Can Engine Oil Be Changed in Advance?
3 Answers
Engine oil can be changed in advance. The method for changing engine oil is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the undercover, and place a container beneath the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, then tighten the drain plug after the oil is fully drained and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the undercover, lower the vehicle, and add new oil through the filler port. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Minimizing gas leakage and preventing contamination from external pollutants; 3. Protecting components from contact with water, air, and acidic harmful gases; 4. Buffering pressure increases in the engine cylinder ports; 5. Flushing away dirt generated on the surfaces of working parts.
My old car has been running for almost ten years, and I always prefer to change the oil a bit earlier, roughly every 5,000 kilometers, even though the manufacturer recommends 7,500. Living downtown with daily short commutes and stop-and-go traffic means frequent engine starts, which causes oil to accumulate moisture and contaminants, speeding up degradation. If I waited until the standard interval, the oil would become too thick, reducing lubrication and potentially increasing engine wear. Plus, I often drive on dusty construction sites, so the oil filter clogs more easily. Changing oil early helps avoid these risks. The benefits? The engine runs smoother with less noise, and it might even extend the engine’s lifespan by a few years. Sure, it costs a bit more, but it’s cheaper than engine repairs. I’d advise other owners to adjust based on their driving conditions and habits—don’t just follow the manual blindly. Regularly checking the oil’s color and viscosity is the most reliable approach.
Changing engine oil ahead of schedule is actually quite common, and I've seen many cases where it's worthwhile under special conditions. For example, if you frequently drive in high-temperature or high-humidity areas, the oil may degrade faster, losing its lubrication and protective properties. Synthetic oils are more durable, but in dusty or mountainous terrain, the risk of contaminants entering the engine increases, and an early oil change can reduce wear and improve acceleration response. On the other hand, strictly following the manufacturer's intervals might lead some to delay too long, resulting in severe sludge buildup, which could be counterproductive. However, it's also important to note that frequent premature changes can unnecessarily waste money and might backfire if the procedure isn't familiar. It's best to first inspect the oil condition yourself, then balance safety and cost based on the manual. In short, for extreme driving conditions, moderate early changes are a good strategy to extend the car's lifespan by several years.
