Locate Your Oil Pan

• 1). Take out your car maintenance manual and locate the section on changing oil, or service.
  
  
• 2). Look for the diagram that shows where the oil pan is located. It may just be an illustration of the engine with the oil pan assembly.
  
  
• 3). Put your car up on jacks or a hoist. Reinforce the jacks or hoists with posts or solid cement blocks under the carriage itself.
  
  
• 4). Slide under the car and locate the oil pan using a flash light if necessary.
  
  

Removing the Cap

• 1). Size up your socket by placing several sockets right on the oil can cap to see if they fit.
  
  
• 2). Select the right fit and place it on your wrench.
  
  
• 3). Fit your socket and wrench to the oil can cap and slowly begin to turn the wrench counterclockwise. Keep pushing, using enough force to turn the bolt.
  
  
• 4). Remove the cap and get out of the way, as the oil will drain right out of the pan.