Changing your oil is one of the most vital services your car needs. But some owners treat it like an immense hurdle - and others simply ignore the simplest maintenance that can help their car live longer.

TheCarConnection wants you to learn all about oil and oil changes - how to change it, when you should put in new oil and why, and whether it's time to switch to a synthetic oil or not. Our team of writers and our on-site mechanic offer up these tips to walk you through the ins and outs of oil and oil changes:

What oil should you use?

TCC Tip: Demystifying Oil by Bengt Halvorson (12/19/2005)
What do all those numbers and letters mean, and are all brands the same?

When should you change your oil?

TCC Tip: Time To Change? by TCC Team (9/4/2006)
Your car needs regular attention. Here's how to do it right.

TCC Tip: Your Driveway Talks by Bengt Halvorson (1/9/2006)
Read the stains in the driveway and foretell the future.

TCC Tip: Overlooked Service by Bengt Halvorson (9/18/2006)
So, you think your car's well maintained?

Do it yourself

TCC Tip: Oil Change Checklist by Eric Peters (1/16/2006)
No matter if you do it, or hire it out, you need to pay attention to these things.

The Do-It-Yourself Oil Change by TCC Team (4/10/2000)
Why leave it to the experts? Oil changes are easy maintenance you can do yourself.

Recycling oil

TCC Tip: Get Rid of Oil - The Right Way by Bengt Halvorson (1/23/2006)
Recycling of fluids and parts, for backyard grease monkeys.

Find out more about switching to synthetic oil from our on-site mechanic

Read oil change and other maintenance tips from our on-site mechanic