Offering an engaging driving experience and tons of charm, the 2012 Mini Cooper also came with chic retro styling, excellent fuel economy, and seemingly endless customization options. To keep this car running properly, knowing its engine oil capacity is a must.

Extra expenses, such as

car insurance

and maintenance, are inevitable when buying a car. But you can save money on an oil change for your 2012 Mini Cooper by doing it yourself instead of having the pros take care of it—you’ll just need some specific info to get started.

Here to help you out is

Jerry

, the

licensed insurance broker

and super app for car insurance savings. We have put together this guide breaking down your 2012 Mini Cooper’s oil capacity, what kind of oil you should be using, and much more.

2012 Mini Cooper engine oil capacity

To begin, we must determine how much engine oil a 2012 Mini Cooper requires.

Your Mini Cooper features a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 4.4 liters. Don't confuse your engine's displacement (how much space its cylinders take up) with the quantity of oil it can contain (how much oil is needed for each oil change). This can result in under-filling your engine, which is never a good thing.

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What kind of oil does a 2012 Mini Cooper need?

Now that we've covered the engine and oil capacity, let's look at the oil type that will perform best. There are countless types of oil sold in shops, but don't stress too much—you only need to look for the SAE 5W-30 fully synthetic motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.

The "W" stands for winter, and the "5" indicates that this oil stays thin and fast-flowing even at extremely low temperatures. Finally, the 30 after the "W" reflects the viscosity (or thickness) of the oil at normal operating temperatures.

Basically, you want an oil that is thin enough to flow well when the engine is cold but remains thick enough to protect the engine when used.

MORE:

How to install a truck cap on your pickup

How often to change oil on a 2012 Mini Cooper

Now that you know how much and what kind of oil to put in your Mini Cooper, it's time to change it! According to Mini, you should change the oil every 4,000 to 6,000 miles.

Check your oil level often and remember when you last changed it to keep your engine running well for a long time. Even if you don't drive very often or don't put a lot of miles on your car, you should still change the oil every six months, so the oil doesn't turn into sludge.

Also, keep an eye out for the following signs that it's time to change the oil:

The oil is black or dark brown in color

The engine is making

strange noises

Any new smells, especially ones that smell like oil, smoke, or fire

Your car is driving worse than usual

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How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that you are ready to change your oil, you will need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new filter, and a rag. Last, don't forget your new bottle of synthetic motor oil.

The first step is to let your engine run for a few minutes to warm it up. After that, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and perform the following:

Head under the engine and put your drain pan under the oil drain plug

Remove the plug with your socket wrench and let the oil drain into the pan

Unscrew your

oil filter

with your filter wrench and let the oil run into the pan

Wipe the surface where the filter goes with a rag, and then screw in the new filter

Put the plug back on the oil drain

Fill the engine with the right amount of oil and replace the fill cap

And you're done! Use the dipstick to check that you put in the right amount of oil and that the oil pressure light on the dashboard is off. Also, it's a good idea to let your truck run for a few minutes to inspect for leaks.

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.

One final thing: cleaning up! You should never put old, dirty oil on the ground or in the trash. Your best option is to put it in a container that can be closed and take it to your local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Changing the oil in your 2012 Mini Cooper regularly can keep it running smoothly for a long time and will save you a ton of money in the long run if you do it yourself.

If you’re looking for more ways to save money on your car ownership costs, then look no further than

Jerry

licensed broker

, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap

2012 Mini Cooper car insurance quotes

from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new

car insurance

. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price!

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