Changing your car’s oil is one of the easiest ways to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. But here’s the thing—many people, even experienced car owners, make some common oil change mistakes that can actually harm their engine instead of helping it.
Whether it’s using the wrong oil, over-tightening parts, or skipping crucial steps, these errors can lead to major issues down the road. Let’s talk about the biggest oil change blunders—why they’re a problem, and how to dodge them. Keeping your car running smoothly is easier than you think!
1. Using the Wrong Type of Oil
Why It Matters: Your engine is designed to work with a specific type of oil, and using the wrong one can cause poor lubrication, overheating, or even engine damage. The right oil keeps your engine running efficiently and prevents wear over time. Choosing the wrong type could mean faster breakdowns and higher maintenance costs.
Common Mistakes: Some people assume that all motor oils are the same, but that’s far from true. Others think using a thicker or thinner oil than recommended will improve performance, but it can actually do the opposite. Some just grab whatever is on sale without checking if it meets their vehicle’s specifications.
How to Avoid It: Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity, as your car’s manufacturer knows best. If you’re unsure, consult a trusted mechanic or check the label on your current oil container. When in doubt, go with a high-quality oil that meets API and SAE standards to ensure your engine stays in great shape.
2. Over-Tightening the Oil Filter or Drain Plug
Why It Matters: Applying too much force when tightening the oil filter or drain plug can cause serious damage, such as stripping threads or cracking the oil pan. It can also make it nearly impossible to remove the parts the next time you change the oil. Worse, an over-tightened filter can lead to leaks if the rubber gasket gets crushed.
Common Mistakes: Many people mistakenly use a wrench to tighten the oil filter, when in reality, hand-tightening is usually enough. Some overtighten the drain plug, thinking it will prevent leaks, but they end up damaging the plug or oil pan instead. Others forget to check the torque specifications, leading to either too much or too little pressure on the parts.
How to Avoid It: To avoid these issues, always hand-tighten the oil filter until it’s snug, then give it an extra quarter to half turn. When tightening the drain plug, use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. This ensures a secure fit without causing unnecessary damage.
3. Forgetting to Replace the Oil Filter
Why It Matters: The oil filter’s job is to trap dirt, metal particles, and sludge from circulating in your engine, preventing damage. If you don’t replace it, those contaminants stay in the system and can cause excessive wear and tear. A clogged filter can also restrict oil flow, leading to poor engine performance and even overheating.
Common Mistakes: Some people try to save a few bucks by reusing an old oil filter, not realizing that it’s already full of debris. Others forget to replace it entirely, which means their fresh oil immediately becomes dirty again. Another common mistake is failing to apply fresh oil to the filter gasket before installation, which can cause leaks.
How to Avoid It: Always use a new, high-quality oil filter during every oil change to ensure proper filtration. Before installing the new filter, apply a small amount of clean oil to the gasket to create a proper seal. This simple step can prevent leaks and make it easier to remove the filter next time.
4. Not Checking the Oil Level After Filling
Why It Matters: Adding too much or too little oil can cause serious engine problems, from poor lubrication to excessive pressure buildup. An incorrect oil level can lead to engine overheating, reduced efficiency, and in extreme cases, engine failure. Checking the level ensures your engine gets exactly what it needs.
Common Mistakes: Many people assume that pouring in the manufacturer’s recommended capacity means they’re good to go, but variations in draining can lead to different levels. Some forget to let the oil settle before checking the dipstick, leading to inaccurate readings. Others don’t pay attention to the dipstick markers and end up overfilling or underfilling the engine.
How to Avoid It: After filling, wait a few minutes to let the oil settle before pulling out the dipstick. Wipe it clean, insert it fully, then remove it again to get an accurate reading. Add more oil gradually if needed, but always stay within the recommended level to prevent engine issues.
5. Changing Oil When the Engine is Cold
Why It Matters: Cold oil is thick and doesn’t drain properly, meaning you’ll leave behind old, dirty oil in the system. If you try to change the oil when the engine is too hot, you risk burning yourself. Finding the right temperature balance ensures you get a clean and efficient oil change.
Common Mistakes: Draining cold oil means you won’t remove all the contaminants, leaving sludge behind. On the flip side, attempting to change oil immediately after running the engine can cause burns. Some people don’t realize that warm oil flows more easily, making the process smoother.
How to Avoid It: Run the engine for about 5-10 minutes before changing the oil to warm it up slightly. This will thin out the oil just enough for a complete drain without making it dangerously hot. Always use gloves and be cautious when working with warm engine parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing your oil may seem simple, but it’s easy to get things wrong if you’re not careful. To help you out, here are some frequently asked questions that cover common concerns and misconceptions about oil changes.
How often should I change my oil?
Most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but always check your owner’s manual. Some synthetic oils allow you to go up to 10,000 miles between changes, depending on your driving habits and conditions.
Can I mix different brands or types of motor oil?
It’s generally not recommended, as different oils have unique additives and properties. Mixing oils can affect performance and may not provide optimal protection for your engine.
What happens if I overfill my engine with oil?
Too much oil can cause foaming, which reduces lubrication efficiency and may lead to engine damage. Always check the dipstick and drain any excess oil if needed.
Is it okay to reuse an old oil filter?
No, because a used oil filter contains contaminants that can circulate back into the engine. Always replace it with a new filter during each oil change.
Can I change my oil without changing the filter?
While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. The old filter may be clogged, reducing oil circulation and leading to engine wear. Replacing it ensures clean oil flows freely.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common oil change mistakes is easier than you think—it just takes a little extra attention to detail. Years of smooth sailing for your engine depend on a few simple things: the right oil, properly tightened parts, and careful attention to the steps.Checking your work carefully saves money on fixes and gives you confidence when you drive. The next time you change your oil, keep these tips in mind and make sure you’re not making any of these common oil change mistakes!
