So your car is due for service and you are wondering whether to call your mechanic, or drive to the nearest petrol station or perform the service yourself at home. The first two options are easy and straight forward so I won't talk about them; I also don't know your mechanic or your preferred gas station. I'm here to discuss option three in detail giving you a step by step procedure and the equipment required.

Before we discuss the procedure and equipment it's important to note that oil change is the single most vital exercise which if skipped could ruin your car. This is because old oil acquires impurities that reduce its ability to flow(viscosity) as well as ability to lubricate and keep the engine cool. Oil change goes hand in hand with replacement of the oil filter. Other items that are changed during normal service are the spark plugs and the air-filter. These can be delayed with damaging your engine except you'll notice loss or power and increased fuel consumption, in extreme cases the car will fail to start but will resume normalcy as soon as you change the spark-plugs.

Let's get back to oil change procedure. You will require the following:

• Oil
• Oil filter
• Spanner No.14
• Empty bucket

You can buy engine oil from a local supermarket or petrol station. Make sure to buy the oil for your specific engine I.e. either petrol or diesel, this is the most basic and important consideration when making the purchase. The other factors are a matter of personal likes or dislikes, for instance you can choose between synthetic or non-synthetic(normal) oil. You can also choose between long-mileage(7-10k km) or the normal mileage of 5,000km. For a average car between 1000-1800cc you will require about 4 litres of oil.

Now that you have your oil ready you need an oil filter. You can buy this in any petrol station or a local spare shop or garage. You need to specify your exact make and model of the car that will fit the specific slot.

Next you need to have a wrench used to open the oil-drain valve screw. Usually 14mm for most cars. It can either be ring or combined spanner. Personally I prefer the socket.

Lastly you will require an empty vessel to collect the old engine oil for proper disposal. We must consider the environment because oil is considered a pollutant.

Step 1

Let the engine run for about 5 minutes before beginning the service. This is because warm oil drains better and faster than old oil which is thicker.

Step 2

Turn of the engine put the gear lever at parking and engage the hand brake. Use the jack to raise the front part of the car so that you can easily access the drain-valve locate underneath just after the radiator. Be sure to secure the rare wheels with small stones to avoid skidding.

Step 3

Lay out old newspapers on the ground under the engine and place the empty vessel directly under the drain valve.

Step 4

Unscrew the drain valve screw with you 14mm spanner by turning it anti-clockwise. Sometimes it may require a little effort to loosen. Remove the screw/stopped and keep it aside to let the oil flow freely into the empty vessel. Leave it open until all the oil has been drained.

Step 5

Open you car bonnet to unscrew the oil filter normal located on the engine block just below the cylinder head cover. It will normally be turned using your hands no spanner required. If it's greasy you may wipe it with a paper-towel to enhance your grip.

Step 6

Install the new oil filter, you may add a little grease for easy installation. Screw it firm into place.

Step 7

Restore the oil screw valve back to its place. Make sure it is reasonable tight.

Step 8

Pour in the new engine oil in to the engine block. Use the dip stick to measure the correct level. Overfilling may exact increased pressure on the engine risking damage. Restore the oil cap back to its place.

Now your car is ready to happily serve you for another 5,000 KM

NOTE: Engine oil is an environmental hazard and should not be pour on the ground. Store it plastic containers and drop it off to oil recyclers or petrol stations for proper disposal.