should I change auto engine oil when the engine is cold or hot?
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The best time to change your engine oil is when the engine is warm. Here are a few reasons why:
- Better Drainage: Warm oil is thinner and flows more easily than cold oil, which means more of the used oil will drain out of the engine. This will leave less old, dirty oil behind to mix with the new oil.
- Suspended Particles: Running the engine will stir up particles and contaminants that have settled at the bottom of the oil pan. When the oil is warm, these particles will be suspended in the oil and drained away, leading to a more effective oil change.
However, there's a balance to strike here. Changing oil when the engine is too hot can be dangerous due to the risk of burns from the hot oil and engine parts. Therefore, it's advisable to let the car sit for a few minutes after running the engine to allow the oil to cool down a bit before you begin the oil change.
Always remember to follow the instructions provided by the car's manufacturer when changing engine oil. And, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic or service center.