Want your car to have a long, happy life? Well, tune-ups and changing your filters every couple of months are a necessity if you want your car to last a long time. But this does not have to be an arduous process. In fact, it can be made rather simple.

Let's start off with the easiest, and perhaps most important, filter, your oil filter. As a rule of thumb, the oil filter should be changed at least at every other oil change. Personally, I like to change it at every oil change, just for good measure; also so I know that the filter won't act up and start making my car do odd things.

Once you become proficient at changing your oil, you should be able to change the oil, the filter, and recycle your oil all in about 15-20 minutes max. Supplies needed: adjustable wrench, new oil filter (Fram will typically be the brand, but double-check), 5-6 quarts of oil (likely 10W30 or 40 – refer to your owner's manual to check what viscosity of oil your vehicle takes), oil drain plug, oil basin lined with a garbage bag, a funnel, rags, and a work light. Let's get to it!

First, use a light to look under your car. You should be able to easily see and reach a large nut or plug located under the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Now, push the oil basin under this plug so it can catch the oil. Use your wrench to unscrew the plug, and then use a rag to protect your hand. Give the plug one last turn and quickly pull your hand away. The oil will now drain.

Next, we are going to remove the old oil filter. Unscrew the filter and put the basin under it so that the old oil will drain into there as well. While this is draining open up a new quart of oil and get your new oil filter ready. Dip your finger in the new oil and line the top of the new filter with it.

Screw the new filter in and also screw the new oil drain plug into the oil gasket. Wipe the area with a rag to ensure there are no leaks or drips. Now, get your funnel out and start pouring (slowly) the new oil into the car. Use about 5 of the 6 quarts of oil and be sure to check under the car when you are done to make sure there are no leaks.

Now, you are done, well, almost. What do you do with your old oil that is now sitting in the basin and occupying space? R-e-c-y-c-l-e, recycle it. But how does one go about doing this? You want to put it in the empty oil quarts that you have sitting around. Then, bring it down to Schucks, or your local auto parts store – they will usually accept and recycle your old oil. NEVER under any condition dump it into your sink or the ground outside. Oil is a major toxic pollutant and needs to be treated as such.

Your air filter is the next thing that should be changed at least once a year. Checking it every 3 months or so though is a good habit to get into. Supplies needed: just the air filter. What you do is this. First, you pop your hood and take out your air filter (this is easy because there is no unscrewing necessary to detach the air filter).

Next, you hold it up to the sunlight, or light in your garage to make sure you can see the other side of it shining through. If you can't, there is probably an accumulation of dust or dirt. A word of caution: DO NOT blow on the filter. This can damage it permanently. Instead, drop it lightly on a hard surface to see if that will shake some of the dirt loose to clean off the filter. If it doesn't, then go ahead and buy a new filter, this means you need it.

Another once a year – more if you live on or drive on dusty roads regularly – filters change that is needed is your fuel filter. I actually lied earlier; this will be even easier than changing your oil! Supplies needed: fuel filter, adjustable wrench, new clamp (only if the old one is too rusty).

First, if you drive a car with a carburetor, locate where the fuel filter is (it will be a small black part attached to your carburetor). A clamp will be attached to it also. Check the clamp to make sure it is not too rusty. If it is, this will need to be replaced as well. Now, grab your wrench and unscrew the clamp and old fuel filter and screw in the new filter and clamp. Presto!

A good place to look for auto parts at good prices is Schuck's, Westbay Auto Parts, or a local bargain auto parts store. Shop around a little for a good store that has good prices, since this will become the place you do most of your auto parts shopping at.

By learning to replace these filters on your own, you will save quite a bit of money. The parts and oil are fairly cheap and you save money on the labor since you are doing it yourself – the labor usually costs the most if you go to a mechanic. 



Dan Olson writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are his.