1. Prepare your car 

The car should be on a level surface with the parking brake on and engine off, leaving the oil to cool for a few minutes. 

2. Unscrew the oil cap 

Locate the oil cap (check with the manual to locate it) and unscrew it. This is very important, as a vacuum will not allow all the oil to drain out. 

3. Locate the oil drain plug 

Get underneath the car and locate the oil drain plug. This is a lone bolt at the bottom of the oil sump. 

4. Place the container 

Place a container big enough to hold the oil beneath the oil drain plug and unscrew the plug, being careful not to let it fall into the container. 

5. Drain out the old oil 

Allow all the oil to drain out. This can take several minutes. 

6. Locate the oil filter 

Locate the old oil filter with the help of your car’s service manual. It should be identical to the one you are replacing it with. 

7. Remove the old oil filter 

Turn the filter wrench anti-clockwise to loosen the oil filter. The filter may be full of oil so take care not to spill any. 

8. Prepare the new filter 

Clean up the filter seat on the engine and place a light coating of oil on the gasket of the new filter. 

9. Install the new filter 

Carefully screw the new filter into place by hand, making sure it is not overtight. Screw back in the oil drain plug and tighten it with the wrench. 

10. Fill up with oil 

Using the funnel, carefully fill the engine oil, avoiding spillages. Measure the oil level with the dipstick after every two litres filled. 

11. Check the level is correct 

When oil has reached the correct level, replace the oil cap. Turn on the engine for ten minutes and then off again. Check the oil level with the dipstick once again - if the level is low, add more oil. 

12. Clean up 

Clean up all oil spillages on your engine and check for any leaks from the drain plug. 

13. Properly dispose of the old oil and filter 

Used oil is highly toxic and must never be disposed off with domestic waste. It's illegal to pour used oil into the sewage network. Put the used oil in a sealed container and label it. Then take it to an auto repair centre, service station or recycling centre. Most places will accept used oil for free.