The five most common mistakes when changing your car's oil (and how to avoid them)

Changing your car’s oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks to ensure proper engine performance and durability. However, despite being a relatively straightforward procedure, it's easy to make mistakes that can affect your vehicle's performance and even cause long-term damage.

At Repsol Lubricants, we want to help you take care of your engine just like it deserves. That's why we've compiled the five most common mistakes when changing oil and explained how to avoid them so you can do it with total confidence. 

1. Choosing the wrong oil

Not all oils are the same, and every engine has specific needs. Using an oil with the wrong viscosity or specification can lead to problems such as increased wear, loss of efficiency, or even mechanical failures.

Therefore, always consult your car’s manual for the recommended viscosity (for example, 5W-30 or 10W-40) and the technical specifications that the oil must meet. If you’re unsure, use our lubricant finder to find the ideal product for your vehicle: just insert the license plate number or vehicle model.

2. Failure to change the oil filter

The oil filter is responsible for retaining impurities and residues generated during engine operation. If you do not change it along with the oil, these particles will continue to circulate, contaminating the new lubricant and reducing its effectiveness. 

It is best to make changing the filter an essential part of the maintenance process, as it is a cheap yet fundamental part of keeping the engine clean and protected. 

3. Failure to measure the oil level correctly

Both insufficient and excessive levels of oil can be harmful to the engine. A low level can cause friction and overheating, while a high level can cause foaming and increase internal pressure, damaging key components. 

After an oil change, you can check that it is at the proper level as follows. Run the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off and wait 5-10 minutes before checking the level with the dipstick. Make sure it's between the “minimum” and “maximum” marks. If you need to adjust it, do so slowly so you don't overdo it.

4. Ignoring the recommended change intervals

Oil loses its properties with time and use, so respecting the change intervals set by the manufacturer is essential. Delaying the change can cause waste accumulation and premature wear, while changing it too early is an unnecessary expense. 

To avoid this, follow the manufacturer's manual recommendations, which are usually based on mileage or time elapsed since the last change. If you drive in extreme conditions (heavy traffic, very cold or hot weather), consider shortening the intervals ever so slightly. 

5. Neglecting safety and proper tools

Performing an oil change without the correct tools or taking precautions can put both your safety and the car’s integrity at risk. In addition, improper handling of used oil can have a negative impact on the environment. 

Before changing the oil, make sure you have everything you need: gloves, goggles, an oil filter wrench, a container to collect the used oil, and a safe jack if you need to lift the car. Once you have finished, remember to take the used oil to a clean point or an authorized workshop. 

Take care of your engine with Repsol Lubricants

Avoiding these common mistakes is key to keeping your engine in tip-top condition and prolonging its useful life. At Repsol, we work to offer you top-quality lubricants that guarantee the best performance and protection for your vehicle, but also to make car maintenance easier.

If you have questions about which oil to choose or how to change it, don’t hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you take care of what matters most: your car and your peace of mind.