What should be noted after changing the engine oil?
2 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.
