Did you know that oil is the lifeblood on which all internal combustion engines must operate? It is even more important then gas and water because it has the potential to cause the most damage in the shortest time if its quality or quantity is compromised. In just a few simple steps I will teach you how to change your own oil. Why change your own oil you say? The price to go to a professional shop to get it done, on average, is going to range anywhere from 25 to 50 dollars, plus. The cost for you to do it yourself, depending on the type of oil and filter you prefer, is going to cost around 10 to 15 dollars. Are you convinced yet? Well, let's get started!
             For this project you will need the following supplies; a 3/8-drive socket set, an oil filter wrench, an old pan/bucket to catch the old oil, a funnel, a new oil filter (see vehicle's owner's manual for requirements), and of course enough oil to refill the engine (check owner's manual for grade and number of quarts). All of these supplies can be found at your local car store, such as Napa or Bumper to Bumper.
             After gathering your supplies, pick out a flat surface where you will be changing your oil at. I suggest that you drive your car around the neighborhood to heat the oil. This makes your oil nice and thin so that it will drain more completely from the engine block. Now that your engine is warm, park your car in the pre-chosen spot.
             Since the car is parked, the engine is off and the parking brake is on we can start changing your oil. Slide underneath the car and locate the oil drain plug. If there isn't enough room for you to slide under the car, you might have to use a hydraulic pump and settle the car on jack stands. For those of you who don't know where or what the oil drain plug looks like, it should be the closest thing to the ground underneath the front of your car. It will be a fairly large nut with a slim washer underneath it. It might ...