Before you can go about actually changing your oil, you’ll need to know how much oil to buy, which means you’ll need to know your 2001 Jeep Cherokee’s oil capacity.

The engine in a 2001 Jeep Cherokee has a total oil capacity of 6.0 quarts, or roughly 5.7 liters. This may seem like a lot, but it’s pretty standard for cars with a V6 engine.

It’s a common misconception that your

engine’s displacement

, or the area occupied by the engine cylinders (say, 2.0L or 3.6L), indicates how much oil you need. This number is not the same as your oil capacity.

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What kind of oil does a 2001 Jeep Cherokee need?

The 2001 Jeep Cherokee owner’s manual recommends synthetic 5W-30 motor oil. Let’s break down what those numbers mean.

The first number—in this case, a “5”—represents the oil’s winter rating and indicates that this oil has a low viscosity (resistance to flow) even when outside temperatures are very cold. The second number, the “30,” then tells us that this oil still has a fairly low viscosity even when the engine reaches 212°F or higher.

Of course, that doesn’t narrow things down completely. There are still a multitude of brands and oil characteristics to choose from. Any brand will do as long as it fits the necessary requirements.

How often to change oil on a 2001 Jeep Cherokee

According to official Jeep recommendations, you should be changing your 2001 Jeep Cherokee’s oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles—provided that you stick to fairly normal driving habits and conditions.

You may find yourself needing to change your oil more often if you regularly drive in extreme temperatures, frequently make short trips, or routinely drive on sandy, dusty, gravel, or dirt roads.

That said, you should still

check your oil

regularly before reaching that interval. It’s generally recommended that you check the oil level once or twice a month to avoid accidentally damaging the engine.

It also pays to keep on the lookout for the following signs that indicate an oil change is needed:

The motor oil feels grainy or gritty

Your oil is no longer amber but has turned brown or black

There is a noticeable drop in vehicle performance

You notice a burning, oily, or smoky smell coming from the engine

Unusual noises are coming from the engine

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How to change your oil and oil filter

When the time for an oil change rolls around, collect the following tools: an oil drain pan, a socket wrench, and a filter wrench to remove the old filter.

It goes without saying that you’ll also need to buy a new filter and 6 quarts of synthetic 5W-30 motor oil.

Once you have these tools, start your vehicle and allow the engine to run for a little while. This will let the oil reach its normal operating temperature and should only take four to five minutes.

When the engine is warm enough, shut it off, pop the hood, and do the following:

Find the oil reservoir and unscrew the cap.

Position your drain pan underneath the oil reservoir’s drain hole. Use the socket wrench to remove the drain bolt and washer. Allow the oil to drain into the oil drain pan.

As you wait for the oil to finish draining, remove the old oil filter with the filter wrench.

Install a new oil filter.

Once the oil has drained completely, replace the bolt and install a new washer. Consult your owner’s manual for the tightness recommendations.

Fill your engine with clean oil and screw the oil cap back into place.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary. If the level is fine, run your engine for a few minutes and check for leaks.

As long as you follow the instructions and do everything correctly, the

oil pressure light

on your Jeep’s dashboard should shut off.

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How to find affordable Jeep insurance

In learning how to perform basic maintenance procedures at home, you’ll be able to save yourself a few hundred dollars each year, which gives you a little more flexibility with your budget.

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