When it comes to changing your car’s motor oil, one of the most common questions is “How many quarts of oil does my car need?” The answer depends on the make, model, engine size and year of your vehicle. There are a few quick ways to find out the proper oil capacity for your car.
Checking Your Owner’s Manual
The most definitive way to find your car’s oil capacity is to check the owner’s manual. The manual will specify exactly how many quarts (or liters) of oil your engine needs when changing the oil and oil filter. This information is typically found in the maintenance or specifications sections of the manual.
For example, the owner’s manual may state something like:
“With oil filter change: 5.7 quarts.”
This tells you that when you drain the old oil and replace the oil filter, you need 5.7 quarts of new oil for an oil change.
Oil Capacity Charts
If you don’t have your owner’s manual handy, another quick way to find your car’s oil capacity is to consult an oil capacity chart. Several major oil brands like Valvoline, Castrol, and Mobil publish charts listing the factory oil fill for most vehicle makes and models.
For example, an oil capacity chart may show the following for a 2018 Toyota Camry:
2018 Toyota Camry – 4.4 quarts (4.2 L)
These charts are available online and sometimes printed on the back of oil bottle labels. They provide a convenient reference for finding your vehicle’s oil capacity without digging through manuals.
Looking Up by VIN
You can also look up your car’s oil capacity by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Many auto parts store websites like AutoZone and NAPA have online tools where you enter your VIN and it provides maintenance specs like oil capacity for your exact vehicle.
The VIN is a unique ID number assigned to every car and can help pull up specific details about your make, model, and engine. This is the most accurate way to get your oil capacity if you know your VIN.
Consulting Your Mechanic
Your local mechanic will know exactly how much oil your car needs for an oil change. In fact, they may have your vehicle’s specs on file based on previous maintenance. Give your mechanic a call and ask “How many quarts of oil does my car take?” and they can provide the right number.
Mechanics handle oil changes frequently and have access to service databases with specifications for most vehicles. Rather than guess how much oil to buy, your mechanic can give you an exact oil capacity number tailored to your car.
Types of Oil Your Car Needs
In addition to oil capacity, it’s important to use the type of oil recommended for your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will indicate the recommended oil viscosity grade (or weight) and performance standard.
Here are some common types of engine oil used:
- Conventional oil – Standard mineral-based oil
- Synthetic blend – Mix of conventional and synthetic oil
- Full synthetic – 100% synthetic base oil
- High mileage – Formulated for older engines
Your manual may recommend oil that meets certain standards or classifications from organizations like:
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC)
- European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)
Using the manufacturer’s recommended oil type is important to maximize engine performance and longevity. The viscosity grade keeps the oil at the right thickness, while standards help ensure proper lubrication, sludge prevention and fuel efficiency.
How Often to Change Your Oil
Along with oil capacity, the frequency of oil changes depends on your driving habits and conditions. Here are some general guidelines on how often to change your car’s engine oil:
- Normal driving: Every 5,000-7,500 miles
- Extensive highway driving: Every 7,500-10,000 miles
- Turbocharged engines: More frequently, such as every 3,000-5,000 miles
- High mileage vehicles: Every 3,000-5,000 miles
- Eco-friendly synthetic oils: Possibly up to 15,000 miles between changes
However, always follow the oil change interval recommended in your owner’s manual, as that is tailored to your engine. Shorter intervals are required for stop-and-go city driving, frequent towing, and dusty conditions. Changing oil regularly is the best way to prevent engine wear and keep your car running smoothly.
DIY Oil Changes
Once you know your car’s oil capacity, changing it yourself is a relatively simple automotive DIY. Make sure to have the right tools handy, including:
- Oil drain pan
- Wrench to remove drain plug
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Rags to clean up spills
Then follow these steps for a DIY oil change:
- Run engine briefly to warm oil, then jack up car and support it securely on jack stands
- Locate oil drain plug under car, place drain pan underneath
- Remove drain plug slowly to let oil drain completely into pan
- Remove oil filter carefully, allowing remaining oil to drain
- Clean filter mounting surface on engine block
- Install new oil filter by hand until gasket contacts mounting surface
- Replace drain plug and tighten securely per torque spec
- Lower car from jack stands and add new oil through engine filler cap
- Check oil level on dipstick and top off if needed
- Start engine and check for any leaks
Always dispose of used motor oil properly, many auto parts stores accept it. And remember to reset your oil change reminder light after the DIY oil change is complete.
Oil Change Cost at Mechanics
While DIY oil changes can save money, taking your car to professional mechanics for oil changes may be more convenient. Nationwide, average oil change prices at mechanics are around $40. However, prices can range from $20-75 depending on location, vehicle, oil type and additional services.
Here are some examples of standard oil change service pricing at popular mechanic shops on a basic sedan:
| Mechanic | Conventional Oil Change Price |
|---|---|
| Jiffy Lube | $39.99 – $79.99 |
| Valvoline Instant Oil Change | $29.99 – $59.99 |
| Walmart | $19.99 – $39.99 |
| Midas | $49.99 – $69.99 |
| Firestone | $39.99 – $59.99 |
Synthetic or premium oils may cost $10-20 more. Additional charges may apply for other services like tire rotation, wiper blade replacement or vehicle inspections during an oil change.
Overall, taking advantage of mechanic oil change specials and coupons when available can help save money, especially on full-service oil changes. And having professionals handle oil changes gives peace of mind that it’s done right.
Oil Change Frequency
To maximize engine life, you need to change your vehicle’s motor oil as recommended. Here are some tips on maintaining proper oil change intervals:
- Follow oil change intervals in owner’s manual
- If unsure, change oil every 5,000-7,500 miles
- Get oil changes more often for high mileage engines
- Use oil change reminder lights/stickers as prompts
- Keep oil change receipts to track when done
- Check oil level regularly between changes
Changing oil at factory recommended intervals, or sooner, provides the best lubrication for engine parts and removes contaminants. Sticking to timely oil changes helps prevent premature engine wear, maximizing the life of your car.
Checking Oil Level Frequently
In addition to regular oil changes, you should also check your car’s oil level often between oil changes. Here are some tips for checking oil level:
- Park car on level ground, wait 5 minutes for oil to settle
- Pull out dipstick, wipe off with clean rag, reinsert fully
- Pull out again, check that oil level is between full and add marks
- Top off when oil level drops near or below add mark
- Do not overfill past full mark on dipstick
- Be sure to insert dipstick fully when checking level
Checking oil level monthly is a good habit, allowing you to top off if needed between oil changes. This helps maintain proper operating oil level for your engine.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?
Neglecting oil changes can spell disaster for your engine. Here are some problems that can develop when oil is not changed regularly:
- Engine overheating – Old oil loses cooling ability
- Sludge buildup – Clogs engine passages when contaminated oil remains
- Oil starvation – Moving parts not properly lubricated
- Increased friction and wear – Moving parts make contact without new oil’s protection
- Engine damage – Bearings and cylinders wear excessively shortening engine life
Catching up on overdue oil changes can help, but engine damage may already be done. Stay on top of your oil change schedule to avoid expensive engine repairs down the road.
Conclusion
Knowing your vehicle’s oil capacity and proper oil change frequency keeps your engine running strong. Consult your owner’s manual and mechanics to find the right oil fill amount for your car. Track oil change intervals to remember when it’s due next. And check oil levels under the hood monthly to prevent low levels between oil changes.
Taking care of your car’s oil needs helps ensure your engine operates smoothly for the long run. So be sure to find out how many quarts of oil your car engine needs and change it regularly.
