Changing your own oil is a great way to save money and it is actually a lot easier than it sounds. But if not done properly, it can cause serious damage to your car and the environment. And once you're done changing your oil, what do you do with the old oil? At Ace Auto Parts, we have all the necessary tools and materials to make changing and disposing of your own oil a breeze.

Here are a few important tips on the proper ways of disposing of your used oil:

Get the necessary materials

Before you change your own oil, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials needed for the job. This includes oil (check your owners manual for the amount of oil you will need), an oil filter, drain plug and oil filter wrench, large drain pan with the capacity to hold all of your vehicles used oil, a funnel, and some rags for cleaning up.

It's important to collect all the used oil without spilling, which can damage your driveway, garage floor and even the environment. Spilling large amounts of oil on a public street or down a storm drain is illegal and lead to hefty fines and even jail time for repeat offenders.

Prep the oil for disposal

Once you have drained the old oil out of your vehicle into the drain pan, it's time to prep the oil for proper disposal. Since you will need to transport the oil to a motor oil recycling facility, it's easier if you transfer the oil into more travel-friendly containers, such as gallon-size milk jugs or laundry detergent bottles. Make sure the container has a cap that can be securely fastened. While modern drain pans do have sealable lids, they can be unwieldy and difficult to transport when full.

Be sure the oil is cool before you attempt a transfer of any kind. If you spill a little bit of oil on the ground during the transfer, don't worry. Use your clean rag to wipe up as much oil as you can quickly. Covering the stain with powdered soap or laundry detergent for several hours will help soak up extra oil.

Recycle your used motor oil

Once the oil is placed in the proper containers, you will need to take it to your local recycling center. Check you local city and county websites for more information. Some gas stations will accept used oil, but they may charge a small disposal fee. If you live in more rural areas, recycling centers may be few and far between. Consider buying a larger container, around five to eight gallons, to store the oil of multiple oil changes so you only need a trip to the recycling center once a year.

For more information on proper oil disposal techniques, the pros at Ace Auto Parts are always here to help. Call us today at 800-637-6752.