How Often to Change Engine Oil Rarely Used Car
Introduction
Engine oil is a vital fluid that helps to keep your car’s engine running smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts of the engine, prevents them from overheating, and protects them from wear and tear. However, if you don’t drive your car very often, you may wonder how often you need to change the engine oil.
The Importance of Changing Engine Oil
Even if you don’t drive your car very often, it’s still important to change the engine oil regularly. This is because engine oil breaks down over time, and it can become contaminated with dirt and other particles. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Increased engine wear
- Reduced engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine failure
How Often to Change Engine Oil
The frequency with which you need to change the engine oil in your rarely used car depends on a number of factors, including:
- The type of oil you use
- The climate you live in
- How often you drive your car
In general, it’s a good idea to change the engine oil in your rarely used car at least once a year, even if you don’t drive it very often. However, if you live in a hot climate or if you drive your car in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change the oil more often.
How to Check Your Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level regularly, even if you don’t plan on changing it. This will help you to catch any problems early on. To check your engine oil level, follow these steps:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the oil pan and pull it out again.
- Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” marks.
How to Change Your Engine Oil
If you’re comfortable doing so, you can change the engine oil in your rarely used car yourself. To do this, you will need the following supplies:
- New engine oil
- New oil filter
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Wrench
To change your engine oil, follow these steps:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan.
- Use the wrench to loosen the oil drain plug.
- Allow the oil to drain into the oil drain pan.
- Once the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug.
- Locate the oil filter and use the wrench to loosen it.
- Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new oil filter.
- Add the new engine oil to the engine through the oil filler cap.
- Check the oil level on the dipstick to make sure that it is between the “min” and “max” marks.
Conclusion
Changing the engine oil in your rarely used car is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.