Whether they’re driving on the road or off, Jeeps are wildly popular among their owners. But if you want it to stick with you for the long haul, it’s helpful to know your Jeep 3.8-liter engine oil capacity.

One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your Jeep is to stay consistent with

routine maintenance

, one of the most important being oil changes. That’s because fresh, clean engine oil helps your engine stay lubricated and reduces the buildup of sludge, dirt, and other debris.

If you’re planning to take care of an oil change for your Jeep 3.8-liter engine yourself, knowing its oil capacity and what kind of oil it needs is essential for avoiding costly engine damage. Here to help you with all that and more is

Jerry

, the licensed insurance broker and

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Jeep car insurance costs

Jeep 3.8L engine oil capacity

What’s a 3.8-liter engine Jeep’s oil capacity?

Generally speaking, how much engine oil your Jeep needs depends on what kind of Jeep you’re driving and what kind of engine it has. If you have a 3.8-liter engine, you might assume that’s your oil capacity, but it’s not! This number is actually your engine displacement, which refers to the total volume your engine cylinders take up.

If you’re driving a

Jeep Wrangler

with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, the oil capacity is likely about 6 quarts, or 5.6 liters.

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What kind of oil does a Jeep 3.8 L engine need?

When it comes to figuring out what kind of oil is best for your vehicle, requirements can sometimes vary from model year to model year, so it’s best to check your owner’s manual for all the necessary specifications.

It’s essential that you don’t deviate from the type of oil recommended for your Jeep—doing so can result in serious (and expensive) damage to your engine and other components.

Generally, for Jeeps that have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, that recommendation is likely to be SAE 5W-20 engine oil. The “5” refers to the oil’s viscosity or thickness when the engine is “cold” before startup, while the “20” refers to the viscosity under operating temperatures while the engine is hot.

What brand to select is up to you; Mopar is one popular option since it’s an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Jeep. Jeep just recommends making sure the oil you select has the correct viscosity grade, is API certified, and meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 requirements.

Synthetic oils are typically okay to use, too, as long as they have the necessary specifications for your Jeep 3.8-liter engine. If you’re unsure whether a certain type of oil will work with your vehicle, you can always refer to your owner’s manual or check with a mechanic.

As you explore your engine oil options, here are a few that might work for your Jeep’s 3.8-liter engine:

A Jeep-approved option: For an oil selection that’s sure to get a thumbs-up approval from Jeep, opt for the right

Mopar engine oil

A synthetic option: If you’d like to drive longer between oil changes, consider a synthetic oil like

this Quaker State option

For high-mileage Jeeps:

Pennzoil

is a brand that’s been commonly recommended by Jeep, and this high mileage option could be one to consider if your Jeep’s miles are starting to add up.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a Jeep 3.8-liter engine

How often to change the oil on a Jeep 3.8-liter engine largely depends on what kind of oil you’re using and what kinds of driving conditions you’ve been in.

If you’re frequently driving in stop-and-go traffic or in dusty, off-road environments, it’s likely you’ll need to change your oil more often, while a synthetic oil option and relatively normal driving conditions might mean you can drive longer distances before you’ll need an oil change.

On a 2011 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.8-liter engine, Jeep cautions not to go more than 8,000 miles or six months without an oil change.

Since there can be some significant variance in how often you need to change your oil, it’s a good idea to check your oil about once a month.

Here are some signs that could indicate it’s past time to change your Jeep’s engine oil:

Low oil level

Oil has a dark color and/or grainy texture

Strange new noises coming from your engine

Noticeable oil or burning smells from the engine

Worsened engine performance

Check engine light

is on

Oil change indicator light is on

MORE:

Jeep Wrangler Sport towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you know how much oil you need, what kind, and how often it should be changed, you’re ready to get to work and

change your own oil

Before you get started, though, you’ll want to plan how to dispose of your used motor oil safely since it’s an environmentally hazardous material. Some cities will have drop-off locations where you can dispose of used oil, and the same goes for certain dealerships and repair shops.

Once you’ve sorted that out, here are some supplies you’ll need for your oil change:

Socket wrench

Oil filter wrench (a tool that’s designed to remove old oil filters)

Replacement washer for drain bolt

New oil filter

New oil

Drain pan

Rubber gloves

Clean-up towel(s)

Get started by running your engine for a few minutes—this will help warm up the oil and make it easier to drain. Then, these are the following steps involved with changing a vehicle’s oil:

Remove the oil fill cap

Underneath your vehicle, remove the drain bolt or plug and let the old engine oil drain into your drain pan

Remove your old oil filter while you wait for the oil to finish draining

Install your new oil filter, following the filter’s specific instructions

Refill the engine with fresh oil to the necessary level

Replace the oil fill cap

Let your engine run for a few minutes again and check for any leaks. Then, turn your Jeep off and check your oil level one last time to make sure it’s still at the proper level. If necessary, add more oil and repeat as needed.

Once your oil’s at the correct fill level, you’re finished!

MORE:

9 questions to ask when comparing car insurance quotes

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Not only will keeping up with regular maintenance like oil changes help you make your vehicle last longer, but changing your oil yourself if you’re comfortable doing so can also save you a decent amount of money in the long run. So can updating your car insurance with the

Jerry

app!

With Jerry, you don’t have to worry about the tedious aspects of insurance shopping. It only takes about 45 seconds to answer a few quick questions, and then Jerry will show you customized quotes from some of the country’s top

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When you find an option that’s right for you, Jerry’s end-to-end support will help you through the steps of transitioning to your new policy. That includes helping you with the paperwork that comes with switching to your new policy and canceling your old one. Long story short, it's never been easier to save on

Jeep insurance costs

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