Changing the oil in a Toyota Corolla involves several steps. Here’s a general guide on how to do it:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- New oil filter (Toyota OEM 90915-YZZN1)
- 5 qts new oil (Mobile 1 Synthetic 0W-16)
- Oil catch pan and oil catch tray
- Socket set and wrenches
- Oil filter wrench 65/67 mm
- Oil funnel
- Jack and jack stands or Rhino Ramps
- Torque wrench
- Wheel chocks
Steps:
- Preparation:
- Ensure your car is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool.
- Gather all the necessary tools and materials – see list above.
- Lifting the Car:
- If your Corolla is low to the ground, you might need to lift it using a jack and secure it with jack stands. We used Rhino Ramps, an alternative product that is faster. Follow your vehicle’s manual for proper lifting points.
- Locating the Oil Drain Plug:
- Underneath the engine, locate the oil pan. The oil drain plug should be at the bottom of the oil pan.
- Draining the Old Oil:
- Place the oil drain pan beneath the oil drain plug.
- Using a socket wrench, carefully loosen and remove the oil drain plug.
- Allow the old oil to drain completely into the oil drain pan.
- Removing the Old Oil Filter:
- The oil filter is usually located near the oil pan. It might require an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove it.
- Be prepared for more oil to spill out when removing the filter.
- Installing the New Oil Filter:
- Before installing the new oil filter, apply a small amount of new oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter.
- Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until it’s snug, then use the filter wrench to tighten it about 3/4 of a turn more.
- Adding New Oil:
- Locate the oil filler cap on the top of the engine. Remove it.
- Insert a funnel into the filler hole and slowly pour in the recommended amount of new oil. Check your vehicle’s manual for the correct oil quantity.
- Wait a moment for the oil to settle and then check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
- Final Steps:
- Reinsert the oil filler cap and ensure it’s tightly sealed.
- Double-check that the oil drain plug is securely tightened.
- Lower the car off the jack stands (if applicable).
- Disposal:
- Properly dispose of the used oil and oil filter at a recycling center or designated collection point. Many auto parts stores accept used oil for recycling.
Always refer to your Toyota Corolla’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and torque specifications, as they might vary based on the model year and engine type. If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, it’s recommended to have a professional mechanic change the oil for you.
