Can fully synthetic engine oil be changed once a year?
2 Answers
Fully synthetic engine oil can be changed once a year, while conventional mineral oil should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers or every six months; semi-synthetic oil should be changed approximately every 7,500 kilometers or every eight months. More relevant information is as follows: 1. In practice, whether engine oil needs to be replaced depends on many objective factors, such as the usual driving environment, personal driving habits, and the quality of the oil itself. 2. Strictly speaking, fully synthetic engine oil refers to high-quality oil products made from 100% PAO or artificially synthesized esters, marked with the "synthetic" label on the packaging. Simply put, any oil blended from Group IV or V base stocks without the addition of mineral oil can be considered fully synthetic engine oil.
I've been driving for over 20 years and always use full synthetic oil. Changing it once a year is completely fine. The manufacturer's maintenance manual states it can last up to 10,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first. But it depends on your driving habits and environment. If you frequently drive on highways or cover long distances, the oil can last longer. However, if you mostly drive short distances in the city with frequent stops and starts, the oil degrades faster and might need changing every eight months. Temperature also plays a role—oil ages quicker in summer heat, while winter conditions are less harsh. Don’t forget to replace the oil filter when changing the oil for a thorough job. Regularly check the dipstick; if the oil looks too dark or has impurities, change it early. Safety first—don’t neglect your car’s condition to save trouble. In short, adjust based on your actual driving situation and stay flexible.
