What Socket Do You Need to Change Your Oil?

You’ll need a socket that fits your engine’s oil drain plug—most modern cars use a 6‑point metric socket between 13 mm and 19 mm (with 14 mm, 15 mm, and 17 mm being the most common), while some older U.S. vehicles use 1/2″, 9/16″, or 5/8″. If your vehicle has a cartridge-style oil filter, you may also need a dedicated oil filter cap socket (commonly 64 mm 14‑flute for many Toyota/Lexus, 65/67 mm 14‑flute for some Honda/Acura, and 74/76 mm 14‑flute for many GM/Ford/European models). Always verify the size and torque in your owner’s manual or service data before loosening anything.

How to Identify the Right Socket for Your Drain Plug

The correct socket depends on your vehicle’s engine and oil pan hardware. The drain plug head size can vary even within a brand or model year, so confirmation is key. Check the owner’s manual or service guide, or look up parts diagrams using your VIN on the manufacturer’s site. When in doubt, test-fit with a 6-point (not 12-point) socket to reduce the risk of rounding the plug.

Typical sizes and what they mean

While there isn’t a single universal size, patterns are common across brands and engine families. Use the following as a starting point, not a substitute for vehicle-specific confirmation.

• 13 mm: Common on some GM and Hyundai/Kia oil pans
• 14 mm: Frequently used by Toyota/Lexus and some Subaru
• 15 mm: Common on Ford trucks and many domestic applications
• 17 mm: Often seen on Honda/Acura, BMW, Subaru, Mazda
• 19 mm: Found on some European models (e.g., VW/Audi) and larger plugs
• SAE sizes (1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″): Older domestic vehicles and certain aftermarket drain plugs
• Internal hex/Allen (6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm): Used on select European oil pans—requires an Allen socket

If you’re between sizes, choose the snugger 6-point socket. A loose fit risks rounding the head, especially on shallow or worn plugs and soft aluminum pans.

Oil Filter Removal: Spin-On vs. Cartridge Tools

Your oil filter may be a spin-on canister or a cartridge housed under a reusable cap. Spin-ons can be removed with cap, band, or strap wrenches. Cartridge caps often require a specific cup/socket (by diameter and flute count) or a large hex socket. Using the correct tool prevents cap damage and leaks.

Common oil filter wrench and cap socket sizes

Manufacturers often standardize filter tools across engines, but variations exist. These examples cover many—though not all—modern vehicles.

• 64 mm, 14‑flute cap: Widespread on Toyota/Lexus/Scion canister housings and some Subaru
• 65/67 mm, 14‑flute cap: Used on some Honda/Acura spin-on filters
• 74/76 mm, 14‑flute cap: Common across GM, Ford, and several European spin-ons
• 36 mm hex socket: BMW/Mini (and some Volvo) cartridge filter caps
• 24 mm hex socket: GM Ecotec and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep cartridge filter caps
• 27 mm hex socket: Found on select Ford and Mercedes-Benz cartridge filter caps

If the tool slips or rocks, it’s the wrong size or flute count. Using the correct cap/socket avoids cracking plastic housings or deforming metal canisters.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Beyond the socket itself, a few fundamentals make an oil change safer, cleaner, and more reliable. Here are the items most home mechanics find indispensable.

• Metric socket set (13–19 mm) and, if applicable, SAE sockets (1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″)
• 6-point sockets, a 3/8″ drive ratchet, and a short extension
• Torque wrench (typical drain plug torque ranges 20–40 ft‑lb; always use spec)
• Oil filter cap wrench or appropriate hex socket for cartridge filters
• Drain pan, funnels, shop rags/paper towels
• New crush washer (aluminum or copper) if specified; replacement drain plug if damaged
• Gloves, safety glasses, floor jack and stands or ramps, and wheel chocks

Having these on hand before you begin reduces the chance of mid-job surprises and helps ensure a proper seal on reassembly.

Tips to Avoid Stripping Bolts and Causing Leaks

Small mistakes at the drain plug or filter can lead to big headaches. These best practices help protect threads, gaskets, and housings.

• Use a 6-point socket for the drain plug; avoid adjustable wrenches
• Warm the engine briefly so oil flows, but don’t work on a hot engine
• Break the plug loose smoothly; don’t use an impact gun on removal or install
• Replace the crush washer each change if your vehicle uses one
• Clean the plug, gasket surface, and pan threads before reinstalling
• Tighten to the specified torque—do not overtighten
• For spin-on filters, oil the new gasket and hand-tighten per instructions
• Start the engine, check for drips, and recheck torque if needed

If a plug or cap won’t torque correctly, stop and inspect threads and sealing surfaces. For stripped threads, consider an oversize plug, insert repair, or professional service.

