trying to do an oil change myself and i can not get the oil filter off of the car, does it turn to the left or to the right, is it like the usual lefty losey righty tighty. i can not get my oil filter tool in the space to remove it.

Welcome to AF, counterclockwise like a normal thread, should be able to get a strap type wrench on it.

Like maxwedge said, it is counterclockwise, and if you can't fit a filter strap wrench, then a good investment would be a "cap" type which fits onto a standard ratchet. Combine this with an extension and the job will be a lot less messy for you! If you cannot remove the filter with the wrench, then whoever last installed the filter overtightened it!

Hi - One thing I have learned is to remove the oil filter when the engine is still warm. It comes off easier when the engine is warm and a lot harder once the engine has cooled off. If you still can't get it off, you can always punch a long screw driver through one side and out the other and using both hannds twist it off.

Quick-Lube service centers are notorious for installing the filter without lubricating the gasket and then tighten the crap out of the filter. I think they do this on purpose, so if you try to chang your filter you will have a difficult time removing it. :devil: Most folks just give up when changing their on oil/filter because of this. :cwm27:

I have no trouble removing mine using large pliers, like these:

http://www.curbly.com/uploads/photos/0000/0001/1396/channellock_large.jpg