Although finding an oil maintenance light on is scary, Jeep owners are familiar with it. Oil indicators suggest changing oil based on mileage or driving conditions. But do you understand it all?
When your Jeep says an oil change is required meaning oil-generated debris acts as a barrier to absorb the engine heat and ease the movement of the engine components. In a jeep, the oil change indicator does not measure oil life physically. It works using the onboard computer system.
Gradually but surely, the oil breaks down, loses its activity in producing dirt, and becomes unable to carry out its task. So, if the oil change indicator does go off after changing the oil, reset it to turn off the indicator. We will discuss when the oil change indicator displays a message and how to deal with it.
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Your Jeep Says Oil Change Required Meaning Oil Loses Its Ability To Act.
In this section, we will see some basics about oil, oil change indicator, how it works, signs of oil change indication, and how to reset to understand what it means when Jeep says an oil change is required and how to solve it.
What is the function of engine oil in a Jeep?
Base oils and additives are essential for engine oil. Mineral, synthetic, and blend or high mileage are three types of engine oil available as well.
The jeep engine system involves many moving parts. Heat is produced when the connecting rods and piston components move against each other. Oil smooths the movement and stops overheating by absorbing the heat.
Over time, oil breaks down and loses its lubricity and function to interrupt heat absorption and movement.
How often do you need to change jeep oil?
A Jeep’s oil change requirements are determined by its driving style, model, and age. The usual recommendation to change jeep oil is after driving 7,500 to 10,000 miles, and with synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
However, if you drive fast, use your Jeep for racing, or use it in extreme conditions, you have to change it earlier.
Besides, whether you use the Jeep or not, you should change it if it is old. You should look into the oil level and texture; if you find it filthy, it’s time to change it.
Most importantly, check the manual as it may differ slightly from the usual proposal. Talk to your dealer about your purpose and driving habits for better suggestions. Consulting a jeep specialist can be another way to get direction.
What is an oil change light in the Jeep?
In your vehicle dashboard, there are multiple indicators for the designated purpose. You will find an orange indicator of a kettle with dropping water, known as an oil change indicator. Based on your model or vehicle type, its position mechanism can vary.
If the lights stay on, that indicates two things: the first can be a leak or a low amount of oil, and the second can be due to an oil change required.
How does the oil change indicator work?
Jeep oil indicator is a software-based algorithm system. It calculates mileage, engine performance, temperature change, and driving speed to determine oil shelf life or lightness. The result mainly depends on driving habits and conditions than the mileage it covers.
Oil changes are more frequent under severe driving conditions and less frequent under moderate driving conditions.
Freeway driving in moderate temperatures without a heavy load can expect 12000–16000 km of oil life. In extended hot or cold temperatures with medium load, oil life will be around 8000 —11999 km.
Likewise, the oil life will be lower in extreme conditions with maximum loads; the estimated oil life is 4800–7999 km.
Signs you need to know for oil change
Engine moving parts need oil for lubrication, and only fresh oil serves this purpose. It’s better to change it every three months or run after 5000 miles though sometimes you may need to change it early. Some typical oil change indications are
- The oil in your tank is dirty and
- Noise from engine
- Check the engine light on
- Production of smoke from the exhaust
- Covered much mileage
- Stalling engine
- Bad fuel economy
- Engine overheating
How to reset the oil change indicator?
If you change the oil and still light is on, you can manually reset it with some simple process.
Step 1: Take your Jeep to the park and turn off the engine
Step 2: Turn on the ignition without turning the engine on
Step 3: Within 10 seconds, push the pedal three times
Step 4: Repeat step 3 three times
Step 5: Turn off the ignition and start the engine to determine if the light is gone
This way your oil change light should go, and you are ready to go.
Is It Okay To Drive When An Oil Change is Required?
Changing oil frequently saves you in the long run. So driving with an oil change required is not recommended as the accident is predicted.
That is because filth in oil decreases the lubrication of moving parts and cannot absorb temperature, resulting in engine damage. But you can drive for two weeks or a few miles, like 500 miles.
What Happens If An Oil Change Is Overdue In The Jeep?
Delaying an oil change may damage your Jeep and cost you a lot. Complete engine shut down, reduce the driving quality, poor engine performance, blown head gasket, distorted components, and most importantly, if an oil change is overdue, you may void your vehicle’s warranty if you do this.
All these may put you in a position where engine replacement is the last option.
Can I Just Add Oil To My Jeep Instead Of Getting An Oil Change?
Adding oil is perfectly fine to maintain the oil level. But if your Jeep requires an oil change adding new oil is not suggested. That is because new oil will be contaminated and form thick black sediment. And this cannot do the job.
Thus, this sediment can participate in breaking engine components and the engine ultimately.
What Is The Best Type Of Oil For A Jeep Engine?
A report from the state of California suggested that the combination of high-quality oil and filter protects the engine from damage. Usually, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil blended with a high amount of additives oil has a higher shelf life.
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Conclusion
Your Jeep says oil change required meaning is simple ,change the oil. And the oil change indicator is an excellent quality of Jeep to prompt the owner about an oil change. Carrying out all the plans of action to maintain your Jeep is vital to run safely, extend the life of a vehicle and provide greater resale value.
Besides, This will keep you away from expensive repair that comes from carelessness.
