Oil is like your engine’s blood. It keeps everything lubricated and gliding smoothly. Eventually, it gets dirty, like that water bottle you always refill at the gym. If the oil isn’t changed often enough, then it does a worse and worse job of lubrication. Here is what you’ll need to change your own oil.

Oil (shown at top in big jugs): You will want new oil that is the correct viscosity for your engine. Additionally, the new oil should fulfill any required certifications that are in you owner’s manual. While you have the manual out, check how many quarts of oil your engine will hold, including a new filter. If you don’t know how much to buy, round up.

Oil Filter(shown at top in little box): You will want a new oil filter. This is a little trickier than buying the oil. If you buy one online, then you can filter by the vehicle and engine. Tools like this can be found at websites such as rockauto.com and autozone.com. If you go to your local parts store they can help you at the parts counter. The employees won’t bite, I promise. Just walk up, greet the worker, and say “I need an oil filter for a (insert your vehicle and engine combo here), please”.

An Oil Filter Wrench: This will help you remove the old oil filter. I recommend goibg iin person to a parts store and asking for one in a similar manner as above.

Jack and Jack Stands: Use these to lift and support the car while you work. Ramps are also an option. Like the above, purchase them at a parts store.

Ratchet and Sockets: Assuming all you will be doing is light auto maintenance, just walk into your nearest Harbor Freight Tools and purchase a small set.