When Should Engine Oil Be Replaced Based on Remaining Life?

[Lori]

Engine oil should be replaced when its remaining life falls below 20%. However, this should also be determined based on the vehicle's onboard computer settings. When properly configured, the onboard computer will alert the driver once the engine oil reaches the replacement threshold. It is recommended that owners replace the oil promptly to prevent abnormal engine wear during operation, which could affect normal usage and shorten the engine's lifespan. Methods to determine if oil needs replacement: Check the oil viscosity—if there is no viscosity, the oil needs to be replaced. Additionally, black-colored oil, the presence of black particles, metal shavings, excessive carbon deposits, or an unusual smell all indicate that the oil should be replaced. Steps for replacing engine oil: First, let the engine run for a few minutes, then turn it off. Open the oil cap and the drain plug to completely drain the old oil. Replace the oil filter, applying a small amount of oil to the new filter's sealing ring. Tighten the drain plug, add new oil up to the upper mark on the dipstick, and close the cap. Start the engine and check for any leaks. Finally, turn off the engine, wait for 10 minutes, and check the oil level again—it should be slightly above the midpoint between the upper and lower marks.