Changing your car's oil is a simple task that most non-mechanics can easily achieve
. Do not change your car's oil immediately after you have been driving it, allow the car to cool down for at least 2 hours. This way you can be sure not to be burnt by hot oil.
Park your vehicle on a hard, flat surface and jack it up using the correct jacking points. Always place axle stands under the vehicle, so that should the vehicle slip off its jacks you will not be crushed by it.
Open the vehicle's bonnet and remove the oil-filter cap. The cap has vents in it, if they are clogged fit a new one.
Put newspaper or a large plastic sheet under the vehicle and place a large container under the sump plug to catch the old oil. Gradually unscrew the sump plug, using the correct spanner or wrench. Keep your face out of the way of the sump plug, oil will begin to spurt out as soon as you loosen the plug. Remove the plug completely and wait a few minutes for all the oil to drain into the container. Carefully pour the old oil into a screw top container and take it to a local garage for disposal. You will need a large funnel in order to do this without spilling any.
You should change your oil filter whenever you change your oil. Unscrew the old oil filter; if it is seized you may need to use a chain wrench to do this. Have some old clothes easily to hand to mop up any residue oil. Wipe a thin layer of new oil around the filter's rubber seal and screw the new filter tightly into place using just your hand.
When all of the oil has been drained you can replace the sump nut. Screw it into place with your hand, then use the wrench to tighten it further, do not over tighten it. Take your car off of the jacks and axle stands and pour the new oil in. Do this gradually stopping periodically to use the dipstick to check the oil level, wait 30 seconds to allow the oil to settle before pulling the dipstick out. Replace the cap and run the engine for a few minutes then check for leaks. Make sure that the oil warning light goes out.