Want it done right? Change your own vehicle's oil.  DIY and save using quality materials.

First, check your owner's manual for three things:

1. Recommended oil change interval (Anything more or less is wrong)
2. Recommended oil grade such as 5W/30 (Be sure to use the right one!)
3. How many quarts of that oil you will need (Typically between 4-6 quarts)

Next, go buy the right type and amount of new oil and the right filter (Ask or use the look up computer or book at the counter).

When you get home let the car cool down (warm oil is better than hot oil-- you usually get a tablespoon on your hand or arm). If you didn't use that car to get the supplies-- run the car for about three minutes to warm the oil. Now get the things you will need out:

• Socket wrench with correct socket for the drain plug
• Oil filter universal wrench
• Oil catch pan
• Ramps
• Wheel chocks or bricks
• Disposable gloves
• Old clothes
• Rags
• Funnel

Now it is time to do the job, here is what to do:

• Carefully drive the car up on the ramps (use a helper to direct you if need be) and wheel chock the rear wheels.
• Pop the hood
• Open the oil cap (To help the draining oil flow)
• Place the oil catch pan under the drain pan plug (Offset it slightly-- the oil will not go straight down-- rather out)
• Use the socket wrench to open the drain plug and be ready for the oil to shoot out
• Don't lose the drain plug
• Adjust the oil catch pan to compensate for the change in flow (It will shoot outward, then drip down)
• Wipe up any messes with the rags. Let it really drip out (10-15 minutes)
• Now adjust the oil catch pan under the oil filter, but still catching the occasional drip from the drain
• Use the adjustable oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter-- be ready for old oil to start dripping down
• Put the old filter in the catch pan
• Wipe up any messes and let it really drip out (10 minutes)

While the drip out is happening you can prep:

• Inspect and clean the drain plug with a clean rag or shop towel
• Open the new filter and carefully add a little new oil into it (1-3 ounces) and wetting the rubber gasket on the filter with new oil using your gloved finger.
• Clear the dirty rags away

Need a few more useful time passers?

• Add some wiper fluid
• Check other fluid levels
• Check tire pressures

After you have let the old oil drip out it is time to put everything back together:

• Wipe the drain hole and carefully screw the plug back in, first with your fingers, then with the socket wrench-- tight but don't over do it
• Now wipe the filter connection and screw the new oil filter back in with your fingers only-- finger tight no wrench
• Use the funnel and start carefully pouring the new oil into the oil cap area (the oil container should have a visual gauge you can use to pour quite a bit in)
• Wipe the oil cap area and replace the cap securely
• Remove the chock and carefully reverse the car down off the ramps and let it run for one minute
• Grab a rag and pull the oil dip stick out
• Wipe it and reinsert it all the way down and carefully remove it again
• Look to see that the oil is inside the acceptable range marked on the dip stick
• If it is in the range you are done
• If it is too low, open the oil cap, insert the funnel and add a little more oil
• Repeat until the oil mark is in the range
• Write down the mileage and date of this chage to know when to change it again

Now clean up all your tools and equipment and you are done .

Oh yeah, that spent oil and filter . . .

I keep empty old oil 5 quart containers, mark them with a Sharpie "Spent", and carefully pour the captured old oil into them using a funnel. I throw the old filters into a quadrupled grocery bag. When I have enough to justify a run, I take them to any retailer or service station that sells oil or service and they must legally accept it into their recycling containers.

The first time you do this will it probably take you an hour-- you are learning. After a while, you will find that setup/cleanup and drip waiting will be most of your time-- I can get it all done in about 30 minutes and I usually do two vehicles at once. My wife usually says, "Your done already?"-- I get it done so fast.

You will get better oil and filters ($20 high milage vehicle oil and filter) for less than you pay a quick change place ($40+) for cheapo filters and oil, you will know it was done right, and you will learn more about your vehicle. The personal pride and satisfaction of a good job well done doesn't feel bad either.