how do i change the oil in my car?

Question

a dodge caravan

Answer 1

Here's a simple video. You need a jack (not the scissors jack that comes with your car for tire emergencies) and jack stands if the drain pan and filter are inaccessible. You also need an oil filter wrench (or oil filter pliers) to remove the old oil filter.
http://www.fram.com/carcare/podcasts/eng_framoil.mp4

Answer 2

if youve never done it, there generally turn out to be issues that you have trouble dealing with...stuck filters, finding right size tools etc. you need a drain pan, socket set, new oil and filter in the appropriate size and designation, and possibly a filter wrench, if the last guy overtorqued the filter. See if you can get under it to the drain plug, if not you need ramps too. way too much to deal with here.

Answer 3

Take it to a shop. It wont cost you more than $30. They will throw in a new filter to which is included in the cost. At least some places throw in a air filter. You can get a oil change at walmart, for a good price.

Answer 4

place catch pan under drain plug.
remove drain plug.
remove oil filter (make sure the gasket comes off with filter)
replace drain plug.
install new filter (dip your finger in the pan of old oil, wipe it around the gasket of new filter spreading a film of oil on gasket.)
fill crankcase with new oil (see owners manual as to what grade of oil & how much it holds)
Pour old oil into a sealable container & take it along with your old filter to a recycling center.

Answer 5

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/bloil_change.htm

Also view the general tune-up online video "Today's TuneUp" at Advance Auto parts which includes generic oil change info.

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/mediaplayer/mediaplayer_clinics.asp

Answer 6

If you have to ask take it to a Jiffy Lube or Wall Mart.
Better safe than sorry. $20