Five very easy steps to a do-it-yourself oil change

It's essential not to overlook your engine's oil requirements.

The motor oil that flows through your vehicle is your engine's life blood and it should be replaced on a regular basis.

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Plan to change your motor oil every 3,000 miles or every three months if you want to be on the safe side. Record the date and mileage after you change the oil so you will know when your car is due for another oil change.

Want to try your hand at a do-it-yourself oil change? Just follow these five simple steps:

Step 1: Collect all of the required items you will need to change your oil and have them within easy reach: socket wrench, oil filter wrench, catch container, funnel, new oil, etc. Place the car on a level surface to allow the oil to drain properly and set the parking brake.

Step 2: Find the oil drain plug from underneath your car. It will be located on the oil pan. Set a large container with at least a six inch mouth below the plug. Loosen the drain plug (counter clockwise) with a socket wrench and then unscrew it completely by hand. Be ready for a rush of oil once the plug has been removed. Let all of the oil drain from your car. After all of the oil is gone, replace the drain plug on the drain pan.

Step 3: Remove the oil filter (and gasket/seal) with an oil filter wrench. You can find the oil filter under-the-hood. It will look like a long cylinder, usually coated in rubber and about the size of a can of soup. After removing the filter, coat the new oil filter gasket with a little oil using your finger. This will ensure that the ring doesn't get stuck to the filter mount. Tighten the new filter into place by hand.

Step 4: To add the oil, remove the oil filler cap located on top of your engine and then use a funnel to place the new oil in. Put the oil filler cap back on when finished, warm up your engine and then check the oil level of your car. Your owner's manual will tell you exactly how much oil your car can hold, but never add as much as the car can take.

Step 5: Be environmentally friendly: drop the oil off at a local garage or a hazardous waste center.

Remember, your engines' functionality depends on the correct use of oil. To determine what type of motor oil is best for your vehicle, click here.