What are the precautions for changing engine oil?
4 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.
I've changed the engine oil myself more than a dozen times, and the biggest fear is improper operation damaging the car. For tools, you need to prepare a 17mm oil drain wrench, an oil filter wrench, rubber gloves, and a large oil catch pan. When draining the old oil, don't rush to unscrew the bolt; you need to feel with your hand that the engine temperature has dropped to about 50 degrees, otherwise, the scalding oil can spray out dangerously. The oil extraction method is cleaner, especially for horizontally opposed engines. Pour the new oil slowly, and it's recommended to use a funnel to avoid spilling on the engine. After finishing, be sure to start the engine and let it idle for three minutes, during which you should check under the car for any oil leaks at the drain bolt and oil filter interface. Used oil must be disposed of in a dedicated container; last time I poured it into the community flower bed and got scolded by the property management.
As an average car owner, the most important thing when changing engine oil is not to get scammed. First, check the oil certification marks—for example, my Volkswagen requires oil with VW502 certification. Some shops may recommend engine flushes, but they’re completely unnecessary for new cars under 60,000 km. During the warranty period, it’s best to get the oil changed at a 4S shop to avoid voiding the warranty. If you bring your own oil, make sure to check the production date—oil that’s been opened for over six months can oxidize. After the change, remind the technician to reset the maintenance reminder in the car’s computer—I once had the alert pop up daily because they forgot. Finally, keep the service receipt, which should list the oil brand, specification, and change date, making it easier to resolve any future disputes.
