The basic oil change is perhaps the single most commonly performed of the routine vehicle maintenance procedures and arguably the most important to the life of your engine. It is so common in fact that few motorists give it a second thought. Oil is oil and all cars use it so what's the big deal, right?

Even if you never intend to do your own maintenance it is always a good idea to know as much as possible about what you are paying for before you pay for it. The mechanic is going to ask you a few basic questions and as a knowledgeable consumer you will now be able to answer him competently. Your competent answers will let him know in an instant that you can't be taken for a "ride".

It is important to point out that the vast majority of mechanics and automobile service garages are reputable, ethical and honorable businesses. The latest boom in drive through auto service chain outlets however have tended to employ individuals with narrowly focused skills and limited experience. We live in the age of a McDonalds for your car and like McDonalds you can get the good stuff or the not so good stuff. Every car engine has an oil filter but the oil filter can only filter out relatively large particles and is unable to remover contaminants such as gasoline residue and oxides. The oil needs to be changed at regular intervals as outlined in your owner's manual.

If this is your first attempt at an oil change I should point out quickly what is involved in the procedure. You will need to safely get underneath the engine in your car usually lying on your back. You will need some basic hand tools and your hands may become covered in black engine oil so have some rags ready for a quick clean up. If you intend to proceed but are a little nervous it may be a good idea to have an experienced friend to help you through your first oil change. If it all seems too complicated then drive to one of those quick-change oil centers and let them do the dirty work while you read a magazine in the lobby.

Safety should always be at the top of any checklist before performing any maintenance on your car. The car should be parked on a flat surface without any possibility of it rolling or moving additionally the rear wheels should have chocks both in front and behind them. The engine should be cool enough that you can put your hand on any part of it for several minutes without being burned. Used motor oil is toxic and carcinogenic. There are federal laws that control both the storage and the disposal of used motor oil. Most auto part outlets have facilities for the recycling of used motor oil and these facilities or a state approved recycling facility must be used. An approved used motor oil transportation container is required to transport the used oil to the recycling center.

It is beyond the scope of this article to explain exactly what each tool is and it's proper use, so It must be assumed that you are familiar with basic hand tools.

Place your approved drain pan under the drain plug located at the lowest point on the oil pan under your car. Using the correct size and proper wrench, remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely into the pan. Using an oil filter wrench, remove the oil filter and allow it to drain into the drain pan. Replace the drain plug and tighten. Fit the new oil filter and tighten one full turn after the gasket contacts the sealing surface. Pour the new oil into the oil filler on top of your engine, checking with the dipstick after every quart is added until the safe zone marked on the dipstick is reached. Do not overfill. Start the engine and allow it to run for only one minute and then look under the car for any leaks.

That's it, Happy Driving!