2015 Toyota Corolla Oil Change Supplies & How-To

Once you've gathered your tools and materials, you'll need to prepare the work environment. Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Pop the hood and locate the oil filler cap and dipstick. Clear any clutter around and under the vehicle to give yourself plenty of room to work.

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it flow more freely when you drain it later. Watch out for hot engine components and allow the truck to cool down slightly before moving on if you got it too warm.

Slide the oil drain pan underneath the vehicle, positioning it directly below the oil drain plug, or where it looks like a stream of oil may flow to when it comes out of the drain. Make sure the pan is large enough to catch all the oil that will be draining out.

Using a socket wrench, loosen the oil drain plug located on the bottom of the engine oil pan. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it, but be prepared for some resistance. Once the plug is loose, carefully remove it by hand and allow the oil to drain completely into the pan. Be sure to stay back a bit as oil is likely to splash at least a little on the screw while you're trying to get it out of the stream quickly.

While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. After the oil is done draining, move the oil drain pan underneath the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and let any remaining oil drain into the pan.

Reinsert the drain plug into the engine oil pan by hand. Then, using a socket wrench, tighten the drain plug clockwise until it's snug. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the threads on the oil pan or the head of the drain plug screw.

Before installing the new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with a small amount of fresh oil. This will help create a tight seal and prevent leaks. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand, turning it clockwise until it's snug. Avoid over-tightening.

With the old oil drained, the drain plug tightened, and the new filter installed, you're ready to add fresh oil to your truck. Remove the oil cap from the engine oil tube and add the amount of oil as outlined in your owners manual.