Oil changes are not terribly expensive, but after a few years, it can add up to. Plus consider the amount of time it takes to take the car to the shop, leave it for maintenance, and then pick it back up. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by simply learning how to do the procedure yourself. Here are the basics of how to do an oil change.

Preparation Don’t begin until you’re sure your car engine is cool. Park your car on a flat surface and raise it with a jack. Place a piece of cardboard under it in case of an oil spill. The materials you need are: oil filter wrench, ratchet, oil catch container, funnel, new oil filter, new oil, and an old rag.

Drain the old oil Access the oil pan that’s beneath the engine. The oil is kept in by a drain plug at the bottom of the pan. Put the oil catch container under the pan and pull the plug. The container’s screen should catch it so that it doesn’t fall into the oil. Once the old oil is drained, but the plug back, making sure not to over-tighten it.

Remove the filter Use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Turn counterclockwise and be careful as you do so; the old oil can cause slipperiness. Most filters must be accessed from the bottom of the car.

Install the new filter Prep the new filter before installing by lubricating its rubber gasket with some oil. Fill up the filter 2/3 of the way and screw it into place. Don’t use the wrench, but only tighten as much as you can using only your hands.

Refill with new oil Unscrew the oil cap at the bottom of the engine and put the funnel in place. Pour the new oil, and remember to only pour ¾ as much oil as your owner’s manual tells you to.

You're Finished Now the only thing left is to check the oil level. If it’s correct, put the cap back on and that’s it. For more maintenance tips and information, contact Robert’s Auto Service today.