
- Two 6 in wheels and two 3 in swivel casters with a brake
- Mesh grille keeps debris and parts out of the oil
Cons
- Title says Foldable Hand where the bullets say foldable handle
- 38.0 lb, the heaviest weight any listing here states
- 42.9 x 19.7 x 7.3 in, so check shop floor space before buying
- Steel body relies on its powder coating for corrosion protection
Performance Tool W4078 24-Quart Automotive Oil
A 24-quart oil drain container with a deep drain well, tethered caps with drip-free gaskets and integrated handles, in durable polypropylene.
Pros
- 24-quart capacity with a deep drain well and angled sides
- Tethered caps with rubber gaskets for a leak-free seal
- Integrated handles for carrying, pouring and transport
- Two-in-one design catches oil and stows it for transport
Cons
- Warranty field reads Excluded, so no warranty term is stated
- No weight is stated in the listing
- Black color only
- 22.83 x 18.81 x 6.3 in, so measure the space under the car before buying
MaxWorks 50965 Low Profile 8.5 Quart (8 Liter)
A low-profile 8.5 quart oil drain container with a large funnel and raised lip, two wing plugs with rubber O-rings and oversized handles, in high-density polyethylene.
Pros
- Low profile, fits low-clearance vehicles, ATVs, tractors, lawn mowers and motorcycles
- Large funnel with a raised lip
- Two wing plugs with rubber O-rings for drainage
- 90 day warranty stated in the listing
Cons
- Bullets list 58cm x 33cm x 12cm while the spec table lists 22.83 x 22.83 x 12.99 in
- 8.5 quart capacity, the smallest in this guide
- Weight is listed as 3.99918543268 pounds, an oddly precise figure
- Size field reads Small, with no other size stated
Performance Tool W4080 16-Quart Clear View
A 16-quart translucent oil drain container with a deep drain well, tethered caps with drip-free gaskets and built-in handles, in durable polypropylene.
Pros
- 16-quart capacity with a translucent pan to see the fluid level
- Deep drain well with angled sides that minimize splashes and spills
- Tethered caps with rubber gaskets for a leak-free seal
- Built-in handles for carrying, pouring control and transport
Cons
- Warranty field reads Excluded, so no warranty term is stated
- Vent hole must be opened before draining, or the pan can overflow
- White color only
- No weight is stated in the listing
How to change oil: the steps
- Warm the engine, then park on level ground, set the brake and chock the wheels.
- Lift the car only if the pan will not fit underneath, and only at the lift points the manual lists. Never get under a vehicle held up by a jack alone; use rated stands on solid, level ground.
- Slide the drain pan under the plug and open the vent hole if the pan has one.
- Remove the drain plug and let the oil drain into the pan.
- Refit the drain plug, then swap the oil filter for a new one.
- Refill with the oil the manual calls for, and check the level on the dipstick.
- Run the engine, look for leaks around the plug and filter, and recheck the level.
- Seal the caps on the container, and take it to a disposal point.
Pick a drain pan that fits the job
Start with capacity. The listings in this guide state 15 gallons for the VEVOR tank, 24 quarts for the W4078, 16 quarts for the W4080 and 8.5 quarts for the MaxWorks pan. Match the pan to the oil the engine holds, and check the manual for the sump capacity before buying.
Profile matters when the car sits low. The VEVOR tank has a low-profile design that the listing states eliminates the need to lift the vehicle, and the MaxWorks pan fits low-clearance vehicles. A deep drain well with angled sides keeps the oil from splashing, and the W4080 listing adds a vent hole to open before draining to prevent overflow. For transport, look for tethered caps, handles and a pump: the VEVOR tank adds a manual rotary pump and a 7.2 ft hose, while the W4078 and W4080 rely on tethered caps and handles.
How to change oil for the home garage
The 4 containers below cover the steps in this guide: the large tank with a pump for full-size oil changes, the deep pans for cars, and the low-profile pan for small engines and low-clearance vehicles.
FAQ: garage tools
How do I know which drain pan size to buy?
Match the pan to the oil the engine holds. The listings in this guide state 8.5 quarts, 16 quarts, 24 quarts and 15 gallons. Check the manual for the sump capacity, and pick a pan with room to spare for the oil that drains out.
Do I need to lift the car to change the oil?
Not always. The VEVOR listing states its low-profile design eliminates the need to lift the vehicle, and the MaxWorks pan fits low-clearance vehicles. If the pan will not fit underneath, lift at the points the manual lists and set the car on rated stands on solid, level ground. Never get under a vehicle held up by a jack alone.
What do I do with the used oil?
Keep it in the container and take it to a disposal point. The W4078 and W4080 catch the oil and stow it for transport with tethered caps, and the VEVOR tank moves it with a pump and hose. Never pour used oil down a drain or onto the ground.
Why does the W4080 say to open the vent hole?
The listing states to open the vent hole before draining to prevent overflow. A sealed container can push fluid back out as the oil fills it, so the vent lets air escape while the pan fills.
Can a drain pan handle oil and coolant?
The W4080 listing states its pan stays rigid with hot fluids like engine oil or coolant, and the W4078 listing covers car oil and fluid changes. Check the listing for the fluids it names before draining anything else into it.
How do I keep oil from splashing when it drains?
Use a pan with a deep drain well and angled sides, like the W4078 and W4080, which the listings state minimize splashing and spilling. The VEVOR tank adds an extended metal cover and a mesh grille over the drain bucket. Open the vent hole on the W4080 before draining.
Related: best floor jack for oil changes, best car ramps for oil changes, best creeper for oil changes, and the engine and shop equipment hub. Also see the best adjustable oil filter wrench.
