When it was time for me to apply for my driver’s license, my father told me that I had to learn how to take care of a car. One of the first things he taught me was how to change the motor oil in a vehicle. Over the years it has saved me hundreds of dollars.

Changing motor oil involves draining the old oil from the engine and replacing it with new to keep the engine well lubricated. Oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers. (3,000 miles) or whatever is specified for your vehicle in the Owner’s Manual. The oil filter should always be changed at the same time. This will help the engine in your vehicle to give you the best performance and make it last longer.

What you will need:

3/8 drive metric socket set

an old bucket or draining pan to catch the old oil (follow oil disposal laws)

oil filter wrench

sealing washer

funnel

plastic re-sealable bag

combination wrench set (includes both open and closed end wrenches)

plenty of old rags

empty containers or jugs with screw-on tops

new oil filter

oil to refill the engine (check owner’s manual for quantity and grade) (brand names are best)

Note: Never use synthetic oil unless specifically called for in the owner’s manual.

How to change the oil:

1.Warm up your car’s engine. (This will allow the oil to drain faster)

2. Park your car in a level place, either inside your garage or on your driveway.

3. Turn off the engine, put the car in “park,” and set the emergency brake.

4. Block the tires for safety. (Blocks of wood, bricks, rocks, or cement blocks work great.)

5. Be sure your tools are within easy reach.

6. Raise your car with your jack and set it on jack-stands. (for safety)

7. Find the oil plug. Using the proper socket, put it over the nut and turn to the left just enough to free it.

8. Be sure the oil plug is pointing straight down and slide the pan or bucket under it. Loosen the plug. Set it aside where you can find it and where it will stay clean.

9. Allow all of the oil to drain into the pan or bucket.

10. Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter, and remove it by hand. Use caution. The oil that remains in the filter is extremely hot.

11. Pour oil from the filter into the draining pan or bucket.

12. It is best to let the oil completely drain. (30 to 45 minutes)

13. Remove the new oil filter from the package. Use your finger to coat the rubber gasket on the bottom with a bit of oil from the draining pan. This helps it seal better.

14. Wipe the oil filter threads on the engine with a clean rag.

15. Thread the new filter into place. Tighten.

16. Put the new sealing washer in place and replace the drain plug.

17. Take the drain pan and carefully empty the old oil into an empty container using the funnel.

18. Screw the lid onto the container. Tighten so contents can’t spill.

19. Wipe funnel with a clean rag.

20. Insert the funnel in the oil hole in the top of the car’s engine.

21. Pour in the quantity of oil specified in the owner’s manual.

22. Place empty oil bottles into your recycling bin.

23. Put cap on oil hole.

24. Check oil dipstick to be sure the oil level is correct.

25. Put the old oil filter in the re-sealable plastic bag.

26. Start your car’s engine. Let run for 5 to 10 minutes.

27. Check for leaks under both the car and the hood.

28. Clean work area well.

29. Dispose of old oil and filter at an oil recycling center. Do not leave them lying around. Spills are harmful to the environment and break laws. You could be heavily fined. If you don’t know where there is an oil recycling center, take the oil to a garage, such as Jiffy Lube. They will dispose of it for a small fee.

Changing your own oil can save you hundreds of dollars each year, depending how many miles you drive your car. For instance, a retired person will save about $100 per year, while a traveling sales person will save much, much more. If you change your car’s motor oil yourself, you will become skilled at it and you will have peace of mind knowing the job was done correctly. Happy motoring.