The 2016 Jeep Cherokee combines the utility and all-terrain capability that Jeep is known for with compact and sporty practicality for everyday use. To keep your Cherokee running smoothly, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.

While the 2006 Jeep Cherokee offers the same versatility and utility that we’ve come to expect from Jeep, it doesn’t quite live up to the brand’s reputation for dependability—which can hike up your maintenance costs. You can reduce those maintenance expenses by changing your own oil, but you’ll need to know the engine oil capacity for your 2016 Jeep Cherokee first.

You’ll find that information, and all the important details about changing your oil, in this article—brought to you by

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2016 Jeep Cherokee engine oil capacity

The first thing that you need to know if you’re going to be changing your own oil is how much oil you should use. The 2006 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L engine has an engine oil capacity of 5.5 quarts, and it uses fully-synthetic motor oil—this is very important because using too much or too little can quickly lead to serious engine damage.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Jeep Cherokee need?

The next thing you’ll need to know is what kind of oil the ‘06 Cherokee needs. There are many different types of motor oil and the main difference between them is their viscosity—which is a measure of the oil’s thickness.

For a 2006 Jeep Cherokee, you’ll need motor oil with a viscosity of 0W-20. You’ll always see viscosity ratings written that way ([number] W - [number]). The first number describes the oil’s viscosity at 0°F and the second number describes its viscosity at 212°F—not that you’ll likely ever need to know that.

The manufacturer recommendation: Jeep recommends using

Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oi

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil in a 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Now that you know exactly what kind of oil your 2016 Jeep Cherokee needs, and how much of it to use, the next question is: when should you change the oil in your Jeep?

In general, you should plan on changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles of driving or every six months—whichever comes first. In reality, as long as you’ve been good about only using synthetic oil, you can probably stretch it to around 7,500 or even 10,000 miles—but it’s always better to change your oil too often rather than not often enough.

You should also check your oil at least once a month to make sure that it’s not leaking or contaminated. An easy way to remember this is just to check your oil every other time you fill up your gas tank.

When you do check your oil, here are the things that you should be checking for:

Has the oil level dropped faster than it should? If so, you may have a leak.

Has the oil changed colors from bright amber to dark brown or black? If so, you’re oil’s just about overdue for a change—even if you’ve changed it recently.

Is the oil contaminated? Look into the reservoir and see if there are any visible bits of debris. Pull out the dipstick and rub some of the oil in between your fingers—does it feel gritty or coarse? If so, you should flush and refill your oil ASAP.

Essentially, if you notice any of those issues, it’s time to change your oil. On top of that, watch out for new and strange sounds or smells coming from your engine. If you notice any, change your oil right away.

MORE:

Jeep oil change cost

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that you know the engine oil capacity for your 2016 Jeep Cherokee, as well as what type of oil it needs, you’re just about ready to change your own oil. Before you can get started, though, you’ll need a few supplies. Make sure that you have your fresh replacement oil, a fresh oil filter, a drain pan, a socket wrench, and a filter wrench. Once you have those things, you can begin!

Here’s what to do:

Start the engine of your jeep and allow it to run for a few minutes so that the engine and oil can warm up. Once it reaches normal operating temperature, shut the engine off again.

Locate the oil fill cap underneath the hood and remove it.

From underneath the engine, locate the oil drain bolt and remove it—just make sure to have the drain pan positioned underneath it first.

While the oil is draining, use your filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Once the oil has drained completely, install the fresh filter.

Reattach the oil drain bolt and tighten it.

Refill the engine’s oil and replace the fill cap.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

And you’re done! It’s as easy as that! Don’t forget to pour the old oil into a sealable container and deliver it to a recycling facility when you get that chance!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Changing your own oil can save you around $50-$100 a year. That’s a great start, but if you’re looking to

cut back on your car-related expenses

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