How to Change Your Oil

Most car manufacturers recommend having your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months to ensure the engine runs smoothly and lasts a long time. There are two options when it comes to changing oil: you can take it to an automotive service shop or you can change it yourself. 

1. 3/8-drive socket set or combination wrench set
   
2. 2-3 empty one-gallon milk containers with lids
3. One quart plastic bag
4. Newspaper
5. Rags
6. Surgical gloves or latex gloves
7. Safety goggles
8. Car Owner's Manual
9. Oil filter wrench
10. Funnel
11. Drain pan
12. 6-quarts motor oil
13. Oil filter
14. Jack stand (not a tire-changing jack)

1. Set out everything that you will need.
2. Take a quick spin around the neighborhood or allow your car to idle for a few minutes until the temperature gauge begins to register. This will help warm up the oil and make it drain easier.http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43788/article.html  

1. Park your car on a flat surface and turn off the car.
2. Set the parking brake and pop the hood.
3. Jack up the car if there is not enough room for you to shimmy beneath. Be absolutely sure the vehicle is secure before you go underneath it.

The three things you need to locate on your car include the oil fill cap where you will add the oil (under the hood), the oil drain plug (under the car near the front center) and the oil filter assembly (under the hood and shown at left). These can be tricky to locate as there is no standard, but they are usually to either side of the engine. If you have trouble locating these elements, consult your car's Owner's Manual.

1. Lay newspaper or cardboard underneath the drain plug and oil filter. This will protect the driveway from oil spills and make for a quick clean up.
2. Remove the oil fill cap and set it aside.
3. Grab your wrench, place it over the oil drain plug and turn counterclockwise.
4. Loosen the plug until you can turn it with your fingers, but do not remove it yet.
5. Move the oil catch pan underneath the plug. Because of the angle of the hole, the oil probably won't come out straight down, so be prepared.
6. Slowly loosen and remove the plug. Warning: expect a sudden rush of hot oil.
7. Wait at least two minutes for all the oil to drain.http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43788/article.html 
8. While waiting, take a moment to trace the washer for the oil pan on a piece of paper. It is advisable, but not necessary, to replace this washer. By tracing it now, you will be able to purchase the right size and replace it next time you change your oil.
10. Replace the drain plug on the engine, making sure it is tight.http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/change-oil.php 

1. Move the drain pan below the oil filter.
2. Attach the oil filter wrench around the filter.
3. Remove the oil filter by rotating the wrench counterclockwise. Oil will escape from the filter and drip into the pan.
4. Place the old filter into your plastic bag and set aside.
5. Check that the rubber gasket ring came off with the filter. It may be stuck to the car.
6. Wipe off the area where the filter mounts to the engine with a rag.
7. Get your new oil filter ready to install by taking some oil and coating the rubber gasket thoroughly. Do not use old oil because it may contain buildup that will wear away the gasket and cause an oil leak.
8. Carefully screw on the new filter. This should only take about one-half to three-quarters of a turn.http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43788/article.html 

1. Remove the oil pan from underneath your car.
2. Place the funnel in the oil fill opening under the hood.
3. Pour in the new oil. Check your manual for an exact amount.
4. Replace the cap.
5. Check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick. It should be slightly high because the oil filter is empty.
6. Start the engine. Make sure the oil pressure light goes off and that there are no drips under your car. If you're working in a garage, don't run the car with the doors closed; be sure it is well-ventilated.
7. Allow the car to run for about a minute.
8. If you find any leaks, chances are your filter or your drain plug is not tight enough. Turn off the car, tighten them and try again.
9. Turn off the car and check the oil level again. It should be at the correct level.
10. Lower the car from the jacks, if necessary.

While used oil is classified as a hazardous waste, the Environmental Protection Agency says that properly recycled oil is not harmful to the environment. Here is how to dispose of oil correctly and legally:

1. Pour your used oil into the empty milk jugs using the funnel.
2. Take the used oil, oil filter and any empty oil containers to the nearest oil recycling center. You can locate a facility by going to Earth 911. Many national oil change facilities will be willing to take your used oil from you.
3. Clean up the rest of your supplies and you are finished!http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/change-oil.php