How to Change the Oil on Your Jeep Compass

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these items to make the job easier and safer. Having everything ready means you won't have to stop midway through the process.

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Wrench or socket set
• Oil filter wrench
• Jack and jack stands (if needed to access the drain plug)
• Rags or paper towels
• Oil funnel
• Gloves (optional, but helpful to keep hands clean)

Most of these items are inexpensive and can be found at any auto parts store. If you don't own a jack and jack stands, you may be able to borrow them or find that your Compass has enough ground clearance to work without lifting it. Check under your vehicle first to see if you can reach the drain plug easily.

Step 1: Warm Up Your Engine

Run your Compass for a few minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily and drains better than cold oil. This step is important because it helps you remove more of the old, dirty oil from the engine. Then turn off the engine and let it cool for a few minutes—you want it warm, not hot to the touch.

Warming the engine also helps the oil filter drain more completely. If you skip this step, some old oil will remain in the filter and engine, which means your new oil won't be quite as clean. Give yourself about five minutes for the engine to warm up and another two to three minutes for it to cool slightly before you start working.

Step 2: Lift Your Jeep (If Needed)

Depending on your Compass model and ground clearance, you may need to raise the vehicle to reach the drain plug underneath. Use a jack and jack stands to safely lift it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, as this is dangerous and can cause injury.

If you do need to lift your Compass, place the jack under a solid part of the frame, not under plastic trim or the oil pan. Once the vehicle is raised, position jack stands under the frame as well for added safety. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands before you start working. Always double-check that your vehicle is stable before sliding underneath it.

Step 3: Remove the Drain Plug

Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine. It's usually a bolt that sticks out from the lowest point of the oil pan. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch the old oil. Use a wrench to loosen the plug first—turn it counterclockwise until it's loose enough to remove by hand. Be careful because the oil may still be warm, even after cooling for a few minutes.

Once the plug is loose, carefully unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and set it aside in a safe place. Let the old oil drain completely into the pan. This may take several minutes, so be patient. You'll know the oil has mostly drained when it slows to a drip. While you wait, you can prepare the new oil filter for installation.

Step 4: Replace the Drain Plug

Once the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. This removes any old oil and debris that might prevent a good seal. Inspect the plug for damage—if it looks cracked or worn, you may want to replace it with a new one, though this is not always necessary.

Reinstall the drain plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading it. Once it's hand-tight, use a wrench to snug it down firmly. Don't over-tighten it, as this can damage the plug or the oil pan. A good rule is to tighten it until it's snug, then give it just a quarter turn more. You want it tight enough that it won't leak, but not so tight that you'll have trouble removing it next time.

Step 5: Change the Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter on your engine—it's usually a cylindrical canister about the size of a soda can. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen it by turning counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and carefully lift it away from the engine. Place a rag underneath to catch any remaining oil that drips out. The old filter may contain quite a bit of oil, so be prepared for this.

Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine clean with a rag to remove any dirt or old gasket material. This ensures a good seal with the new filter. Take your new oil filter and apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket around the top of the filter. This helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then tighten it about three-quarters of a turn more. Hand-tight is the right amount of pressure—don't use the wrench to tighten the filter.

Step 6: Add New Oil

If you raised your Jeep, lower it back to the ground now using the jack. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and stable before you proceed. Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, open the hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it.

Remove the oil filler cap and place the oil funnel in the opening. Slowly pour in the recommended amount of new oil as specified in your owner's manual. Most Compass models require between 4 and 6 quarts, depending on the engine type. Pour carefully to avoid spilling oil on the engine. Once you've added the oil, replace the oil filler cap and make sure it's tight.

Step 7: Check Your Work

Start the engine and let it run for about one minute. This circulates the new oil throughout the engine and helps the new filter fill with oil. Watch your dashboard for any warning lights. Look under the vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. If you see dripping oil, turn off the engine and tighten the drain plug or filter as needed.

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully until it seats, then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the stick. If it's low, add a little more oil and recheck. If it's overfilled, you may need to drain a small amount.

Dispose of Old Oil Properly

Never pour old oil down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Used motor oil is harmful to the environment and is illegal to dispose of improperly in most places. Instead, take your old oil to a local recycling center, auto parts store, or service station that accepts used oil for recycling.

Many retailers offer this service for free, and some even accept used oil filters. Call ahead to confirm that your local facility accepts used oil and ask about their hours. Store your used oil in a clean, sealed container until you can take it to the recycling center. This simple step helps protect the environment and keeps harmful chemicals out of our water supply.

When to Change Your Oil

Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval for your specific model year and engine type. Most Compass vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on whether you use conventional or synthetic oil and your driving conditions.

Driving in stop-and-go traffic, towing, or driving in dusty conditions may require more frequent oil changes. Some newer Compass models have oil life monitoring systems that tell you when an oil change is needed based on your actual driving habits. Pay attention to these alerts, as they're designed to keep your engine in good condition. Changing your oil on schedule helps your engine run smoothly and last longer.

Key Takeaways

Changing your Jeep Compass oil is a task you can do yourself with basic tools and a little time. The process involves warming the engine, draining the old oil, replacing the drain plug and filter, adding new oil, and checking your work. Always dispose of old oil responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store. Follow your owner's manual for the correct oil type, amount, and change interval to keep your engine running well. With practice, this job becomes quicker and easier each time you do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my Jeep Compass?

The recommended oil change interval depends on your model year and engine type. Most Compass vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Conventional oil typically requires more frequent changes than synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle, and pay attention to any oil life monitoring alerts on your dashboard.

What type of oil should I use in my Jeep Compass?

Your owner's manual specifies the correct oil type and viscosity for your Compass. Common recommendations include 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30, depending on your engine and climate. Using the wrong oil can affect engine performance and longevity. If you're unsure, ask the staff at your local auto parts store—they can help you find the right oil for your specific model year.

Can I change my oil if my Compass sits low to the ground?

If your Compass doesn't have enough ground clearance to access the drain plug, you'll need to use a jack and jack stands to lift it safely. Always use proper lifting equipment and secure the vehicle with jack stands before working underneath it. Never rely solely on a jack to support the vehicle while you work. If you're uncomfortable lifting your vehicle, consider having a professional handle the oil change instead.

What should I do if I spill oil while changing it?

If you spill oil on the ground, clean it up right away using absorbent material like kitty litter or oil absorbent pads. Sweep up the material and dispose of it properly. Never hose down an oil spill with water, as this spreads the oil and makes cleanup harder. If you spill oil on your driveway or in a large area, you may need to use a commercial oil cleanup product.

How do I know if my oil filter is tight enough?

Screw the new oil filter on by hand until the rubber gasket touches the engine mounting surface. Then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. This is snug enough to prevent leaks but not so tight that you'll damage the filter or have trouble removing it next time. You should not need to use a wrench to tighten the filter—hand-tight is correct.