How Often Should a Van Have Its Oil Changed?
2 Answers
The oil in a van should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, or every six months to a year. Below are the steps for changing the oil: 1. Lift the vehicle. In 4S shops and repair facilities, a lift is used. If changing the oil yourself, you can raise the vehicle using blocks. Remove the front underbody cover and place the oil recovery container (for collecting used oil) beneath the oil drain plug on the engine. Keep the distance within 50cm to avoid oil splashing. Then, carefully remove the drain plug using a wrench while wearing rubber gloves. Connect an oil extractor with an air pump to the drain port to suction out the used oil. If changing the oil yourself, simply let the oil drain by gravity. 2. To ensure thorough removal of old oil, some engines use an air gun to blow out residual oil from the oil filler port. Lower the vehicle, then use the air gun to blow air into the oil filler port for about 2-5 minutes. Ensure a low container, such as a basin, is placed beneath the vehicle to catch any oil. Also, use a clean towel to seal the oil filler port when using the air gun.
Experience I summarized from delivering goods in a van before: When it comes to changing engine oil, you can't rely solely on time or mileage as a single indicator. My vehicle runs daily in urban-rural fringe areas with poor road conditions and is often fully loaded, so I usually need to change the oil every 4,000 kilometers. If it's only driven in the city with good road conditions, it can last 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers. But even if driven less, the oil will oxidize and deteriorate after half a year, so even if only 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers have been covered, it's time for a change. I usually check the dipstick regularly, and if the oil turns black and thick, I change it in advance. Remember to replace the oil filter at the same time, otherwise the new oil will get dirty quickly. Like the last time I skipped changing the filter to save trouble, and after just 2,000 kilometers, I noticed the engine sounded off.
