Can You Change Car Oil While Engine is Hot?

Changing your car’s oil is a regular maintenance task that helps keep your engine running smoothly. But can you change your oil while the engine is hot? The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

Why Would You Want to Change Your Oil While the Engine is Hot?

There are a few reasons why you might want to change your oil while the engine is hot.

• The oil is thinner when it’s hot, which makes it easier to drain.
• The hot oil will help dissolve any sludge or contaminants that have built up in the engine.
• Changing your oil while the engine is hot can help prevent the formation of sludge and contaminants in the future.

Safety First

Before you start changing your oil, it’s important to take some safety precautions.

• Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Allow the engine to cool down for a few minutes before you start working.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from hot oil and chemicals.

Changing Your Oil

Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you can start changing your oil.

1. Locate the oil drain plug and place a drain pan underneath it.
2. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug and allow the oil to drain out.
3. Once the oil has drained out, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
4. Locate the oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to remove it.
5. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter and screw it on by hand.
6. Tighten the oil filter using the oil filter wrench.
7. Add new oil to the engine according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil.
9. Check the oil level and add more oil as needed.

Conclusion

Changing your car’s oil while the engine is hot is a safe and effective way to keep your engine running smoothly. Just be sure to take the necessary safety precautions and follow the steps outlined above.