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.