Recommendations for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan oil change interval

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 03/02/2022 | Next review date: 03/02/2024
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Elaine Knight
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In today’s blog post, we will discuss: What is the recommended 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan oil change interval? We will tell you everything there is to know about oil change and proper maintenance of your 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. 

The recommended 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan oil change interval varies depending on the type of oil used:

  • Synthetic oil: every 7,500 – 10,000 miles
  • Conventional oil: every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. 

These are the criteria that are taken into consideration when establishing the frequency of the oil change:

  • Manufacturers’ recommendations.
  • Oil performance (specifications)
  • The driving style (flexible, fast, sporty).
  • The type of route (for example, short trips in urban areas cause the lubricant to be diluted with a small part of the unburned fuel. This phenomenon degrades the lubricant, with a reduction in viscosity in particular.)
  • Annual mileage: even in the case of low annual mileage (less than 10,000 km), it is recommended to change the oil at least once a year.
  • External conditions:  In hot climates, the oxidation of the oil tends to increase. In a dusty and/or humid atmosphere, oil accumulates contaminants (such as fine abrasive particles or water).

How do I know when to change the oil on my 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The best thing you can do is consult the instruction manual at all times. Intervals may vary by make and model. If you do not have the manual or still have doubts about which is the appropriate lubricant, consult an authorized mechanic. 

Most of today’s engines require synthetic or synthetic blend oils. Older models that use conventional motor oil may require more frequent oil changes. Your driving habits are also very important. If you regularly take short trips with many stops, if you tow or carry heavy loads, or if you drive in extremely hot, cold, or dusty places, you may need to change your oil more frequently.

Many cars today have sensors that monitor the life of the engine oil and automatically recommend when it should be changed. If you drive an older car, your owner’s manual probably suggests two different oil change intervals, one for typical driving conditions and one for severe conditions.

If your car is new, it is important to follow the maintenance schedule to the letter. Otherwise, you risk having your warranty voided. 

The indication on the dash is not the only indicator for changing the engine oil. There are several other signs that we need to pay attention to such as appearance and texture. The first thing to check is the oil itself. If it is opaque and grainy, it is saturated with contaminants and must be replaced.

Once it’s time to change the motor oil, learn how to do it by following our step by step guide.

How to change the motor oil to your 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan by yourself

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine. If necessary, raise the front of the vehicle by mounting it on a ramp or using a jack and supporting it on adjustable stands.
  1. Open the hood.
  1. Locate engine oil dipstick and remove (helps oil flow during draining).
  1. Once the vehicle is safely supported, put on the safety glasses, crawl under the vehicle and locate the engine oil pan. (See references in the user manual).
  1. Locate the oil drain plug, which is a long flat head screw located in the bottom of the crankcase. The drain plug allows the oil to drain out of the crankcase. (Note: some vehicles have two drain plugs.)
  1. Place an approved container under the drain plug to drain the oil there. Make sure the container is large enough to drain the entire volume of oil you hope to drain from the engine. Check the volume of oil your car requires in the owner’s manual.
  1.  Loosen the drain plug using a spanner or socket wrench 6. Carefully remove the plug by hand, making sure the oil container is under the hole in the plug. The oil will flow quickly out of the hole, but wait a few minutes for all the used oil to finish draining. (Check the user manual for more information). CAUTION: OIL MAY BE HOT!
  1. Clean the crankcase threads and oil drain plug with a cloth and visually inspect the condition of the crankcase and drain plug threads and gasket. If in doubt about the condition of the existing plug, purchase a new drain plug. If necessary, replace the drain plug gasket. When the oil has finished draining, reinstall the drain plug and tighten with the correct spanner or socket wrench to the torque specified by the manufacturer. (See user manual).
  1.  Locate the filter. If the old filter and the new filter are not the same, check their usage to make sure you have the filter. (See additional information in the user manual).
  1. Place the oil pan under the filter to capture any oil residue that remains inside the filter.
  1. Loosen the oil filter or filter cap with an oil filter wrench, and allow the oil to drain from the filter.
  1. Remove the oil filter. Check that the filter gasket has been removed along with the filter. If the gasket still adheres to the motor mounting plate, remove it along with any other remaining residue.
  1.  To facilitate installation, apply a light protective layer of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter. (Note: Do not use grease! Install the new oil filter by hand, turning it clockwise. Once the oil filter gasket comes in contact with the gasket surface of the oil filter plate mounting, tightening, preferably by hand, the filter according to the instructions for your application (usually found on the new oil filter or new oil filter housing). 

Usually, the adjustment is three-quarters of a turn complete after filter gasket contacts engine (NOTE: cartridge oil filter replacement procedure may differ. See user manual or service manual for instructions).

  1.  Under the hood, remove the oil reservoir cap and funnel in the correct amount of Pennzoil® motor oil of the correct viscosity (See owner’s manual for a grade, specification, and recommended amount.)
  1. Install the oil tank cap.
  1. Start the engine and let it run for at least 30 seconds. Carefully check for leaks under the vehicle (especially from the oil drain plug and oil filter). If you notice a leak, stop the engine immediately and repair the leaks.
  1.  Stop the engine and wait 30 seconds for the oil to settle in the engine. Check carefully to see if the oil has gotten under the vehicle.
  1. Carefully lower the vehicle to ground level.
  1. Install and remove the dipstick and check for proper oil level, adding more oil if necessary. (See owner’s manual for oil capacity and recommended dipstick level.)
  1. Repeat the engine oil change as directed by the manufacturer’s guide.

These instructions are general guidelines. Please consult the manufacturer’s service manual for specific instructions on changing your vehicle’s oil and filter. Be extremely careful when lifting a vehicle off the ground.

FAQ about the 2018 dodge grand caravan oil change interval

When should I change the oil of my car?

The oil and filter should be changed before the end of the oil change interval specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle. These intervals are based on mileage or time of use. By adhering to these deadlines, you are helping to keep your engine oil in good condition and provide the best protection for all engine components.

How should I dispose of the used oil after the oil change?

Used oil can pollute the environment and should never be poured down the drain. Pennzoil helps self-oil changers protect the environment. You can deposit used oil and oil filters at Jiffy Lube®, Walmart Tire & Lube Express, or most oil change centers for proper recycling.

Does the additive package of new motor oils wear out over time?

All additive packages wear out with use. That is, additives are used up as they perform their functions, for example by neutralizing acids. Since additives are depleted, checking and refilling the oil level are excellent practices. 

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