Is it necessary to warm up the car before changing the engine oil?
3 Answers
It is necessary to warm up the car before changing the engine oil. The specific method for changing the engine oil is as follows: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, locate the drain plug, and unscrew it to drain the oil; 2. After removing the oil filter, place a container beneath it; 3. Replace with a new oil filter and add new engine oil. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Lubrication and friction reduction; 2. Assisting in cooling and temperature reduction; 3. Sealing and leakage prevention; 4. Rust and corrosion protection; 5. Shock absorption and cushioning. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its basic properties, while additives compensate for and improve any shortcomings in the base oil's performance.
When I was assisting the master at the repair shop, I was always reminded to warm up the car. The engine oil becomes slightly thinner and flows more smoothly when heated. After the engine runs for seven or eight minutes and is turned off, the old oil drained at this time can carry away more impurities. If you change the oil directly when the engine is cold, the sludge and metal debris deposited in the oil pan won't be completely removed, essentially mixing the dirty stuff with the new oil. Low temperatures can also prevent the oil from fully draining, often resulting in 100 to 200 milliliters less oil being drained. Now, when I change the oil myself, I always start the car first and wait until the temperature gauge needle rises a bit before proceeding. This makes the oil change much more efficient.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, warming up the car before an oil change is a must. When the engine is cold, the oil is thick and sticky, clinging to the parts, and you'll only drain about half a can when you loosen the drain plug. But letting the car idle for a few minutes makes all the difference—the heated oil flushes out the accumulated impurities inside the engine, ensuring the old oil drains completely. I usually start the engine and listen for the sound, waiting until the RPM stabilizes at the normal idle level before shutting it off. At this point, the oil temperature is just right. Remember to wait five minutes before proceeding, or you might burn your hands.
