What should be noted after changing the engine oil?
3 Answers
When changing the engine oil, there are mainly the following points to note: 1. Add oil in moderation: The oil should not be insufficient, but neither should it be excessive; adding too much oil will increase engine resistance and reduce the vehicle's service life; adding too little oil will cause lubrication pressure, leading to low-load operation of the engine, which can also cause significant wear. 2. Choose oil according to the vehicle manual: When purchasing oil, it is essential to buy the oil grade and viscosity as specified in the vehicle manual. Special attention should be paid to the fact that engine oil and diesel oil are not interchangeable. Unless specifically stated, mixing the two can cause significant wear to the vehicle.
Right after an oil change, the first thing I do is peek under the car to make sure the new filter and oil pan aren’t leaking. Then, I start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, listening for any unusual noises—if there’s a buzzing sound, I shut it down immediately for inspection. After the engine cools, I pull out the dipstick to check the oil level—it should be right in the middle of the marked range, neither too much nor too little. The oil type must match the manual’s specs; using the wrong brand can cause sluggish acceleration and higher fuel consumption. I take a short test drive to check if the RPM stays steady and there are no strange noises—if all’s well, I’m good to go. Finally, I jot down the oil change date and mileage, mark it on the calendar to avoid forgetting, and dispose of the used oil properly at a recycling point. With older cars, you’ve got to be extra careful—neglecting this can damage the engine, and repairs can cost a fortune.
I think it's crucial to let the engine idle for a while after an oil change to observe whether the oil pressure warning light goes off. If the filter connection isn't tightened properly, it's prone to leakage, so carefully inspect the sealing area. The most reliable way to measure oil level is to let the engine cool for five minutes after shutdown, then pull out the dipstick to check if the reading complies with specifications. The viscosity of the new oil must match the vehicle's requirements, as using random mixed oils can significantly impact engine lifespan. Before driving, check if the dashboard warnings have reset, as many models require manual resetting of maintenance reminders. Don't cut corners with oil disposal - environmentally responsible disposal at professional recycling stations saves hassle. Using an app to record maintenance cycles facilitates future tracking, and oil change intervals should be adjusted longer based on driving conditions and habits.
