How to Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter on a Citroen C4 Yourself

To change the oil and filter on a Citroen C4 safely, work with a cold or warm engine on a flat surface. Lift the car with a jack just to raise it and immediately support it on axle stands; engage a gear and apply the handbrake.

Prepare a large container to collect the used oil, gloves, and paper/rags to clean up any spills. Open the bonnet, unscrew the oil filler cap (and, if present, remove the dipstick) to facilitate draining.

Under the engine, locate the drain plug and position the container to catch the flow. Loosen the plug with the correct spanner and remove it carefully: allow the oil to drain completely.

If the plug has a sealing washer, replace it if required and reassemble the plug only when draining is complete, cleaning the seating well before closure. The torque varies depending on the engine and plug: if you do not have the exact figure, avoid "over-tightening" and refer to the manual/workshop.

Next, move on to the oil filter. Access it from the engine bay or underneath, depending on the version, and keep a container handy as some oil may still come out. Unscrew the filter, clean the seating where the gasket rests, and prepare the new one by lightly lubricating the gasket with clean oil. Screw the filter on by hand until it makes contact, then tighten as specified by the filter manufacturer (typically another turn by hand, without using excessive force with tools, unless specific instructions are given).

At this point, pour the new oil through the filler cap using a funnel. The quantity and specification depend on the engine fitted: check the service manual and use the approved grade for the Citroen C4. Refit the cap and dipstick, start the engine for a few seconds and turn it off, then wait a few minutes and check the level with the dipstick, adjusting if necessary.

With the car still raised, check for leaks from the drain plug and the filter area; only after checking, lower the car.