How Often to Change Engine Oil

The engine is the heart of a vehicle and needs to be protected. Modern engines are compact and more powerful, meaning the chances of wear and tear are higher. It is the engine oil that lubricates the moving parts of the engine, such as pistons and cylinders. It transfers heat away from the combustion cycle of the engine. It also carries the by-products of combustion in a suspended state. Therefore, it is important to know how often you need to change the engine oil.

You should check the oil level when the engine is cold. In other words, the oil should not be spread across all parts of the engine via the oil pump. The vehicle, and hence the engine should be in a level position. The level of oil is measured using a dipstick provided with the engine, which should show a level between the maximum and minimum indicator marks. It is recommended that the vehicle's manual be referred, to have an idea of the amount of oil that needs to be poured into the engine. The oil is to be deposited in the oil pan located at the bottom of the engine.

How Often Should the Engine Oil be Changed

The oil level should be checked at regular intervals of, at least, once in every two weeks or 1,000 kilometers. Oil level should also be checked before making a long journey. Oil change intervals are recommended by the vehicle maintenance manual and vary from vehicle to vehicle, as also among the type of oil that is used. Typically, the drain life lies between 5,000 and 15,000 kilometers, or six months and one year, whichever comes first. It is to be noted that frequency of oil change would depend upon several factors such as driving conditions, years of use of the engine, the engine condition, and so on.

Steps for Changing the Oil

At normal temperature, the oil is thicker than at high temperatures as generated by an engine. For an oil change, the existing oil should be thin enough, to drain out of the engine, requiring the oil to be at higher temperatures. As such, before proceeding with an oil change, the engine should be turned on. The proper recommendations and cautions should also be noted, while undergoing the procedure. The following steps will help you through the oil change procedure.

• Once the engine is at the normal operating temperature and the oil is thin enough, the vehicle should be brought to a stand-still, put on gear, and the parking brake applied firmly. For safety, the tires can be blocked. An oil drain pan should be placed in the path of the oil drain.
• The oil drain plug should be removed and the oil is allowed to drain into the pan. Maintain caution while removing the plug, so that the hot oil does not come in contact with you. It is recommended that a good amount of time be given for the oil to drain out completely.
• Once the oil drains out completely, the oil filter should also be replaced. The location of the filter is indicated in the owner's manual.
• After replacing the filter, the drain plug should be reinstalled. The existing washer of the drain plug may be replaced.
• Once done, the engine is now set to be filled with new oil. Recommended quantity of the oil should be used to fill up the engine through the oil filter.
• After filling up the engine with oil, the engine should be turned on and kept in idle for several minutes. This allows the new oil to be pumped across the engine. During this, leakages from the engine may also be checked.

Engine oil, as such, is the life saver of an engine. In order to properly maintain a vehicle, and hence the engine, the oil level should be checked, refilled or changed whenever required. A good engine ensures good, hassle-free driving comfort.