Can Mineral Engine Oil Be Changed Once a Year?

[Rivera]

Mineral engine oil should not be changed only once a year, as prolonged use can lead to oxidation and deterioration. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and temperature reduction; 3. Cleaning and purification; 4. Shock absorption and cushioning; 5. Rust and corrosion prevention. The method for changing engine oil is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle with a jack, locate the drain plug, and unscrew it to drain the oil; 2. Remove the oil filter and place a container beneath it; 3. Replace with a new oil filter and add fresh oil. Precautions for changing engine oil include: 1. Perform the change when the engine is warm to ensure thorough drainage of old oil; 2. Add oil and ensure the correct amount is used; 3. After adding oil, start the engine and check for any leaks in the components.

[SanBrantley]

I personally believe that changing mineral oil once a year is usually not acceptable. Inside the engine, the oil undergoes high temperatures and pressures, and over time, it degrades, thickens, and loses its lubricating properties, which can lead to increased wear and even damage to components. Especially if you frequently drive long distances or in congested urban areas, contaminants accumulate faster, and a year may far exceed the recommended mileage. From a safety perspective, if the engine fails, it could endanger driving. I once experienced a minor issue due to delayed oil changes, where the engine noise increased and acceleration became sluggish. It's advisable to follow the manual; most vehicles recommend changing every 5,000-8,000 kilometers or every 6 months for safety. Don't risk major repairs to save a few hundred yuan. Regularly checking the oil condition is essential—for example, pulling out the dipstick to see if the color and viscosity are normal.

[JeffreyLynn]

I don't think changing mineral oil only once a year is cost-effective. Although it's cheap, delaying oil changes allows the oil to deteriorate and accumulate impurities, increasing internal engine wear and fuel consumption, which actually costs more money. An engine repair can cost thousands or even tens of thousands, while an oil change only costs a few hundred. For vehicles with low driving frequency, such as those driven only once a week, once a year might barely be acceptable but requires close monitoring. However, for daily commuting with heavy engine loads, it's best to check every six months. I used to be lazy and delayed oil changes to 10 months, resulting in a 15% surge in fuel consumption—a painful lesson I won't repeat. Regular maintenance ensures engine longevity and high resale value, which is the real way to save money.

[DeLydia]

My car uses mineral oil, and last time I delayed the oil change for almost a year. As a result, the engine started shaking, acceleration became sluggish, and it lacked power at high speeds. At first, I thought it was a minor issue. During maintenance, the mechanic said the oil was black and its lubricity was shockingly poor. If I had waited any longer, the pistons might have seized, leading to expensive repairs. Now, I strictly adhere to changing the oil every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months, and the engine runs smoothly and quietly with much better performance. So, time alone doesn’t determine everything—it depends on how you drive. If you drive less and the environment is mild, a year might be acceptable, but risks still exist. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it.