Can engine oil be changed once a year if the car is driven infrequently?
2 Answers
Engine oil should not be changed just once a year even if the car is driven infrequently. Below is an introduction to engine oil knowledge: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of a car. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional performance characteristics. Additives are a crucial part of lubricants. 2. Requirements: As a type of machinery, engines share common requirements for lubricants with general machinery, such as appropriate viscosity, certain anti-oxidation, anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and viscosity-temperature properties. However, engines are also unique machinery, and their requirements for lubricants have special aspects.
I think this is a good question. Driving less might be about saving money and hassle, but oil changes shouldn't be determined solely by time. From my experience, engine oil doesn't just depend on mileage—over time, it degrades and absorbs moisture, leading to reduced lubrication. I once had a car that sat unused for six months, and it had trouble starting later; the oil had thickened like syrup. Most car manuals nowadays recommend changing oil every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, especially since synthetic oil can last about a year, while conventional oil might struggle after six months. For safety, I suggest changing it at least once a year, regardless of mileage, to avoid engine wear. Regularly checking the oil's color and viscosity is also important—if it's dark and thick, change it soon. Routine maintenance may be a small expense, but it prevents costly major repairs.
