NC Miata Oil Change DIY

Changing your oil is one of the most important maintenance items on any car. This article will show you how to change the oil and oil filter on an NC Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Required Tools:

  • Some way of safely raising the vehicle – jack + jack stands or ramps
  • drain pan for the old oil
  • 17 mm wrench or ratchet / socket

Parts Required:

Instructions:

  1. Raise the front of the car safely in the air by either driving up on ramps, or jacking the car up and securing it on jack stands. Make sure the back wheels are chocked, and give the car a firm shake to ensure it doesn’t budge before crawling underneath.
  2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine, towards the passengers side. Loosen the 17 mm drain plug.
  3. Ensure that your drain pan for the old oil is safely located underneath the plug, and remove the drain plug. Once you have ensured that oil is flowing into the drain pan and not your garage floor, you can open the oil filler cap in the engine bay for faster draining.
  4. Locate the oil filter. It is located near the oil pan, but towards the drivers side.
  5. Wait for your oil to finish draining, then reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer. Do not overly-tighten the plug, it will strip or crack your oil pan. Snug the bolt up with to ensure it won’t come loose and stop.
  6. Bring your drain pan over underneath the oil filter, then unscrew the filter by hand. If it is stuck on to the filter housing tight, an oil filter wrench can make your life easier here.
  7. Install the new oil filter. Before you screw it, take some oil and put it on the rubber O-ring around the new filter. This will ensure a proper seal.
  8. Locate the oil filler cap under the hood, and fill the engine with 4.5 quarts of oil. A funnel may come in handy here.
  9. Start the car and check for leaks underneath. After running the car for about a minute, shut it off and safely lower the car back onto level ground. Check your oil level on the dipstick and make sure it is correct. Add a small amount if needed / level is low.