With the prices of oil changes bottoming out around $30 at most quick-lube places, it's a wonder why more people don't opt to do the dirty deed themselves. Most people don't realize that an oil change is a very simple task that can be done by just about anyone. Learning how to change your own engine oil can be an enormous saver of time and money, and this article contains all of the information you'll need to perform one of the most frequent and vital auto maintenance chores there is.

Why do I have to change my oil in the first place?

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and, over time, it collects microscopic bits of debris and water that can be harmful. This is why it is recommended that oil be replaced after every 3,000 miles. Synthetic oils last much longer, although the cost is significantly higher.

Will I save money by changing my own oil?

The money you’ll save from changing your own oil won’t make you a millionaire, but it will definitely add up over time. Once you buy all of the basic tools, the cost of future oil changes can be reduced to as little as $10 or less. Compared to most quick-lube places that charge $30 or more for a basic oil change, the savings are quite signigicant.

Which tools and equipment will I need? How much will they cost?

The basic tools needed to change oil are an oil funnel ($1), a wrench to unscrew the drain plug ($3), a pan to drain the old oil into ($3), and an oil filter wrench ($5). You might also need a pair of metal ramps ($50 per pair) to drive the front of your car onto if you aren’t able to fit underneath it. If you do this, be sure to block the rear tires and apply the emergency brake for safety. Never use conventional jacks to gain access to the underside of your vehicle – the consequences could be deadly.

What else will I need to change my own oil?

You’ll need an oil filter, but be sure to buy the proper one. The type needed will depend on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Your local auto parts store will be more than happy to help you find the right one, and the cost should be around $5.

Most importantly, you'll need new oil. Check the owner manual for the amount you'll need. Some smaller cars use less than 4 quarts, while vehicles with larger engines can require as much as 7 quarts. The cost of oil is between $2 - $3 per quart, depending on the type. If you're going to be changing your oil regularly, buy it in bulk to save money.

How do I get started?

First of all, make sure your car is parked on a flat surface. Turn your engine on and let it run for several minutes to heat up the old oil. Warm oil drains more efficiently than cold and will make your job go by a lot more quickly.

Next, place the drain pan below the drain plug. Unscrew the drain plug counter-clockwise with your wrench. The old oil will start to drain out as the plug becomes loose, so be sure your face is out of the way to avoid an eye-full of . Once the oil slows down to a slow trickle, it’s safe to replace the drain plug. Be sure to replace it before adding the new oil!

What do I do with the old oil?

The old oil from the pan should be transferred to a sealable bottle – an old milk jug works just fine. It’s against the law to illegally dispose of used oil, so be sure to take it to a location that properly disposes of oil in your city.

I'm nervous about replacing the oil filter. How do I do it?

Replacing the oil filter is a lot simpler than you think. After replacing the drain plug, open the hood of your vehicle and search for the old oil filter. The location will vary depending on the car, but you should be able to spot it since it will look identical (although a bit dirtier) to the new one you bought at the auto supply store.

Grip the old filter with the filter wrench and twist it off counter-clockwise. The new one can be installed by hand, but make sure the fit is snug so leaks won’t occur. Remember, right makes it tight and left makes it loose.

Am I finished yet?

No! You haven't put in the new oil yet! Unscrew the oil cap from the top of the engine, insert the funnel. Pour about 3 quarts of the new oil into the engine for starters. After that, top it off after checking the oil level on the stick since there is likely to be a small bit of old oil still in the engine. This will prevent overfill, which can cause as many problems to your engine as having too little oil.

Once you've installed the appropriate amount of oil, start the car and let it run for a while. Check underneath the car for any fresh oil leaks. If leaks exist, double check the tightness of the drain plug and oil filter.

Now am I finished?

Yes! Congratulations! You've just changed your own oil. Now, kick back, relax, and think about all the money you'll save while everyone else is wasting their time and money in the waiting room of the oil change shop down the street.