What size tool do I need to change oil?

Most cars use a 13–19 mm six‑point socket for the oil drain plug and a 64–76 mm, 14‑flute oil‑filter cap wrench (or a strap/pliers-style filter wrench). Exact sizes vary by make, engine, and whether your vehicle has a spin‑on filter or a cartridge housing, so confirm with the owner’s manual or by measuring the parts before you start.

What you’ll need and why it matters

Changing engine oil reliably comes down to two interfaces: the drain plug and the oil filter. The drain plug demands a correctly sized socket to avoid rounding or stripping, and the filter requires the right removal tool to prevent damage to the housing or gasket. The list below covers the standard tools that fit most situations.

• Socket wrench set (3/8″ or 1/2″ drive) with 6‑point sockets: commonly 13, 14, 15, 17, 19 mm; SAE equivalents 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″.
• Oil filter tool: end‑cap (64–76 mm, typically 14‑flute), strap wrench, or large filter pliers.
• For cartridge-style filters: large socket for the plastic/aluminum cap (often 24, 27, 32, or 36 mm, depending on engine).
• Torque wrench: to tighten the drain plug and filter cap to spec without stripping threads.
• New crush washer or sealing washer (if required), new filter, and the correct oil grade/quantity.
• Drain pan, gloves, rags, and jack stands/ramps (if needed for access).

With these tools on hand, you can match the correct size to your vehicle and complete a clean, damage‑free oil change.

Typical sizes you’ll encounter

Drain plug sockets

While the exact drain plug size is vehicle‑specific, a handful of sizes cover the vast majority of passenger cars and light trucks. The list below highlights the most common hex sizes and a few alternate designs you may see.

• Most common hex heads: 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm.
• Common SAE equivalents: 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″.
• Internal hex (Allen) on some vehicles: 6 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm.
• Torx/internal star on a few European applications: typically T45–T55 (less common for engine oil pans).

Start with a snug‑fitting 6‑point metric socket; if it’s loose, try the next size down or check whether the plug uses an internal hex or Torx design.

Oil filter tools and sizes

Oil filters are either spin‑on canisters or cartridge elements housed under a removable cap. The tool you need depends on that design and the filter’s diameter or cap size.

• Spin‑on filters (end‑cap “cup” wrenches): common sizes include 64 mm 14‑flute, 65/67 mm 14‑flute, 74 mm 14‑flute, 76 mm 14‑flute, and larger 86–93 mm multi‑flute cups for big V8 truck filters.
• Spin‑on alternatives: strap wrench or large filter pliers if you don’t have the exact cap wrench.
• Cartridge housings (socket on the cap): commonly 24 mm (many GM 4‑cyl), 27 mm (some Ford), 32 mm (many VW/Audi 2.0T), 36 mm (many BMW/Mercedes). Always verify for your engine code.

End‑cap wrenches grip securely without crushing the filter; for cartridge housings, a correct‑size 6‑point socket prevents cracking plastic caps or marring aluminum ones.

Common sizes by automaker (typical, but verify)

The sizes below reflect common patterns for popular brands. Engine options and model years vary, so use this as a starting point and confirm for your exact vehicle.

• Toyota/Lexus: drain plug usually 14 mm; spin‑on filters 64 mm 14‑flute; cartridge housings typically 64 mm 14‑flute cap, torque often ~25 N·m.
• Honda/Acura: drain plug commonly 17 mm; spin‑on filters 65/67 mm 14‑flute.
• Nissan/Infiniti: drain plug often 14 mm; spin‑on filters 65/67 mm 14‑flute.
• Hyundai/Kia: drain plug typically 17 mm; spin‑on filters 76 mm 14‑flute.
• Subaru: drain plug usually 14 mm; spin‑on filters 65/67 mm 14‑flute.
• Ford: drain plug often 13 or 15 mm; mix of spin‑on (74–76 mm cups) and cartridge housings (commonly ~27 mm socket on cap, engine‑dependent).
• GM/Chevrolet/GMC/Buick: drain plug typically 15 mm; spin‑on filters around 74–76 mm; many 4‑cyl Ecotec engines use 24 mm cartridge caps.
• VW/Audi: drain plug commonly 19 mm hex (some use internal hex); many 2.0T cartridge housings use 32 mm caps.
• BMW/MINI: drain plug typically 17 mm; cartridge caps generally 36 mm.
• Mercedes‑Benz: drain plug often 13 or 17 mm; cartridge caps commonly 27–36 mm (many are 27 or 36 mm).
• Chrysler/Jeep/Ram/Dodge: drain plug commonly 13 or 15 mm; 3.6L Pentastar uses 24 mm cartridge cap; HEMI V8s often use large 86–93 mm spin‑on caps.

If your vehicle differs from these patterns, you likely have an alternate engine or model year; your owner’s manual or a parts lookup by VIN will pinpoint the exact size.

How to find your exact size in minutes

If you don’t have the manual handy, a quick measure or lookup will identify the right tool the first time and help you avoid rounding fasteners or cracking housings.