When the Answer Isn’t a Simple Socket

Some vehicles intentionally diverge from standard hardware. A few use plastic drain plugs or bayonet-style valves, internal hex plugs, or require a drain tool to pre‑drain a cartridge housing. Others need undertray removal with Torx or trim fasteners to access the plug and filter. If your setup looks unusual, consult the service manual before proceeding.

What Torque Should You Expect?

While exact specs vary, many M12 drain plugs tighten around 18–22 ft‑lb (25–30 N·m), and M14 plugs often land near 22–30 ft‑lb (30–40 N·m). Larger truck plugs can be higher. Oil filter caps and spin-ons have their own specs—always follow the manual or the information printed on the cap/filter.

Bottom Line

Because drain plug and filter hardware varies, the “right socket” is the one verified for your engine: commonly a 13–19 mm 6-point for the plug and, for many cartridge or spin-on filters, a size-specific cap or hex (e.g., 64 mm 14‑flute Toyota, 65/67 mm Honda, 74/76 mm GM/Ford/Euro, 36 mm BMW, 24/27 mm GM/Chrysler/Ford/Mercedes). Confirm with your manual or a VIN-based parts lookup, and use proper torque to avoid leaks or damage.

Summary

Most oil drain plugs take a 6‑point metric socket between 13 and 19 mm, with 14, 15, and 17 mm especially common; older U.S. models may use 1/2″, 9/16″, or 5/8″. Many oil filters require dedicated cap sockets or large hex sockets, frequently 64 mm 14‑flute (Toyota/Lexus), 65/67 mm 14‑flute (Honda), 74/76 mm 14‑flute (GM/Ford/Euro), 36 mm hex (BMW/Mini), or 24/27 mm hex (GM/Chrysler/Ford/Mercedes). Verify your exact sizes and torque in the service information for your vehicle.

What size is the oil socket?

There is no universal oil socket size; you must find the size for your specific vehicle by checking the owner’s manual or measuring the bolt. Most oil drain plugs are metric, commonly found in the 14mm to 19mm range for cars, while some oil filter housings may use a different, specific socket size like 32mm. 
For Oil Drain Plugs:

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: The most reliable way to find the correct size for your car is to check the owner’s manual. 
2. Measure the Bolt: If you can’t find the manual, you can measure the width of the drain plug’s bolt head with a ruler or a set of digital calipers. 
3. Common Sizes: For most cars, the drain plug socket will be in the 14mm to 19mm range. 
4. Consider SAE and Metric: Some tool sets include both standard (SAE) and metric sizes, which can be a good investment if you work on vehicles frequently. 

For Oil Filter Housings: 

• Some oil filters are canister-style, meaning they have a housing that requires a specific cap-style socket wrench.
• A common size for this type of filter is 32mm, often found on GM, Saturn, and other vehicles.

What to do if your socket is the wrong size: 

• Do Not Force It: Using a socket that is too large can damage the bolt head or strip it, making it difficult to remove.
• Consider a Socket Wrench: A socket wrench with a ratchet handle allows for continuous turning without having to remove and re-position the tool.

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.

What sockets do I need for an oil change?

Ratchet and Socket Set
Get a set that includes some metric and SAE sizes, and if you’re starting out, a 3/8” drive should do just fine. Ratchets and sockets also come in 1/4, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1” drives. Many medium sized kits will include ratchets and sockets in 3/8” and 1/2″ drive.

What tool do I need for an oil change?

To perform an oil change, you will need vehicle-specific supplies like a new oil filter and the correct motor oil. Essential tools include a car jack with jack stands or ramps, a socket wrench with a matching drain plug socket, an oil filter wrench, an oil drain pan, and a funnel. You’ll also want gloves, rags, and a portable shop light for safety and cleanup.
 
Safety Equipment

• Car Jack and Jack Stands or Ramps: You need to lift the car to reach the drain plug and filter safely. 
• Wheel Chocks: These prevent the car from rolling while it’s on the ramps or jack stands. 
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from any drips or splashes. 
• Gloves: Keep your hands clean and protect them from hot oil. 
• Portable Shop Light: Helps you see in the dark areas under the car. 

Drainage and Filling Tools

• Oil Drain Pan: Catches the old, dirty motor oil. 
• Socket Wrench and Drain Plug Socket: Used to remove and tighten the oil drain plug. 
• Funnel: To pour the new oil into the engine without spilling. 

Oil Filter Tools

• Oil Filter Wrench: Needed to remove the old oil filter, which can be very tight. 
• Rags and Newspaper: For wiping up spills and cleaning parts. 

New Supplies 

• New Oil Filter: A new filter is installed with every oil change.
• Motor Oil: The correct amount and grade for your vehicle, found in your owner’s manual.