by Biloxi Von Lutz

Created on: May 11, 2010

Changing the oil in your own vehicle is a relatively simple task that can save you money, provided you don't mind getting a little dirty. Before you get started, however, you need to do a little homework and possibly purchase a few tools. 

First off, consult your vehicle owner's manual and see what kind of oil your vehicle requires. This is often listed on the oil cap under the hood as well. Next, visit your local auto parts supplier and make sure they have the proper oil filter for your vehicle. The vast majority of modern vehicles use a standard screw-on type of oil filter. If you're vehicle uses a different type, I'd highly recommend letting a repair shop do the oil change, since these oil changes can be far more complicated. Purchase an oil filter wrench that will allow you to remove the oil filter from your engine. Make sure you get one that will fit your particular filter, since they vary in size.

Strangely, owner's manuals do not list the amount of oil you need for your vehicle, so you'll have to estimate. Six quarts is usually more than enough, and you can save any unused oil for the next oil change.  Additionally, you'll need some ramps to pull your car up on so you can get underneath it, a drain pan, a set of metric or standard wrenches, depending on your vehicle, a funnel, and a few rags. You'll also want to make sure you have a level concrete surface to work on. 

Start by pulling your vehicle up on to the ramps. Never use a jack to change your oil. It could collapse and injure you severely. Apply the parking brake and place a chock behind the rear wheel to keep the car from rolling backwards. Next, get your drain pan and wrenches and slide underneath the front of the vehicle. Loosen the drain plug for the oil pan and allow the oil to drain into the drain pan. The oil pan is located directly under the engine. Take care not to confuse it with the transmission fluid pan. On a rear wheel drive car, the oil pan is in front of the transmission pan. On front wheel drive vehicles, the oil pan is typically centered and the transmission pan is off to one side. 

A quick note about drain plugs: Never use a socket or a pair of pliers to remove the drain plug. These can slip and round off the corners of the plug head. Only use a properly fitting wrench.

Once the oil is drained from the pan, screw the drain plug back in taking care not to cross-thread or overtighten the drain plug. Next use your oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. You

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