Should the car be warmed up before an oil change?
3 Answers
It is necessary to warm up the car before an oil change to allow the oil to flow quickly and cleanly. This not only makes the job easier but also improves efficiency, ensuring that the old oil is completely drained and maintenance quality is guaranteed. Engine oil, motor oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines, with its main functions being to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve piston ring sealing, and cool the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.
When changing the engine oil, it's best to warm up the car first. I often change the oil at home by driving the car for a while to raise the engine temperature, usually about ten minutes. In a warm state, the oil flows better and is easier to completely drain from the oil pan, leaving less old oil residue. Cold oil is too thick and sometimes leaves some sludge inside, which affects engine cleanliness. During the operation, wait a few minutes for it to cool down, wear thick gloves to avoid burns, and use the right tools to securely catch the oil in the drain pan. Regular oil changes are basic maintenance, like I do every six months, checking the filter based on mileage and ensuring the oil level is correct before starting the vehicle. It saves money and extends the car's lifespan. The key is safety first—choose a flat area for easy operation to avoid slipping.
As an ordinary office worker, I usually drive a short distance to warm up the car before changing the oil. From daily experience, warm oil drains faster and more thoroughly, similar to how it's easier to pour out all the boiling water at home. Cold oil is too thick and may clog, making it harder to drain completely, which is a waste of effort. When I drive my car to the repair shop during my commute, they change the oil much more cleanly. If you try it yourself, remember to wear gloves and protective gear to avoid hot oil splashing and causing blisters. Also, don't neglect related checks: after adding new oil, start the engine and drive a bit to see if there are any leaks, and use the dipstick to measure the oil level. This habit saves time and effort, and also protects the engine from carbon buildup—highly recommended for lazy folks.
