Changing your own oil saves about $100 a year, according to Edmunds. Novice car owners can change their own oil, and they should start by adding motor oil when the car is warm.
National Automotive Parts Association guidelines for changing motor oil suggest warming up your car for five minutes before draining the oil, because warm oil is not as thick as cold oil and drains faster.
Do not change a car's oil when the engine is extremely hot because it will heat up the drip pan and any splashes could give you severe burns.
To warm up the oil, Edmunds recommends driving the car until the temperature gauge starts to move. If you do not have a working temperature gauge, start your heater and wait until your feet feel warm.
