I have an 1988 Vanden Plas that I'm considering changing the oil myself. It has 88k miles and I drive it about 500 miles per year.

1. How often should I change the oil and filter?
2. What special tools do I need to remove the oil filter and drain plug?
3. Will all of the oil drain with the front wheels on ramps or do I have to level the car?
4. Is there anything else I should do?

Thanks for your help,
Big E

 

Big E, based on the number of miles that you put on the car, I would say that you should change the oil about every year. That is not so much because of wearing out the oil, but due to oxidation of the oil.

As for special tools, all that you may need is an oil filter removal tool and a basic set of wrenches. As for getting all the oil out of the motor with it up on ramps, that shouldn't be an issue either. The amount of oil that will be left in the engine will be very minimal. Start the car, get the oil warm, place the car on the ramps, ensure the motor has been turned off for atleast 5 minutes and then drain the oil. Put in the recommended amount and pull the car off of the ramps, then check the level to make sure you have an adequate amount (add as necessary).

As for other things you should do, I would say because you are under the car already, doing a once over of any grease fittings would be a good thing to do. Beyond that, I would be curious how often you drive the car. If you only drive it say during the summer months, then I would say in the spring you do the oil, grease the various parts, and prior to the initial start up do a once around of the engine bay, trunk, etc for any possible rodent problems (ie, nest built in the intake, squirrels hiding in the trunk, etc). If you drive it a few miles every other week, then I would say that you are fine with only the oil and grease.