The Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA engine, first introduced in 1996, was designed to drive over rugged terrain or to transport heavy loads. Knowing its engine oil capacity can make all the difference to keep such a powerful engine running properly.

One of the simplest methods to extend the life of your car is to keep up with its maintenance, particularly oil changes. To save money by changing your own oil, you must first learn your Mercedes-Benz oil capacity and oil type.

Jerry

, the

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expert, is here to tell you everything you need to know about the oil capacity of your Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA, the sort of oil you should use, and even a quick tip to save on your

Mercedes-Benz inurance costs

Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA engine oil capacity

Before digging in to the actual

oil and filter change

, let's review how much oil a Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA requires.

The powerful 6.4L Mercedes-Benz OM906 engine takes 30.6 quarts of oil. The 6.4-liters refers displacement of the engine's volume and shouldn't be confused with its oil capacity.

Engine displacement

is not the same thing as oil capacity, which is the amount of oil required by the engine to maintain its parts functioning smoothly. Understanding the difference is critical since it will save you from under-filling your car's engine.

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What kind of oil does a Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA need?

Now that we know more about the engine and how much oil it can hold, let's talk about the best type of oil to purchase. You should aim to use high-quality 10W-40 synthetic oil. In the owner's manual, Mercedes-Benz says to use synthetic over conventional oil, so it's a safe bet to follow their recommendation.

The "W" means "winter," and the "10" before tells us that the oil stays thin and flows well when it's cold. The number after the "W" is the oil's thickness, or viscosity when the engine is warm and running.

You want an oil that has a low winter grade that flows nicely when the car is first started in the morning and stays thick enough to lubricate all parts of the engine while it's running.

Here are some alternative oil options to consider when you’re shopping:

AGRISYNTH LSP ULTRA 10W-40

Castrol Syntec 10W-40

Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

MORE:

How often to change oil on a Mercedes-Benz OM906 LA

Mercedes says that an OM906 LA engine should have its oil changed every 10,000 miles or annually as part of your

basic car maintenance schedule

. Synthetic blend oil usually lasts longer, but engines that work so hard and are so powerful need to be changed frequently.

Check your oil level often and remember when you last changed it to keep your engine running smoothly 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 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 has now turned black or very dark brown

The oil has a gritty texture

The engine is making strange noises

Something smells like it's burning in the engine

Your car's performance drops

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

Grab the following equipment now that you're ready to change your oil: a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a replacement filter, and a cloth. Don't forget about your new synthetic motor oil!

Allow your engine to warm up for a few minutes before proceeding. After that, park on level ground, turn off the engine,

open the hood of your car

, and do these steps:

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

While waiting, unscrew your oil filter with your filter wrench

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

It's as simple as that! Check the oil level using the dipstick and ensure the oil pressure light on the dashboard is now off. It's also good to start your truck for a few minutes to inspect for leaks and make sure the

oil pressure light

has turned off.

Lastly, make sure to up. Never dispose of old, unclean oil on the ground or in the trash. Your best bet is to place it in a sealable container and transport it to your local recycling facility.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And you're good to go! Changing the oil in your Honda regularly will keep it running well for years to come, and if you do it at home, you can

save money on your car expenses

. Another easy way to save time and money on your Mazda is to get the

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