How to Lift Car at One Side Only to Get Oil Drain Sump Off

Lifting your car at one side only is a practical technique when you need to drain the oil sump without raising the entire vehicle. This method saves time, space, and effort while keeping your car stable and secure. Whether you are working in a tight garage or just changing oil at home, knowing the right jack points and safety steps is essential. We will walk you through every step, from choosing the right jack to safely draining the sump. Follow our guide to get the job done right the first time.

There comes a time in every car owner’s life when the oil needs changing. It is one of those simple maintenance tasks that keeps your engine running smooth and long. But here is the thing — not everyone has a two-post lift or a big garage. Sometimes you are working in a tight driveway or a small apartment parking spot. That is where lifting your car at one side only becomes a real game changer. You do not need to raise the whole vehicle. You just need enough clearance to get under and remove the oil drain sump.

This guide will show you exactly how to do it. We will cover the tools you need, the right jack points, safety steps, and the full process from start to finish. By the end, you will feel confident doing this job on your own. Plus, you will save money by not having to visit a mechanic for a simple oil change. Let us get into it.

Key Takeaways

• One-side lifting works great: You only need to raise one wheel to access the oil drain sump for most front-engine cars.
• Safety comes first: Always use jack stands and never rely on a jack alone to hold the car.
• Know your jack points: Finding the correct lift pad location prevents damage and ensures stability.
• The right tools matter: A floor jack, jack stands, and a socket set make the job easy and safe.
• Drain properly: Let the oil fully drain and check the drain plug washer before reinstalling.
• Check oil level after: Always verify the oil level once you have finished draining and refilling.

Why Lift the Car at One Side Only?

You might wonder why you would not just lift the whole car. The answer is simple — convenience and practicality. Most cars have the oil drain sump located on the bottom of the engine block or oil pan. On many front-engine vehicles, this is easily accessible from underneath the front of the car. You do not need both wheels off the ground. Lifting one side gives you enough room to slide under and work comfortably.

Here are some reasons why one-side lifting makes sense:

• Saves space: You do not need a big lift or a wide-open garage.
• Faster setup: Raising one side takes less time than lifting the whole car.
• Less equipment: A single floor jack and one or two jack stands do the job.
• Safer for beginners: Fewer lifting points mean fewer chances of something going wrong.
• Works for most oil changes: The vast majority of cars have the drain plug on the front or side of the sump.

That said, this method works best for front-wheel-drive and front-engine cars. If your car has a mid-engine or rear-engine layout, the drain sump might be harder to reach from one side. Always check your vehicle’s manual before you start.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start lifting, gather everything you need. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and safer. You do not want to be halfway through the job and realize you are missing something.

Essential Tools

• Floor jack: A quality hydraulic floor jack rated for your vehicle’s weight. Most cars need a 2-ton or 3-ton jack.
• Jack stands: At least two jack stands to hold the car securely once lifted.
• Socket wrench and sockets: The right size for your oil drain plug. Common sizes are 14mm, 15mm, or 17mm.
• Oil drain pan: A large enough pan to catch all the old oil.
• New oil and filter: Have these ready before you start draining.
• Gloves and safety glasses: Protect your hands and eyes from hot oil and debris.
• Ramp or wheel chocks: To keep the other wheels from rolling.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Torque wrench: For tightening the drain plug to the correct specification.
• Oil filter wrench: Makes removing the old oil filter easier.
• Jack pad or wooden block: Protects the car’s lift point from damage.
• Drip tray: For placing under the car to catch any drips.

Finding the Right Jack Points

This is the most important part of the entire process. Every car has specific jack points designed for lifting. These are reinforced areas on the frame or body that can safely handle the weight of the vehicle. If you place the jack anywhere else, you risk damaging the car or causing it to slip.

How to Find Your Jack Points

Start by checking your owner’s manual. It will show you exactly where the jack points are located. Most cars have labeled lift points on the frame rails near the front wheels. These are usually marked with notches, arrows, or reinforced metal sections.

If you do not have the manual, look for these common jack point locations:

• Front frame rails: Metal rails running along the underside of the car, usually near the front wheels.
• Subframe mounting points: Bolted connections on the front subframe that are designed to handle weight.
• Body pinch welds: Some cars have reinforced pinch welds near the front doors that can serve as secondary lift points.

Never place the jack on: the oil pan, suspension components, floor pan, or any plastic body panels. These areas will crack or break under the weight of the car.

Step-by-Step: Lifting the Car at One Side

Now that you have your tools and know your jack points, let us walk through the actual process. Follow these steps carefully and do not skip any safety precautions.

Step 1: Park on a Flat Surface

Find a flat, level surface to park your car. A concrete driveway or garage floor works best. Turn off the engine and let the car cool down for at least 10 minutes. Hot oil can burn you, so give it some time to cool.

Step 2: Engage the Parking Brake

Pull the parking brake all the way up. This prevents the car from rolling while you are working. If you are lifting the front left side, the rear right wheel is your pivot point. The parking brake helps lock the rear wheels in place.

Step 3: Place Wheel Chocks

Place wheel chocks or blocks behind the rear wheels on the side you are not lifting. This adds an extra layer of safety. If the car somehow shifts, the chocks will prevent it from rolling.

Step 4: Position the Floor Jack

Slide the floor jack under the car on the side you want to lift. Line up the jack head with the designated jack point. Make sure the jack is centered and stable before you start lifting. A misaligned jack can slip and cause serious damage or injury.

