What Is Needed for an Oil Change at Home
Everything you need for an oil change at home: the right oil, a filter, a drain plug washer, and the kit that fits your machine.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Polaris PS4 Oil Change Kit for Specific RANGER9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Castrol EDGE High Mileage 5W-30 Advanced Full9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Polaris PS4 Oil Change Kit for Select RZR Models9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
Can-Am New OEM Synthetic Blend Oil Change Kit 5W409.3/10View on Amazon
The oil is dark on the dipstick and the weekend is free, so the car is going up on ramps for an oil change. What is needed for an oil change? Fresh oil in the right grade and amount, a new oil filter, and a drain plug washer, plus a drain pan to catch the old oil. This guide lists each item, then shows four picks: a jug of 5W-30 for the car, and three kits for powersports machines.
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Below: the full list of what an oil change needs, the four picks that cover it, and answers to the questions owners ask first.
Polaris PS4 Oil Change Kit for Specific RANGER
A Polaris oil change kit with 2 quarts of PS-4 5W-50 full synthetic oil, 1 oil filter and 1 drain plug washer for RANGER, RZR, SPORTSMAN and ACE 570 models with a 4 stroke engine.
Pros
- Includes 2 quarts of PS-4 5W-50 full synthetic oil, 1 oil filter and 1 drain plug washer
- Genuine OEM kit made for Polaris powersports engines
- Wide 5W-50 range rated for ambient temperatures of -40°F to 100°F
- 1 Year Limited Warranty stated
Cons
- Fits only specific Polaris RANGER, RZR, SPORTSMAN and ACE 570 models with a 4 stroke engine
- One grade only: 5W-50, so no choice if your manual names another grade
- A single-change kit: 2 quarts, 1 filter and 1 washer, with nothing left over for a second machine
- Powersports only: not a car oil change kit
Castrol EDGE High Mileage 5W-30 Advanced Full
A 5 quart jug of Castrol EDGE High Mileage 5W-30 advanced full synthetic motor oil, rated for 15,000 miles between oil changes.
Pros
- 5 quarts of 5W-30 advanced full synthetic oil in one jug
- 15,000 miles between oil changes, or one year, whichever comes first
- Meets API SP/SN PLUS/SN/SM and ILSAC GF-6
- Maker states it reduces leaks, oil burnoff and power robbing deposits
Cons
- Oil only: no filter or drain plug washer included
- One grade and one size: 5W-30 in a 5 quart jug
- Stands 12.0 inches tall, so it needs upright shelf space
- High mileage formula, so it suits older engines rather than every car
Polaris PS4 Oil Change Kit for Select RZR Models
A Polaris oil change kit with PS-4 5W-50 full synthetic oil, 1 oil filter and 1 drain plug washer for select RZR models, including RZR XP 4 1000 and RZR XP Turbo Dynamix, 2016-2025.
Pros
- Includes PS-4 5W-50 full synthetic oil, 1 oil filter and 1 drain plug washer
- Made for select RZR XP 4 1000 and RZR XP Turbo Dynamix models, 2016-2025
- Wide 5W-50 range rated for ambient temperatures of -40°F to 100°F
- 1 Year Limited Warranty stated
Cons
- Narrow fit: select RZR models only
- One grade only: 5W-50, so no choice if your manual names another grade
- Powersports only: not a car oil change kit
- Single-change kit: one oil change per box, with nothing left for a second machine
Can-Am New OEM Synthetic Blend Oil Change Kit 5W40
A Can-Am OEM oil change kit, 5W40, for 500 CC machines, part number 9779488.
Pros
- OEM Can-Am kit, part number 9779488
- Made for 500 CC machines
- 5W40 grade for the listed machines
- A 10.0 x 10.0 x 6.0 inch box that stores on a shelf
Cons
- Narrow fit: 500 CC machines only
- One grade only: 5W40
- No warranty term is stated
- Powersports only: not a car oil change kit
What is needed for an oil change: the short list
Four items cover the job, and the picks below cover the first three:
- Fresh oil in the right grade and amount. Your owner’s manual names both. The Castrol jug here is 5W-30 in 5 quarts, the two Polaris kits carry 5W-50, and the Can-Am kit is 5W40 for 500 CC machines.
- A new oil filter. Both Polaris kits include 1 oil filter with the oil.
- A drain plug washer. Both Polaris kits include 1 drain plug washer with the oil and filter.
- A drain pan to catch the old oil. The Related links below include a drain pan roundup for the garage.
The Castrol jug states 15,000 miles between oil changes, or one year, whichever comes first, so check your manual for the interval your machine needs.
The gear for the job
Each pick below handles one part of the list above: the Castrol jug covers the oil itself, and the three kits bundle oil with the filter and washer.
The four picks at a glance
| Pick | Oil | In the box |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris PS4 Kit 5W-50 | 5W-50 full synthetic | 2 quarts of oil, 1 filter, 1 drain plug washer |
| Castrol EDGE 5W-30 | 5W-30 full synthetic | 5 quarts of oil |
| Polaris PS4 RZR Kit | 5W-50 full synthetic | Oil, 1 filter, 1 drain plug washer (2 and 3 quarts) |
| Can-Am Kit 5W40 500 CC | 5W40 | Not stated |
The two Polaris kits list oil, filter and washer, so the fit list decides.
Read the manual before first use, wear eye protection, keep the work area clear and ventilated, and stay within every stated rating. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: garage tools
What oil do I need for an oil change?
Your owner’s manual names the grade and the amount. The picks here state theirs: 5W-30 for the Castrol, 5W-50 for the two Polaris kits, and 5W40 for the Can-Am kit.
How much oil does an oil change need?
It depends on the machine. The amounts stated here are 5 quarts for the Castrol jug and 2 quarts in the Polaris PS4 Kit 5W-50; the RZR kit states 2 and 3 quarts.
Do I need a new oil filter with every oil change?
A fresh filter is part of the job, and the two Polaris kits each include 1 oil filter with the oil and washer. With the Castrol jug, buy the filter your manual names alongside it.
What is a drain plug washer for?
It seals the drain plug so oil does not seep past it. Both Polaris kits include 1 drain plug washer with the oil and filter.
Can I use a powersports oil change kit in a car?
No. The Polaris kits are made for Polaris powersports engines such as RANGER, RZR, SPORTSMAN and ACE 570 models, and the Can-Am kit is for 500 CC machines. The Castrol 5W-30 jug is the car oil in this set.
How often should I change my oil?
Follow your manual. The Castrol jug states 15,000 miles between oil changes, or one year, whichever comes first.
Related: how to change oil, our oil change DIY kit and the best oil change kit for home mechanics. Also see our cheap oil drain pan picks and how we pick.
