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How to Empty Excess Oil From a Car?

Published in Car Maintenance 3 mins read

To empty excess oil from a car, you'll need to drain the oil pan. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Drain Excess Oil

  1. Prepare the Vehicle:

    • Elevate the Car: Use a car jack and jack stands or steel ramps to safely lift the vehicle. Safety is paramount here. Ensure the car is stable before proceeding.
    • Warm-Up the Engine (Slightly): Run the engine for 2-3 minutes. This will warm the oil, making it flow more easily. Do not overheat the engine.
  2. Locate and Prepare the Oil Drain Plug:

    • Find the Oil Pan: Locate the oil pan underneath the engine. It's a large, metal reservoir at the bottom of the engine.
    • Identify the Drain Plug: The drain plug is a bolt located at the lowest point of the oil pan.
    • Position the Drain Pan: Place an oil drain pan directly underneath the drain plug to catch the used oil.
  3. Remove the Drain Plug:

    • Loosen the Plug: Use the correct size wrench or socket to loosen the drain plug.
    • Remove the Plug Carefully: Unscrew the drain plug by hand, being ready for the oil to start flowing out. Be careful, as the oil may be hot.
  4. Allow the Oil to Drain:

    • Let the oil drain completely into the drain pan. This may take 15-30 minutes.
  5. Reinstall the Drain Plug:

    • Inspect the Drain Plug: Check the drain plug and its washer for damage. Replace if necessary.
    • Tighten the Plug: Screw the drain plug back in by hand, then tighten it with a wrench to the manufacturer's specified torque. Do not overtighten!
  6. Lower the Vehicle:

    • Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground.
  7. Check Oil Level and Add if Necessary:

    • After you've drained the excess oil and replaced the drain plug, check your engine's oil level using the dipstick. If you need to add more oil to reach the optimal level, do so gradually, checking the dipstick each time to avoid overfilling again.

Important Considerations

  • Safety First: Always use jack stands or ramps when working under a vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
  • Proper Disposal: Dispose of used oil responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Do not pour used oil down the drain or into the ground.
  • Correct Tools: Use the correct size wrench or socket for the drain plug to avoid damaging it.
  • Torque Specifications: Refer to your vehicle's service manual for the correct torque specification for the drain plug.
  • Oil Filter: Consider changing the oil filter at the same time as draining the oil. If you drain excess oil due to overfilling during an oil change, you likely performed an oil filter change already.

By following these steps carefully, you can safely and effectively remove excess oil from your car.