1. Check the owner’s/service manual: look up “engine oil” for drain plug size and oil filter type (spin‑on vs cartridge) and torque specs.
2. Identify the filter style: spin‑on metal canister or a cartridge under a plastic/aluminum cap.
3. Measure the part: use calipers or a ruler to measure across‑flats on the drain plug (mm) or the filter’s diameter; count flutes on spin‑on filters.
4. Cross‑reference the filter number: search the filter part number (on the old filter or via VIN) for the matching cap wrench size and flute count.
5. Test‑fit a 6‑point socket: it should seat fully with no wobble; avoid 12‑point or adjustable wrenches on stubborn plugs.

Taking a moment to verify sizes prevents damage and ensures the job goes smoothly, especially on plastic filter housings that crack if over‑torqued or gripped with the wrong tool.

Torque guidance and best practices

Tightening to spec is as important as using the correct size. Over‑tightening strips aluminum pans and cracks plastic filter caps; under‑tightening can cause leaks.

• Drain plug torque: commonly 25–40 ft‑lb (34–54 N·m) on many cars; trucks can vary. Always use a new crush/sealing washer if specified.
• Spin‑on filters: oil the gasket; tighten by hand until gasket contacts, then 3/4 turn more (or 10–18 N·m if using a torqueable cap wrench and the filter allows torque).
• Cartridge housings: often 18–30 N·m depending on engine (e.g., many Toyota/GM/BMW housings around 25 N·m). Verify per engine code.
• Use 6‑point sockets and steady pressure; if stuck, add penetrating oil and let it sit rather than forcing an ill‑fitting tool.

When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s torque values; it’s the safest way to protect threads and seals while ensuring a leak‑free result.

Key takeaways

For most vehicles, a 13–19 mm 6‑point socket tackles the drain plug, and a 64–76 mm, 14‑flute cap wrench (or strap wrench) fits the oil filter. Cartridge filters often need a 24, 27, 32, or 36 mm socket on the cap. Verify your exact sizes in the manual or by measuring, use a torque wrench, and replace the crush washer if required.

Summary

The tool size you need to change oil depends on your vehicle, but most jobs use a 13–19 mm socket for the drain plug and a 64–76 mm, 14‑flute oil‑filter cap or a strap wrench for the filter. Cartridge systems commonly use 24–36 mm sockets on the housing cap. Confirm with your owner’s manual or by measuring, and tighten to the specified torque to avoid leaks or damage.

What size tool do I need to change my oil?

The size of wrench you need for an oil change varies by vehicle make and model, but a common size is 15mm for the oil drain plug. To ensure the correct fit, check the specific bolt size for your vehicle, as some may require other metric sizes like 13mm or 16mm, or SAE imperial sizes like 9/16″. You’ll also need the correct size wrench or socket for the oil filter, though a universal adjustable oil filter wrench can often work for various filters.
 
This video demonstrates how to remove an oil drain plug with a 15mm socket: 57sDIY Andrew FlockhartYouTube · Jan 20, 2024
For the Oil Drain Plug:

• Identify Your Vehicle’s Specs: Opens in new tabThe most accurate way to know the right size is to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look up the specific bolt size for your car’s year, make, and model. 
• Common Metric Sizes: Opens in new tabMany vehicles use a 15mm socket, while others might use a 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, or 17mm socket. 
• Common Imperial Sizes: Opens in new tabSome older vehicles or those from certain manufacturers may use imperial sizes like 9/16″. 
• Use a Socket or Wrench: Opens in new tabA 3/8″ drive ratchet with the correct size socket provides a secure fit and good leverage. 

For the Oil Filter:

• Oil Filter Wrench: A universal adjustable oil filter wrench is a good investment. It can adapt to grip and turn most filter sizes, saving you from having to buy multiple specialized wrenches. 
• Check for Clearance: Some oil filters are recessed and require a specific type of socket wrench for removal. 

What size oil filter removal tool do I need?

Your choice of tool will depend on the filter size, the amount of room you have surrounding the filter and how tightly the filter is connected. At Garage Gurus, we recommend using a cap type tool, a three-leg tool, a chain system or a band wrench.

What size bolt is needed to change oil?

There isn’t a single “oil change bolt size” because sizes vary by vehicle. To find the correct size for your car, you must identify the specific drain plug bolt head size for your vehicle’s make and model. You can typically use a socket wrench set with common metric sizes like 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, or 19mm. If you don’t know the size, you can buy a vehicle-specific part or use a tool to measure the bolt, such as digital calipers, but a wrench that is too small can strip the head. 
How to Find the Right Size

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabYour manual will often have the specific size of the drain plug. 
2. Consult an Auto Parts Store: Opens in new tabTell the store your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and they can look up the correct size. 
3. Measure the Bolt: Opens in new tabIf you have calipers or a ruler, you can measure the width of the bolt head to determine its diameter. 
4. Test Common Socket Sizes: Opens in new tabIf you don’t know the size, you may have to try the common metric socket sizes in the 14mm to 19mm range. 

Important Tips

• Use the Correct Tool: Use a socket or wrench that fits the bolt head snugly to avoid stripping it. 
• Replace the Washer: Always use a new crush washer when reinstalling the drain plug to prevent leaks. 
• Use a Proper Socket: For best results, use a 6-point socket, as these provide a more secure grip than 12-point sockets and reduce the risk of stripping. 

What kind of jack do I need to change my oil?

hydraulic floor jack
Picking the right jack depends on your needs. A hydraulic floor jack is ideal for those who change their oil often. It provides better stability and lifts the car with less effort. A scissor jack is useful for quick jobs but takes more time to raise a vehicle.