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Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance tasks affecting the durability and efficiency of the drive unit. However, for the oil to fulfill its function, it must be selected in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's requirements. TotalEnergies experts have prepared a practical guide that explains step by step how to choose the right product and how to properly change the oil in a passenger car with a 4-stroke engine.
Start here
The first step in any oil change is to make sure that the oil meets the technical specifications for your car model. Three pieces of information are key here: quality specifications, manufacturer approvals, and viscosity grade.
All this information can be found in the vehicle manual, which should be the primary source of knowledge for drivers and mechanics. Only then should you compare the parameters on the oil label and make sure that the product meets all the engine requirements.
To make it easier to choose the right lubricant, TotalEnergies also provides an intuitive online configurator: totalenergies.pl/dobierz-olej-0, which quickly identifies products compatible with a specific car model.
Step-by-step oil change instructions
Below is the complete oil change procedure developed by TotalEnergies. Following the sequence of steps will ensure that the process is carried out safely, effectively, and in accordance with good service practices.
- Warm up the engine.
- Drive onto a lift or service bay and turn off the engine.
- On certain car models, remove the lower cover protecting the engine and oil pan, if necessary.
- Prepare a container for used oil and the appropriate drain plug wrench.
- Unscrew the upper oil filler cap.
- Unscrew the drain plug in the oil pan to drain the used oil into the used oil container.
- Unscrew the oil filter.
- Wait a few minutes to allow the remaining used oil to drain from the oil pan. Then replace the gasket in the drain plug.
- Prepare a new canister filter (if applicable) or filter cartridge – replace the gasket accompanying the outer filter housing. Lubricate the seals with oil!
- Install the new oil filter.
- Tighten the oil pan drain plug and install the lower engine cover.
- Pour fresh engine oil recommended by the car manufacturer through the filler hole.
- Tighten the filler cap.
- Start the engine for about a minute.
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes to allow the fresh oil to drain completely into the oil pan.
- Check the oil level in the pan again. If necessary, add enough oil to bring the level close to the maximum.
What else should you keep in mind?
TotalEnergies reminds you that to maintain full engine protection, it is essential to follow the replacement intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If the manual allows for different options, it is always recommended to choose the shorter one, specified by time or mileage. This guarantees that the engine will maintain its proper operating parameters and maximum durability.