1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

When to Change Engine OilSee if any one of these is true for you:e Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).This is particularly important when outsidetemperatures are below freezing.e Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequentdriving in stop-and-go traffic).e Most trips are through dusty areas.e You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top ofyour car.aThe vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxior other commercial application.Driving under these conditions causes engine oil tobreak down sooner. If any one of these is true for yourvehicle, then you need to change your oil and filterevery 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months -- whicheveroccurs first.If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whicheveroccurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmedengine under highway conditions causes engine oil tobreak down slower.What to Do with Used OilDid you know that used engine oil contains certainelements that may be unhealthy for your skin and couldeven cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skinfor very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap andwater, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throwaway clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (Seethe manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposalof oil products.)Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If youchange your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oilfrom the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oilby putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, intosewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. Ifyou have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,ask your dealer, a service station or a local recyclingcenter for help.Air CleanerYour air cleaner is on the driver’s side of the enginecompartment.Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when toreplace the air filter.See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.6-14