Changing your car's oil yourself is not only a money saver—it’s also a lot easier than it sounds! By Rachel Ammann ENGL 393

 4 to 6 quarts of Castrol motor oil.  Check your owner's manual for the proper oil requirements.  A new oil filter.  Most cars use a "spin-on" oil filter available in various shapes and sizes. Check your owner's manual for the appropriate type and size.  A drain plug socket wrench or open-end wrench and an oil filter wrench.  Exact size  A large drain pan  At least 5 to 7 quarts in capacity  A rag  Hand cleaning solution and/or disposable latex gloves  A funnel  Safety glasses

 The owner's manual for your vehicle should recommend a certain SAE grade of oil to be used under normal driving conditions as well as the number of miles that you can drive your vehicle before changing your oil.  Generally, the manual suggests that you change your motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This strategy will provide superior engine protection and long engine life.

 Consult your owner's manual for specific safety precautions before climbing under your vehicle.  My Suggestion: Do not use a bumper jack to hold your vehicle up- it is simply too unstable.  Portable wheel ramps are ideal and much safer. Wheel ramps will tilt the car just enough to allow you to slide underneath.  Set your emergency brake and brace both rear wheels with wooden blocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.  Put your vehicle in first gear if you have a manual transmission and in Park if you have an automatic transmission.  Cold oil will not drain properly so idle your engine for about 5-10 minutes to bring it to normal operating temperature (never start your engine without oil).  Then switch off the engine and raise the hood to locate and loosen the oil cap to avoid creating a vacuum. This will allow the oil to drain from the bottom more freely.

 Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of your vehicle. It should be located at the bottom rear end of the engine sump or oil pan. Be sure not to loosen the automatic transmission drain plug by mistake. (It is usually located a bit further back.)  Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and slightly toward the back. Using your wrench, turn the plug counterclockwise until it rotates freely. Finish removing the plug by hand.  Be careful of the oil since it may release rapidly and is likely to be rather hot.

 Next, loosen the oil filter - which may be warm - by turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench.  My suggestion : Wait until the oil has finished draining and then remove the filter.  Complete the removal by hand, taking care not touch the hot exhaust manifold. The oil filter may be filled with oil and feel slightly heavy, so carefully ease it down and away from the engine and tip its contents into the drain pan.

 Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine.  Then apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket of the new filter.  This will act as a sealant.  Now gently screw the new filter onto the threaded oil line, turning it clockwise.  Hand-tighten the filter only.  DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.  Replace the oil drain plug. Screw it on as tight as you can by hand only  Using a wrench to tighten it may crack the oil pan. Caution: This is the result of over tightening.

 On the top of the engine you will find a cap that says "Oil." Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to assure proper fill level.  My suggestion : Use a funnel to prevent spillage.  Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to assure proper oil level.  Last, but not least, check under the vehicle for leaks. Two dipsticks. One labeled oil and one labeled transmission. Oil Cap

 Used motor oil is highly toxic to the environment and it is of the utmost importance that it is disposed of in a safe fashion. Transfer the used oil to sealed container and consult your local garage about options for safe disposal.  If, by chance, you are unable to find a garage in your vicinity willing to take your used oil, your state should have an environmental agency that can direct you towards an alternative option. After that, you are FINSHED! Now, wash those oily clothes and take a shower! Easier than you thought, right? Any Questions?