• Easy, Change Oil Only
• The Full Monty

• a jack
• jack stands
• an oil draining reservoir (large plastic container from any FLAPS [friendly local auto part supplier])
• 19mm socket and handle
• 4 1/2 quarts of new oil

1. I like to put the rear on jack stands then raise the front with the jack so it's level for maximum oil drainage. Not sure how to safely jack up your car? Read how.

    

2. Position the oil draining resevoir under the engine and remove the 19mm bolt from the bottom of the engine case. Use care as this is a pipe thread and is easily stripped. The oil will drain into the resevoir for recycling at your local auto parts store.

    

3. Remove the lid of the oil filter container (save gasket for reuse) and pull out the oil filter. Use a rag to wrap it as it will be full of oil. Place the filter on the oil reservoir to allow it to drain while you use your turkey baster to remove the remaining old oil from the oil filter container. Wipe it clean with paper towels, re-install the filter and the top (Ed: others change the filter every time).

    

4. Put the drain plug back in, being careful not to tighten it excessively! Just snug it in.

    

5. Refill with 4 1/2 quarts of the oil of your choice. I use, and have used for 20 years, Pennzoil 20-50.

Ed: Refill with 4 to 4 1/2 quarts only if you have removed the oil filter and drained the oil filter housing. It will only require 3 to 3 1/2 quarts to fill if the filter has not been removed. Do not fill over the upper line on the dipstick.

Oil Choices: Conventional or Synthetic

Ed: The choice of what oil to use is a matter of some debate. Some prefer conventional oil because they change their oil at frequent intervals and the cost is reasonable. Some prefer synthetics like Mobil 1 based on claims that the engine will run cooler and you can stretch out your oil change intervals. Others who prefer Mobil 1 still change it every 3,000 miles or even more frequently.