in a Mini Cooper every 4,000 to 6,000 miles using MINI High-Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the correct grade and amount of oil.

Oil is an essential component that powers your engine. Not only does it help improve fuel efficiency, but it also protects the engine from damage. As your oil gets dirty and viscous over time, you’ll need to get it changed following a regular maintenance schedule.

Oil changes are usually a straightforward process, but each car model has slightly different needs. Here to walk you through the process of a Mini Cooper oil change is

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How often does a Mini Cooper need an oil change?

You should change your Mini’s oil every 4,000 to 6,000 miles as part of your

basic car maintenance schedule

. Drivers who use their cars less may be able to go longer.

That said, delaying past 6,000 miles could lead to problems including corrosion, overheating, and reduced fuel efficiency. Check your oil level regularly and add oil if necessary.

MORE:

Mini Cooper oil capacity

What kind of oil does a Mini Cooper need?

MINI High-Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil

is recommended for your Mini Cooper.

However, if you don’t have access to the oil above, other synthetic oils you can use include:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

The synthetic oils listed have an API rating of SM or higher and meet MINI’s long-life rating.

Inserting a different grade of oil could lead to engine problems or void your warranty. Check your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re using the correct grade.

How much does an oil change cost for a Mini Cooper?

The cost of an oil change for a Mini Cooper varies depending on whether you take the car to a shop or change it yourself.

Professional cost

For a professional oil change, you can expect to be charged between $150 and $190. This includes $75-$96 for labor and $78-$93 for synthetic oil.

There may also be additional costs if your oil filter also needs replacing.

DIY cost

You’ll save money by changing your oil yourself (as long as you have the right equipment). A quart of

5W-30 synthetic oil

costs between $4 and $13. A 5-quart container will run you between $15 and $40.

MORE: Synthetic or conventional oil: which is better?

How to change the oil in a Mini Cooper yourself

What you’ll need

5W-30 synthetic oil (4 to 5 quarts)

Dipstick

Mini Cooper oil filter with o-ring

8 mm hex head socket

Oil pan

Carjack

Jack stands

Ratchet wrench

Drain pan with at least 5-quart capacity

Funnel

1. Warm up the engine

Your engine oil should be at operating temperature for this procedure.

Turn your engine on for a few minutes and turn it back off once you’ve reached normal temperature.

MORE:

Can you add oil to a hot engine?

2. Secure the car

Put your car on jack stands to secure it in place. For extra security, you can use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you work.

3. Drain the old oil

Open the hood of your car

to unscrew the oil fill cap. You’ll need to get underneath the car to remove the drain bolt and washer and drain the oil into the oil pan. Let the oil drain for at least 15 minutes.

4. Remove the filter

Take out the filter and let the remaining oil drain. Make sure that the filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine’s surface.

5. Install the new oil filter

Before installing the new filter, wipe away any dirt and residue from the engine block.

Coat the gasket with new oil to create an airtight seal when you replace the washer and drain bolt.

Torque the drain bolt to 25 Nm or the owner’s manual specification.

6. Put new oil in the engine

Pour 4 to 5 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic oil into the engine (depending on your model's specigications)—using a funnel will minimize spills.

Screw on the fill cap tightly and run the engine for a few minutes to check for any leaks from the drain bolt or oil filter.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, turn it off and wait three minutes. Check the oil level with a dipstick and add more if necessary.

8. Reset the oil change reminder

Turn on your car and hold the reset button (trip odometer button) until you see a menu come up. Once the menu appears, press and hold the reset button again to reset the oil change reminder.

MORE:

What to do if the oil pressure light is on

What happens if you don’t change the oil in a Mini Cooper?

Oil changes can be cumbersome but are necessary to protect your car’s engine. The oil keeps the engine parts lubricated, helping to prevent corrosion and engine knock, distribute heat, and improve fuel efficiency.

If you neglect regular oil changes, the following problems could develop:

Engine corrosion

Decreased fuel efficiency

Overheating

Complete engine failure

Maintaining a regular oil change schedule will prevent these issues. In the long run, they are also more affordable than the major repair bills you’d have to foot if one of the aforementioned problems develops.

MORE:

Does car insurance cover repairs?

How to save money on car insurance

Oil change expenses are necessary—just like paying for c

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