Road Block: You need to change the oil. You don’t know how to change the oil.

Best Route: Your owner’s manual will tell you the proper frequency for oil changes in your vehicle (typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles). If you’re mechanically inclined, you can certainly do the job yourself. The manual will often tell you what kind of oil to use and how much. But in most cases it won’t offer step-by-step directions, so it’s a good idea to get a lesson from someone who knows what he’s doing. And be aware that the job is harder with some vehicles than with others, depending on the location of the oil filter. Also, you’ll need some specialty equipment, such as an oil-collection pan, driveway ramps (if you have a low-profile car), a ratchet set, and an oil-filter wrench, all of which you can buy at an auto-parts or hardware store. And you’ll have to recycle the old oil. To find a used–motor-oil collection site near you, go to www.earth911.org. If all of that seems like a big hassle, consider this instead: Hiring a pro to do your oil changes can help you find a repair shop and build rapport.