Use a clean wide mouthed funnel for refilling.
The quantity and grade of fresh oil you need should be noted from the car handbook before draining. The oil is usually cheaper in 5 litre cans.
To avoid spilling any on the engine, put a funnel in the oil filler hole and pour the oil straight from the can or from a smaller measuring jug. Some cans have a pull-out plastic spout.
If you use the can, pour the oil in small amounts, taking frequent dipstick readings until the level is just above the Full/Max mark.
Allow time for the oil to drain into the sump so that the readings are correct.
A measuring jug enables you to pour in the exact amount required, allowing for the new filter, but always double check with the dipstick.
Once the sump is filled to its correct level, restart the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes. Check for leaks from the filter sealing ring and the sump drain plug, and tighten them if necessary.
Stop the engine and wait a minute for the oil to drain back into the sump, then check the oil level again with the dipstick.
If necessary, add more fresh oil through the funnel. When the level is correct, remove the funnel and replace the oil filler cap to complete the job.
Remember it is illegal to put your old oil down a drain, or bury it in the ground. The local council usually has an oil-disposal tank at one of its refuse tips, or a local garage may have one.
Cleaning the oil-filler-cap breather
This job is necessary only if the oil filler cap acts also as the crankcase breather (See Checking the emission valve and breather).