how to change your oil

I posted a list a while back of things that I think women should be able to do. The only one that got any "well... I can't do that one" feedback was that women should be able to perform basic auto care tasks like changing a flat tire and changing her own oil.

Here is how to do the latter, as I had to do mine the other day and decided to document it in photos.

First, you need to removed your old oil filter. I drive a VW Golf, so mine is a little difficult to get to, but some cars have it more conveniently located, I'm sure. Make sure that you have an oil pan positioned under your car to catch the oil that drips out.

There it is! The cylindrical orange thing.

You can use one of these, an oil filter wrench, but most filters now have a non-slip grip that makes it possible to unscrew it with your bare hands. It's not easy, but it's doable. Once your filter is off, just drop it in your oil pan.
Now (once you've jacked your car up, if necessary) is the fun part. Wiggle underneath your vehicle, and towards the very front (right under where you just took off that old filter) you need to find this bolt.I needed an 18mm ratchet, but you'll need to try different sizes until you find the wrench that fits.
Loosen and then unscrew the bolt.
And let your used, black oil drain out into your oil pan. Any spills can be sopped up with cat litter, or if you act fast you can remove them by scrubbing them with laundry detergent. Quickly though, because oil will stain concrete, and it's unsightly.
Once the oil is done dripping out, replace the screw and tighten it back up with your wrench.
Wipe off your hands, because they're probably pretty messy by now. Be sure to toss any oily paper towels into your oil pan, as those aren't the sorts of things you want laying around.
Now for your new filter! So shiny and orange!
This part can be a little tricky if your hands are still a little slick. If your filter doesn't have a non-slip grip, donning a latex glove works just as well.
Now it's time to replace all that oil you drained out. Unscrew your oil filler cap (it's the one with the oil can on it) and insert a funnel.
Add your oil! As far as how much goes, it varies from car to car. Check your manual!

Now keep in mind that once you pour it in, it hasn't made it's way into the filter yet. Add your oil, check your level, then start your car and let it run for a minute. Turn it off and check your level again, and add more oil as needed. Your oil level should be between the two marks on your dipstick.

That's it! It really is super simple. I hope everyone who thought they couldn't change their own oil feels a little more empowered now!
*Make sure that you take your oil pan containing all your used oil and oil filter to your local auto hobby shop (WalMart does it too) to have it disposed of properly. Don't keep it hanging out in your garage, and don't get "creative" in getting rid of it.*