Step 5: Lift the Car Slowly

Start pumping the jack handle slowly. Lift the car until the front wheel is about 6 to 8 inches off the ground. You need enough clearance to slide under comfortably but not so much that the car feels unstable. Stop and check that the jack is seated firmly on the lift point.

Step 6: Place Jack Stands

Once the car is lifted, place a jack stand on a reinforced part of the frame near the jack point. Lower the floor jack slowly until the car rests on the jack stand. Give the car a firm push to test its stability. It should not wobble or shift.

Never work under a car supported only by a jack. A jack can slip or fail at any time. Jack stands are your safety net.

Draining the Oil Sump

Now comes the actual oil draining part. With the car safely lifted on one side, you can access the oil drain plug and sump pan. Here is how to do it right.

Locate the Oil Drain Plug

Crawl under the car and look for the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil sump. It is usually a large bolt located at the lowest point of the oil pan. On most cars, it is on the front or side of the sump, which is why one-side lifting works so well.

Place your oil drain pan directly beneath the drain plug before you loosen it. Oil will flow out quickly once the plug is removed.

Remove the Drain Plug

Use your socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Turn it counterclockwise. If the plug is tight, you may need to use a breaker bar for extra leverage. Be careful not to strip the bolt.

Once the plug is loose, remove it by hand and let the oil drain out completely. This can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much oil is in the sump.

Check the Drain Plug Washer

While the oil is draining, take a look at the drain plug washer or O-ring. If it is damaged, cracked, or flattened, replace it with a new one. A worn washer is one of the most common causes of oil leaks after an oil change.

Reinstall the Drain Plug

Once all the oil has drained, reinstall the drain plug by hand first. Then use your wrench to tighten it snugly. Do not over-tighten, as this can strip the threads or crack the oil sump. If you have a torque wrench, tighten it to the manufacturer’s specification.

Replace the Oil Filter

While you are under the car, this is a great time to replace the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Before installing the new one, apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket. This creates a better seal and makes future removal easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes when lifting a car at one side. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Skipping jack stands: This is the number one mistake. A jack is a lifting tool, not a support tool. Always use jack stands.
• Wrong jack point: Placing the jack on the wrong spot can damage your car or cause it to slip off the jack.
• Not checking stability: Always push the car gently after placing the jack stand. If it moves, reposition the stand.
• Over-tightening the drain plug: This can crack the oil sump or strip the threads, leading to expensive repairs.
• Forgetting to check oil level: After refilling, always check the dipstick to make sure the oil level is correct.
• Ignoring the old oil: Dispose of used oil properly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Never pour it down the drain.

When One-Side Lifting Is Not Enough

There are situations where lifting one side of the car is not enough to access the oil drain sump. Some vehicles have the drain plug located on the rear of the oil pan or underneath the engine in a hard-to-reach spot. In these cases, you may need to lift both sides or use a ramp.

If you find that one-side lifting does not give you enough clearance, consider these alternatives:

• Driveway ramps: These are inexpensive and work well for getting the front of the car up high enough.
• Car ramps: Similar to driveway ramps but designed specifically for automotive use.
• Two-post lift: If you have access to a garage with a two-post lift, this is the easiest option for any oil change.
• Visit a mechanic: Sometimes it is worth paying a professional for the right equipment and expertise.

For more tips on home oil changes, check out our guide on how to change car oil at home and our article on how to do an oil change at home. Both resources cover additional techniques and safety tips that complement what you have learned here.

Final Thoughts

Lifting your car at one side to get the oil drain sump off is a practical and efficient way to change your oil at home. With the right tools, the correct jack points, and proper safety measures, you can do this job confidently and safely. Remember to take your time, follow each step carefully, and never skip the safety precautions.

Regular oil changes are one of the simplest and most important things you can do for your car’s engine. Clean oil keeps everything lubricated, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. By learning how to do it yourself, you save money and gain valuable car maintenance skills.

So the next time your car is due for an oil change, do not hesitate. Grab your floor jack, jack stands, and a fresh bottle of oil. Lift one side, drain the sump, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Your car will thank you for it.

For more information on checking your oil level after a change, visit our guide on how to check oil level in car to make sure everything is in perfect order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lift just one side of my car to change the oil?

Yes, lifting one side is often enough for oil changes on most front-engine cars. The oil drain sump is usually on the front or side of the oil pan, which is accessible from one side. Just make sure you use a floor jack and jack stands for safety.

What jack points should I use when lifting one side?

Always use the designated jack points listed in your owner’s manual. These are usually on the front frame rails or subframe mounts. Never place the jack on the oil pan, suspension parts, or plastic body panels.

Do I need jack stands if I am only lifting one side?

Absolutely. Jack stands are essential no matter which side you are lifting. A jack can slip or fail at any time, and jack stands provide the secure support you need to work safely underneath the car.

How long does it take to drain oil from one side?

The entire process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. This includes lifting the car, draining the old oil, replacing the drain plug and filter, and refilling with fresh oil. The actual draining time is about 10 to 15 minutes.

Is one-side lifting safe for all car types?

One-side lifting works well for most front-wheel-drive and front-engine vehicles. However, if your car has a mid-engine or rear-engine layout, the drain plug may be harder to reach from one side. Always check your vehicle’s manual before starting.

What should I do with the old oil after draining?

Store the old oil in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center or auto parts store. Many stores accept used oil for free. Never pour old oil down the drain or into the trash, as it is harmful to the environment.