How do I change the oil in my car?

Easy! Explained here by me, in my most handsome self... damn... I forget the gloves!

On my car? I always take it to Western Auto where I pick my oil bottles and then take them to the service counter where I can watch the whole operation if I want. I really don't trust those "Quick" places where the oil you buy comes from a drum. It could be the cheapest oil in the world and then they could place a big brand name sticker on that same drum. How can you tell? Now way to tell.

Is this a trick question? HaHa

I do it myself, take it to the dealer or if my regular mechanic has the time to him.

Rather simple.

I wish I knew so I didnt have to take it to someone!

You need to know what you are doing.
It is simple, but there are some hurdles.
One may be how easy, or hard it is to reach the oil filter attached to your engine. Some automakers make them hard to reach. You must have a wrench that can fit around your oil filter to take the old one off, and then to slightly tighten your new oil filter. You can hand tighten the new filter on, but I give it a quarter revolution turn, at the most, with the wrench.
Can you even reach your oil filter?
Try to see if you can. If this is very difficult, you may wish to take it to a garage to have them do it.
If you do it yourself, it is very important that you dispose of the used oil at a center - like an autoparys store, where they legally recycle it. A little bit of spilt, or dumped motor oil can pollute a lot of groundwater.

If you don't know how then take it in and get it done by a professional. If you don't do it right or install the filter correctly you could permanently ruin your whole engine. If you do not understand the terminology I use below then take it in to an oil change shop and don't even try it.

Now that I've given you the disclaimer:

*Ensure you have new oil, a new oil filter, a drain pan, ratchet set, oil filter wrench, and a legal oil disposal area before beginning. I'd also advise locating the oil filter and making sure you can easily remove it.

1. After the engine is cool, find the drain plug on your oil pan.
2. Position a drain pan below the hole. If the hole is angled then ensure the oil pan extends at least 8" ahead of the hole since oil comes out fairly fast initially.
3. Using the correct socket (Don't strip this bolt) loosen the drain plug slowly. Use an extension to avoid getting oil on you.
4. Allow the oil to completely drain (wait until the stream is hair thin and barely dripping.)
5. Using an oil filter wrench remove the old oil filter from the block.
6. Using your finger, lubricate the seal of the new oil filter using the old oil. (Can use the new oil but it doesn't matter.) Ensure the seal is coated but not dripping oil.
7. Gently screw the new filter in using your hand.
8. Tighten it with the filter wrench.
9. Re-Install the drain plug. It should be tight but don't break the bolt.
10. Pour the correct amount of oil into the cylinder head (you will see "Engine Oil" or similiar on a fill cap in the engine). Check the owners manual, etc for the exact amount and do not over fill it. If you're unsure then put 2 litres in and check the dipstick.
11. Re-install the fillcap where you poured the oil into.
12. Check the dipstick again.
13. Start the vehicle and run it for 90seconds
14. Check the oil level again. If all is well then you are done.

Hope this helps,
Good Luck

Have someone do it with you the first time. It's messy and you'll have to bring the used oil somewhere to have it recycled, (it's very unacceptable to just throw it out). You'll also have to change the oil filter to make it worthwhile.

There are a lot of repairs and maintenance that are well worth your time to do; although I was the rankest amateur, I figured that the time I spent under a hood was worth $20 an hour. Changing oil is not one of them. I'm not sure it's worth TWO dollars an hour to change your own, if there's a quick-change place nearby. and it's a really filthy job if you have to crawl under your car to do it--which you usually do. While I was learning the job, I damaged my engine somewhat, which cost me every nickel I'd saved. So don't bother.

Paying l6.00 is easier to have your oil changed, than for someone to explain it.

Explaining an oil change is complex, because each automobile is different. the oil filters and oil plugs are designed and located in different locations on each vehicle. not all vehicles require the same viscosity(oil thickness).

Best bet is to have a dealer or an independent auto service garage, perform this task. oil changes are not that expensive and your peace of mind is worth the minimal cost.

helpful

I don't know, but I'm just wondering why is this in the adult category for questions?

amusing and helpful