The 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L is a durable and versatile vehicle that’s perfect for outdoor adventures—both on and off the road. Before you head out though, you’ll need to make sure it’s up-to-date on its oil changes—which means you should know what its engine oil capacity is.

If the upkeep for your 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L is getting a bit too burdensome, you can save some money by handling some of the maintenance yourself. And an easy way to do that is by changing the oil yourself.

Before you can roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, though, you'll need to know

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2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L engine oil capacity

First things first—the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L has an engine oil capacity of exactly 5.5 quarts. As the model name suggests, it also has a displacement of 2.4 liters.

People often confuse oil capacity and displacement. Although they both describe volumetric measurements, displacement refers specifically to the volume of the engine’s cylinders.

Engine oil capacity, on the other hand, describes the total amount of oil that your engine can hold—this is the number that is important to know when you are draining and refilling your car’s oil.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L need?

Another crucial bit of information is what type of oil your car takes. There are many different types of oil and it's important to use the correct one—using the wrong type of oil could cause serious damage to your engine.

For your 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L, you will need fully-synthetic motor oil with the rating of 0W-20.

Different types of oil are defined by their thickness or “viscosity.” When you see an oil type it will always be written as two numbers separated by a dash with a “W” next to the first one. The first number describes the oil viscosity at a “cold start " or 0°F. The second number describes the oil viscosity at normal operating temperatures, which is usually about 212°F.

It's also important to know whether you should use fully synthetic, conventional oil, or a blend of both. For most modern vehicles, you're usually going to want fully-synthetic oil.

As long as the oil that you use is fully synthetic and has a viscosity rating of 0W-20, it should be compatible with your 2016 Jeep Cherokee.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L

Finally, you'll need to know how often to change your Jeep’s oil. You should plan on changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 6 months.

You may need to change your oil ahead of schedule. Ideally, you’re should be checking your oil at least once a month for these common warning signs that it's time to change your oil:

There are contaminants in the oil. If you don’t see any, rub some of the oil between two fingers. If it’s coarse or gritty, you should change your oil.

The oil has changed colors. When it’s fresh, the oil will be an amber color similar to apple cider. Once it circulates through your engine it will begin to darken. If it’s become a golden brown, you’re still fine. But if it is a very dark brown or black color, it’s time for a change.

There is a tapping or banging sound. When the oil has gone bad, it won’t properly lubricate or cool the engine and you might hear a tapping, ticking, or banging

sound coming from your engine

. If this happens, you should change your oil immediately.

There is an unpleasant odor. If your oil is past its prime, you might start to notice the smell of smoke or something burning.

MORE:

How to remove grease and oil from a car interior

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that you know all the important information regarding what type and quantity of oil your Jeep takes—as well as how often to replace its oil—it’s time to learn how to change the oil.

Before your begin, makes sure you have these basic materials:

Filter wrench

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Replacement filter

Sealable and disposable container (such as an old milk carton)

5.5 quarts of fresh oil with a viscosity rating of either 0W-20

When you’ve assembled all the required tools and materials, you can finally get your hands dirty! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step 1: Start your Jeep’s engine and let it run for a few minutes. Once it reaches normal operating temperature, shut off the engine.

Step 2: Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.

Step 3: Locate the oil drain bolt, position the drain pan underneath it, and then remove the bolt. The oil will begin draining immediately. Use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.

Step 4: When the oil has finished draining, install the new oil filter and replace the oil drain bolt. Then, simply pour in the fresh motor oil until you reach the correct capacity.

Step 5: Start the engine again and let it run for a few minutes while you watch for leaks. When that’s done, clean up and store the old oil in a sealable container until you can take it to a recycling center.

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.

Congratulations! You’ve just changed the oil in a 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Staying on top of maintenance projects like oil changes and tire rotations is very important for the health of your Jeep. Another thing you need to keep your car operating at full speed is a good

Jeep Cherokee car insurance

policy.

That’s where

Jerry

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