Which wrench do you need to change your oil?
In most cases, you’ll need a socket wrench for the drain plug—commonly a 14 mm or 15 mm socket—and an oil filter wrench sized to your filter (often a cap-style 64 mm/14‑flute for many Toyota/Lexus or a generic strap/band wrench for spin‑on filters). Always verify the exact size for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or a service guide, and use a torque wrench to reinstall to spec. Below is a clear breakdown of what to use and how to confirm it.
Contents
Two fasteners, two tools
An oil change typically involves removing the drain plug and the oil filter. The drain plug almost always uses a standard hex head or an internal hex (Allen), while the filter may be a spin-on canister (grips or cap wrenches work) or a cartridge in a reusable housing (usually a specific-size cap/socket). Choosing the right wrench protects threads, gaskets, and pans—and prevents messy, costly mistakes.
Essential tools you’ll likely need
These are the basic wrenches and related tools that cover most home oil changes, with notes on why they matter.
- 3/8″ drive ratchet and metric socket set (13–19 mm range)
- Torque wrench (to tighten the drain plug and filter housing to spec)
- Oil filter wrench:
- Cap-style (size matched to your filter or housing)
- Strap/band or three‑jaw adjustable (for spin‑on filters)
- Allen/hex sockets (commonly 6–10 mm) if your drain plug uses an internal hex
- Replacement crush washer or drain plug gasket (often aluminum or copper)
With these on hand, you can remove and reinstall the key components correctly and avoid over‑tightening, leaks, or damage.
Common drain plug wrench sizes
While your exact size can vary by engine and model year, these are frequently seen drain plug socket sizes across popular makes.
- Toyota/Lexus: often 14 mm
- Honda/Acura: often 17 mm
- Nissan/Infiniti: often 14 mm
- Subaru: often 17 mm
- Mazda: often 17 mm
- Hyundai/Kia: often 17 mm
- Ford: commonly 13 mm or 15 mm (varies)
- GM (Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac): commonly 15 mm (some 13 mm or 18 mm)
- Chrysler/Jeep/Ram: commonly 13 mm or 15 mm
- Volkswagen/Audi: 19 mm hex is common; some engines use 8 mm internal hex or Torx-style plastic plugs
- BMW/MINI: 17 mm hex or 8 mm internal hex (engine-dependent)
- Mercedes-Benz: 13 mm hex or 8 mm internal hex (varies by engine)
Because exceptions are common—even within a brand—always double‑check your specific engine’s requirement before loosening the plug.
Oil filter wrenches: what fits what
Filters come as spin‑on cans or cartridges in housings. The right wrench prevents crushed filters or cracked housings.
- Spin‑on filters:
- Strap/band or three‑jaw adjustable wrenches fit most spin‑on cans
- Cap wrenches sized by diameter/flute count (e.g., 65/67 mm 14‑flute is common for many aftermarket spin‑ons)
- Cartridge housings (cap/socket required, sizes vary by engine):
- Toyota/Lexus: 64 mm 14‑flute cap
- BMW/MINI: 36 mm socket (many models)
- VW/Audi: commonly 32 mm or 36 mm sockets (engine‑specific)
- GM: often 24–32 mm, engine‑specific
- Ford: often 27–36 mm, engine‑specific
- Mercedes-Benz: varies by engine; many housings accept a large cap or have a hex on top
If you’re unsure, match the wrench to the new filter or housing before starting; parts store catalogs will list the exact cap size by vehicle.
How to confirm your exact wrench size fast
Use these checks to avoid guesswork and mid‑job surprises.
- Owner’s manual or service manual: look up drain plug and filter housing specs/torque
- Parts site lookup: enter your year/make/model/engine; note the drain plug and filter/cap dimensions
- Test fitting: try a snug socket on the plug (avoid adjustable wrenches that can round corners)
- Measure: use calipers on the plug’s hex across flats or check the stampings on the new filter/cap
Confirming before you drain the oil ensures you have the right tools and replacement parts in hand.
Torque and best‑practice notes
Proper torque prevents leaks and stripped threads, especially with aluminum pans and plastic filter housings.
- Typical drain plug torque: 20–30 ft‑lb (27–40 N·m) for many cars; trucks/SUVs may spec slightly higher—verify for your engine
- Spin‑on filter: oil the gasket; tighten by hand until gasket contacts, then 3/4 turn (or follow the filter’s printed instruction)
- Cartridge housing: commonly 13–25 ft‑lb (18–34 N·m), but check your exact spec
- Always replace the crush washer if your vehicle uses one; torque is specified with a new washer
Following the manufacturer’s torque guidance reduces the risk of leaks, warping, or thread damage.
When you might need specialty tools
Certain designs require more than a standard socket or strap wrench.
- Plastic drain plugs or pans (some Ford/VW/Audi): require new plugs at each service and specific Torx/internal‑hex tools
- Undertrays/skid plates: may need Torx or panel fastener tools before you can access the plug/filter
- Stubborn filters/plugs: a breaker bar, penetrating oil, or low‑profile cap wrench may be necessary
If your vehicle uses unique hardware, consult a service manual or a trusted parts source for the correct tool callouts.
Bottom line
Have a 3/8″ drive ratchet with 13–19 mm sockets (most common: 14 mm or 15 mm), an oil filter wrench matched to your filter type, a torque wrench, and a new crush washer. Verify the exact sizes for your engine before you start, and tighten to spec. That’s the reliable, no‑drama way to change your oil.
Summary
Most vehicles use a 14 mm or 15 mm socket on the drain plug and either a cap‑style or strap/band wrench for the oil filter; cartridge housings often need a specific cap size (e.g., 64 mm for many Toyota, 36 mm for many BMW). Confirm your sizes via the manual or parts lookup, replace the crush washer, and use a torque wrench to reinstall to spec for a clean, leak‑free oil change.
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 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
- Check Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabYour manual will often have the specific size of the drain plug.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 socket size do I need for an oil change?
You need a socket wrench (14mm or 15mm), an oil filter wrench, an oil drain pan, a funnel, and a new oil filter.
What wrench do I need for an oil change?
First you’ll need a ratchet and socket set to remove the oil drain plug, then an oil filter wrench to remove the filter. When choosing an oil filter wrench, try to find one that will match the specific filter and engages the serrations on the end of the oil filter to make the task easier.
