🔧 Tucson - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the oil and filter on your Tucson keeps the engine properly lubricated and helps prevent wear. You’ll drain the old oil, replace the spin-on oil filter, then refill with the correct oil and verify the level.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support your Tucson with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Hot oil can burn—let the engine cool 10-20 minutes before draining.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Chock the rear wheels and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Socket wrench (3/8")
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover
• 10mm socket
• Flathead screwdriver
• Adjustable oil filter wrench (2.5-4.0 in range)
• Funnel
• Shop rags

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and wait 10-20 minutes so oil isn’t scorching hot.
• If equipped with a lower engine undercover, you’ll remove a small access panel or section to reach the drain plug and filter.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure your Tucson

• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the front at the center front jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the left and right front pinch welds (or factory stand points) and lower onto the stands.
• Give the vehicle a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower cover/access (if installed)

• Use a trim clip remover and flathead screwdriver to pop out plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket with a socket wrench (3/8") to remove any bolts holding the access panel/undercover section.
• Set clips/bolts aside in a small pile so nothing gets lost. Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket with a socket wrench (3/8") to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and install the new oil drain plug crush washer.

Step 4: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-80 Nm range) and 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 34-44 Nm (25-32 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean using shop rags so you can easily spot leaks later.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil filter area (oil will spill when the filter comes off).
• Use an adjustable oil filter wrench (2.5-4.0 in range) to break the filter loose, then spin it off by hand.
• Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter (it should not be stuck to the engine). Double-gasket causes leaks.

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter’s rubber gasket with fresh oil using a gloved finger (nitrile gloves).
• Thread the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten the filter by hand an additional 3/4 turn (do not over-tighten).

Step 7: Reinstall the undercover/access panel

• Reposition the panel and start bolts by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket with a socket wrench (3/8") to snug bolts, and reinstall clips using the trim clip remover.

Step 8: Refill with new engine oil

• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap.
• Insert a funnel and add Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic).
• Add about 5 quarts first, then pause and check the dipstick.
• Final capacity is approximately 4.8 L (5.1 qt) with filter; adjust to land between the dipstick marks (closer to the top mark, not above).
• Reinstall the oil filler cap.

Step 9: Start, check for leaks, and re-check level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use safety glasses and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Check the dipstick again and top off as needed using the funnel.

---

✅ After Repair

• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly (most auto parts stores accept used oil).
• Reset the maintenance reminder (if your Tucson has it): use the steering-wheel buttons to go to User Settings > Service Interval > Reset.
• After your next short drive, re-check underneath for any seepage.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.