Changing your own car engine oil is a great way to save some money.

Changing car engine oil is not a complicated process, but it does require some common hand tools as well as the oil drain pan and a funnel.

The first step is to determine the type of oil your car’s engine requires. This information can be found in the owner’s manual as well as on the oil filler cap located on the engine valve cover. Also determine how much oil the engine needs. This specification is also in the owner’s manual.

An important thing to remember when buying oil is that you get what you pay for. Also if you own a car older than 1990, it is not a good idea to use full synthetic oil.

The first thing to do when you are all set to change the car engine oil is to determine whether the car will need to be placed on jack stands to perform the task.

Start by opening the hood and remove the oil filler cap. With the correct size wrench or socket, try to locate the oil drain plug screw located on the edge of the oil pan. Make every effort to perform the job without the car on jack stands because working under jack stands is dangerous.

Then place your oil drain pan under the oil drain plug and use your wrench or socket to remove the drain plug. Allow three to five minutes for the oil to fully drain.

Next step is to locate the oil filter. The oil filter is usually located either on the side or the bottom of the engine block. Place the drain pan under the oil filter and unscrew the oil filter with your hand. Allow another three to five minutes for the oil to drain.

Once all oil has drained from the engine, replace the oil drain plug.

Take a drop of new oil on your finger and coat the rubber seal of the new oil filter. Install the new oil filter on the engine. The oil filter only needs to be hand tight.

Next, use your funnel to pour the new oil into the oil filler hole.

Replace the oil filler cap and start the vehicle. The car engine oil pressure indicator light on the dashboard should go out within five seconds of starting the car. Congratulations, you have successfully performed your own oil change!

You see that wasn’t so hard.

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