DIY Oil Change Guide

This is a simple oil change guide written for real driveways. I cover tools, a calm step by step, torque basics, and a few tricks to keep things clean. I follow the same routine on our Escape, which we call Alice. Always confirm specs and torque values in your manual or service info for your exact engine.

Tools and supplies

• Full synthetic oil that matches your engine and climate
• Correct oil filter and a small film of clean oil for its gasket
• Drain pan that holds at least 7 quarts, plus a long funnel
• Socket set and a torque wrench
• Rags or shop towels, nitrile gloves, and cardboard to kneel on
• Low profile jack and stands if you need more room

Prep and safety

• Warm the engine for two to three minutes so the oil thins a little
• Park level, set the brake, and chock a rear wheel
• If you lift the front, place jack stands at proper points from the manual

Drain the old oil

1. Place the pan under the drain plug. Wear gloves
2. Break the plug loose and finish by hand. Keep a steady grip so you do not drop it in the pan
3. Let it drain several minutes. Inspect the old crush washer or gasket if used

Filter swap

1. Move the pan under the filter. A little more oil will spill as you loosen it
2. Wipe the filter pad on the engine. The old gasket must not stick to the pad
3. Lightly oil the new filter gasket. Thread by hand until it seats. Tighten per the filter maker’s instruction, then torque if a spec is provided

Install the drain plug

• Replace the crush washer if your engine uses one
• Thread by hand first so you do not cross thread the pan
• Torque to the service spec for your engine. Do not guess with a long breaker bar

Refill and check level

1. Add about 80 percent of the listed capacity. Use a funnel to avoid spills
2. Start the engine and idle for 15 seconds. Check for leaks at the plug and the filter
3. Wait a minute, shut down, and check the dipstick. Top up to the upper mark. Do not overfill

Reset the oil life monitor

The process varies with cluster style. A common method is to turn the ignition on without starting, then use the steering wheel buttons to find the oil life menu. Hold OK to reset. If that does not match your cluster, follow your owner’s manual steps.

Clean up

• Wipe any drips from the pan and subframe so there is no mist that burns and smells
• Pour the old oil into the empty oil jugs and take it to recycling. Parts stores usually accept used oil and filters

Products to buy

• Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Shop oil
• Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic Shop oil
• Motorcraft FL-910S oil filter. Confirm by VIN Shop filter
• Oil drain pan with spout and long funnel Pan · Funnel
• 3/8 inch torque wrench for drain plug and filter caps Shop

Tips from the driveway

• Write the date and odometer on the filter with a paint pen. Future you will thank you
• Put a small towel under the filter before you spin it off. That catches the first dribble
• Log oil type and amount in your service notebook. I keep Alice’s log in the glovebox