Should the engine be warmed up before an oil change?
2 Answers
It is necessary to warm up the engine before changing the oil. The method for warming up is: After starting the vehicle, let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the engine coolant to reach normal temperature. The steps for changing the oil are: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the undercover, and place a container beneath the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the drain plug, use an air gun to blow into the oil filler port for two minutes, then tighten the drain plug after the oil has drained and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the undercover, lower the vehicle, and add new oil through the filler port. Precautions for changing the oil include: 1. Perform the oil change while the engine is warm to ensure the old oil is drained as completely as possible; 2. Add the appropriate amount of new oil; 3. After adding the oil, start the engine and check all components for leaks. Let the engine run for 3 minutes to confirm the oil level is at the normal mark.
Preheating before an oil change is indeed crucial. Having driven for many years, I've noticed that preheating raises the oil temperature, making it thinner and easier to drain from the engine. Without preheating, the old oil remains thick and doesn't drain completely, leaving behind contaminants that can compromise the lubrication of the new oil and potentially damage the engine over time. From my personal experience, 5 to 10 minutes of preheating is sufficient—just enough to bring the engine to its normal operating temperature without overheating. This is especially necessary in winter when cold oil flows less easily. Once, I skipped preheating and later noticed increased noise while driving; upon inspection, I found old oil hadn't fully drained. I recommend always preheating before an oil change and taking the opportunity to inspect and clean around the oil pan to prevent leaks. It's a routine maintenance step that's both efficient and reassuring.
