December 1988

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Dear Tom and Ray,
I have taken your advice to change my oil every 3000 miles. In order to establish a better relationship with my vehicle and save money, I've decided to do the work myself. Now, what do I do with the used oil?
Evan

TOM: Don't pour it down the sewer and don't put it into a Hefty bag...no matter how tough that fat guy on TV says they are. Motor oil is a hazardous waste and should not be disposed of along with your regular household trash. Most places that sell you new oil will take back the same amount of used oil in sealed containers with proof of purchase . This is even law in some states--including Massachusetts where you live. Elsewhere, the state department of environmental protection will be happy to tell you where you can safely dispose of used motor oil. If that's too much trouble, you can always do what my brother does and use it on your hair.

RAY: Right, it doesn't make anything grow, but it darkens my scalp, and from a distance, it almost looks like thick locks.

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© 2006 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.