Table of Contents
Gather Supplies and Prepare the Vehicle
Park your Cruze on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent rolling. Open the hood and locate the oil filter, which sits behind the battery in the engine bay. A small chalk mark on the rear wheels can help you remember which side was initially lifted.
Use a jack to lift the front of the car and secure it with jack stands. This gives you enough clearance to work under the vehicle and ensures safety while you remove the filter and drain the oil.
Remove the Old Oil Filter
With a 24 mm socket and ratchet, loosen the cap on the oil filter cartridge. The cap is located behind the battery, so you may need to reach around the engine bay. Turn the cap counter‑clockwise until it comes off by hand, then pull the old filter straight out.
Remove the old O‑ring from the cap, then install a new one. Make sure the new ring sits in the groove closest to the lip of the cap and lubricate it with a little fresh oil. Thread the new filter back into the cap and tighten it with a torque wrench to 18 ft‑lbs.
Drain the Old Oil and Refill
Slide a catch basin under the oil drain plug, then use a 16 mm socket and ratchet to loosen the plug. Remove it by hand and let the oil drain completely. Removing the oil fill cap in the engine bay can help the fluid flow more quickly.
Use a small flathead screwdriver or pick to remove the crush washer from the drain plug. After the oil has drained, wipe the plug and the bottom of the oil pan with a shop towel or rag. Install a new crush washer, thread the plug back in, and torque it to 124 in‑lbs.
Back in the engine bay, remove the oil fill cap and pour four and three‑quarters of a quart of 5W‑30 full‑synthetic high‑mileage motor oil. Since the Cruze has over 75,000 miles, a high‑mileage formula helps protect the engine. Replace the fill cap, start the engine, and let it run until it warms up.
Check under the car for leaks. If everything looks good, shut the engine off, lower the front of the vehicle, and remove the wheel chocks. Use the dipstick to double‑check the oil level; it should be within the appropriate range.
Reset the Oil Life Indicator
Depending on your Cruze model, the reset procedure varies. If the infotainment screen is available, navigate to Vehicle Status → Maintenance → Oil Life, then select Reset and confirm. The percentage will jump to 100 %.
For models with steering‑wheel controls, press and hold the "Set Clear" or check‑mark button for a few seconds while the oil‑life display is active. The indicator will reset to 100 %. If your vehicle uses a turn‑signal lever, turn the ignition to "Run" with the engine off, press the information‑center button, scroll to Remaining Oil Life, and hold the set‑clear button until the reset completes.
If your model lacks these features, turn the ignition to "Run" with the engine off, depress the gas pedal three times for about five seconds, turn the key to "Off", then start the vehicle. If the indicator still does not reset, repeat the procedure until it does.
With the oil and filter replaced, your 2013 Chevy Cruze is ready to hit the road again. The steps above are simple, but they require attention to detail and the right tools. If you’re not comfortable performing the job yourself, O Reilly Auto Parts offers a wide selection of parts and knowledgeable staff who can help. Visit your local store or shop online at OReillyauto.com for everything you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Remember to dispose of the used oil responsibly—most auto parts stores accept used oil for recycling, and many service centers will take it for free. Keeping your engine well‑lubricated not only extends its life but also improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. By tackling an oil change yourself, you gain confidence in your vehicle’s maintenance and save a few dollars each time.