Is It Better to Change Engine Oil When the Car Is Cold or Hot?
2 Answers
In fact, you can change the engine oil whether the car is cold or hot, but relatively speaking, it is better to change the oil when the car is hot. Here are the reasons and methods for changing oil when the car is hot: Reasons for changing oil when the car is hot: After the car is hot, the oil becomes thinner and flows better. Impurities and sludge will be discharged well with the used oil and will not adhere to the inner surface and bottom of the engine case. Therefore, hot used oil flows better and can clean the engine, so the more thoroughly it is drained, the better it is for the engine. Methods for changing oil: The oil filter is difficult to remove when the car is cold due to sludge. Generally, it is best when the water temperature gauge reaches about 90 degrees in the normal driving range. Of course, the car does not need to be driven; it should idle for 3-5 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can warm up the car to about 30 degrees in place.
When it comes to changing engine oil, I believe it's better to do it when the engine is warm. I often work on my car in the garage and have tried changing oil when the engine was cold. The oil was too thick and drained very slowly, always leaving me with the feeling that there was residue left behind. When the engine is warm, the oil flows more easily and drains completely, taking all the impurities with it. The engine runs smoother with fresh oil. Remember to let the engine run for about 10 minutes before each oil change, so it reaches the right temperature before you start—it saves time and effort. If you force an oil change when the engine is cold, you risk clogging the oil pan outlet, which could cause problems the next time you drive. Regular maintenance is crucial; don't cut corners for convenience—safety comes first. Always wear gloves before starting the job.
