What are the precautions for changing engine oil?
2 Answers
Precautions for changing engine oil: 1. Drain the oil when it is hot for better fluidity; 2. Fill to the level indicated on the dipstick; 3. Choose the oil change interval based on the vehicle's condition, road conditions, oil quality, and driving habits; 4. Select the oil grade according to the driving environment, driving frequency, and the requirements of the vehicle's engine itself—prefer higher grades over lower ones. Precautions when selecting engine oil: 1. Choose engine oil based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements; 2. Try to choose multi-grade oil. Multi-grade oil is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker prematurely and have lower oil pressure compared to regular oil, which is normal.
After changing engine oil so many times, I've summarized some key tips. First, always check the owner's manual - different cars require different oil grades. For example, my old Accord specifically needs 5W-30, using the wrong grade can cause engine wear. Oil change intervals vary too - aggressive drivers or those often stuck in traffic should change around 7,000 km, while highway-heavy drivers can go 8,000 km. For DIY changes, park on level ground, let the hot engine cool for 10 minutes before draining to ensure complete sediment removal. Always apply a thin oil film to the new filter's gasket to prevent leaks during first startup. Finally, never dump used oil - I always store it in empty containers and take it to repair shops for proper recycling.
