Changing your car’s oil at home takes less than an hour and could save you money. Here’s what you need to know about the engine oil capacity of your Jeep 3.6.

Known for its hardy and reliable engine, the Jeep 3.6 has spanned years and models to solidify its powerful reputation. Whether yours is brand-new or has seen a few years (and more than a few roads), you may be wondering how you can get that brand-new driving feel for as long as possible.

One of the best ways to keep your car running smoothly is to perform regular engine oil changes, which is a relatively easy process—even for beginners! In this guide by

Jerry

, the comparison app helping car owners save money on

car insurance

, we’ll walk you through the steps—from knowing your Jeep 3.6’s engine oil capacity to the oil it takes and how to change it out yourself—plus, how you can save on your

Jeep insurance costs

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Jeep 3.6 engine oil capacity

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering: how much engine oil does my Jeep 3.6 need?

The engine oil capacity of a Jeep 3.6 is 5.0 quarts of engine oil. Make sure you don’t confuse oil capacity with

engine displacement

—the 3.6 liters of space your engine takes up under the hood is not the same as the capacity of your oil tank!

What kind of oil does a Jeep 3.6 need?

You need 5.0 quarts of oil to keep your Jeep 3.6 running like new. But what kind of oil should you use?

Not all engine oils are made the same, and we’re not just talking in terms of quality. There are a variety of motor oils on the market, from conventional to high-mileage and synthetic—and then there’s a matter of deciphering the number and letter codes. Luckily, knowing the right oil for your Jeep 3.6 is as easy as checking your manufacturer’s recommendation.

According to Jeep, you’ll want to use Pennzoil Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil to keep your 3.6 running.

What do those numbers mean? Let’s break it down: the numbers in the oil grade refer to an oil’s viscosity (how thick the oil is) while the letters typically indicate seasonality. In this case, the “W” in your 0W-20 motor oil stands for winter.

A zero-grade viscosity tells you the oil is very thin. This is a good thing, particularly in the colder months, as thinner oil has an easier time warming up. Your car will have an easier time getting started in below-freezing temperatures. Finally, the 20tacked on at the end simply indicates that your oil viscosity remains low in temperatures up to 212°F.

Jeep’s recommended 0W-20 engine oil is a low-viscosity, low-friction motor oil. As such, you’ll find it does better than other kinds of engine oil in cold temperatures and flows without causing much friction in your engine.

MORE:

Jeep resale value

How often to change the oil on a Jeep 3.6

Now that you know the type of engine oil you need and how much you should be using, you’re probably asking: when do I change it?

According to your manufacturer, you should change the oil in your Jeep 3.6 every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or so. Depending on how much (or little) you drive, that could be as often as every six to twelve months, or even a little longer. If you’re unsure about whether or not your Jeep could use some fresh oil, you can always check your engine oil level.

Apart from checking manually, here are some other signs that could mean you’re due for an oil change:

Loud or unusual engine noise

Unfamiliar odors, particularly oil, smoke, or burning smells

Engine oil that appears dark or gritty

(instead of smooth and amber-colored)

Changes in the overall performance of your vehicle

Your car may also give you a heads up with the

oil pressure light

check engine light

on your dashboard. If either one of these turns on, your car may be letting you know it needs new oil!

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

We’ve gone over how much oil, what kind to use, and when you should be changing it—now comes the fun part, which is actually changing the oil yourself! If you’re new to the process, don’t be intimidated. It should take you less than an hour to change your Jeep’s oil, and you only need a few simple materials:

A socket wrench

An oil drain pan

A new oil filter and filter wrench

Six quarts of premium-grade 0W-20 motor oil

A funnel and some old rags (optional)

If you need any supplies, everything on this list can be purchased cheaply at your local auto parts store!

Changing your oil is easiest once your car’s already been running (warm oil drains more quickly). You can plan to change your oil after you return from running errands, or just start your car and let it run in the driveway for about five minutes. In any case, once it’s warmed up you’ll want to shut the engine back off and pop the hood before you get started.

Once you’re ready, follow these steps:

Locate and remove the oil fill cap

Get underneath your vehicle and locate the oil drain bolt, then position your drain pan below

Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain bolt and washer

Let the old engine oil drain (this may take several minutes)

While it’s draining, remove your old oil filter and install the new one using your filter wrench

Once all the old oil has drained out, you can reattach the oil drain bolt (be sure to use a new washer!)

Now you’re ready to add 5.0 quarts of fresh 0W-20 to your oil tank! Use your funnel (if you have it) to help pour

After you’ve added your 0W-20, double-check the engine oil level using your dipstick. Once you’re done, turn your car back on and let the engine run for a few minutes, watching for any drips or leaks. And don’t forget the last step—clean-up!

You should never dump dirty oil out on the ground or throw it in the garbage. Instead, pour what’s in your drain pan into a bag or sealed container, and take it to your

local recycling center

for disposal.

How to find the best car insurance for your Jeep 3.6

Changing your oil at home is an easy way to save money on your car’s maintenance. Another easy way to save money?

Use

Jerry

, insurance comparison app for car owners, to find savings on your

Jeep car insurance costs

. With Jerry, you don’t have to spend long hours scouring the internet or filling out paperwork—just download the app, answer a few questions, and set your

car insurance

to autopilot.

In less than a minute, Jerry can find you competitive quotes from the top name-brand providers. Compare rates side-by-side, manage and adjust your policy, and even swap insurance—all from the convenience of your phone. When you do, Jerry makes it easy by contacting your insurer, helping you purchase your new policy, and even filling out the paperwork. Basically, it’s all of the savings with none of the hassles.

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