In the interest of engine longevity, change oil at 7500-mile intervals or once a year, whichever comes first. When changing the oil, ensure the engine oil drain plug is started and torqued using hand tools, as power tools can strip the threads of the plug and the oil pan. A complete oil change requires new oil, a new filter insert kit, and a new drain plug sealing washer. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, then switch the engine off. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter housing cover, then remove the filter cartridge and discard the O-ring. Raise the vehicle and support it safely. Working underneath the engine, open the trap door in the engine splash shield to expose the drain plug. Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug, loosen it with a socket or box wrench, and remove it by hand to let the oil drain into the pan. When the oil flow has diminished to an occasional drip, reinstall the drain plug with a new metal sealing washer and torque it. Lubricate and install the new oil filter O-ring and the new filter cartridge in the oil filter housing cover, then install and tighten the housing cover. Refill the crankcase with oil, with the approximate oil capacity listed in the relevant table. Start the engine and check that the oil pressure warning light immediately goes out. To check for the correct oil level, park on a horizontal surface, run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, increase engine speed to 1100 rpm, and maintain it for 3 minutes, then read the engine oil level using the instrument cluster display.
