Can Mineral Engine Oil Be Used for a Year?

[DeGemma]

Mineral engine oil cannot be used for a year before replacement. The interval for minor maintenance depends on the effective duration or mileage of the previously used engine oil and oil filter. Different brands and grades of mineral oil (typically half a year or 5,000 kilometers), semi-synthetic oil (generally 6-8 months or 5,000-7,500 kilometers), and full-synthetic oil (usually 8-12 months or 10,000 kilometers) require varying replacement intervals. Below is relevant information about mineral engine oil: 1. Mineral engine oil is a lubricant refined from petroleum. Its base oil is derived from the residual bottom oil left after distilling useful light substances (such as aviation fuel, gasoline, etc.) from crude oil during the refining process. 2. By nature, mineral oil utilizes inferior components from crude oil. It is currently the most common type of lubricant on the market. Although mineral oil is inexpensive, its service life and lubrication performance are inferior to semi-synthetic and synthetic oils.

[LeLilliana]

Can conventional mineral oil really last a year? I once experimented with extending its usage cycle when my car saw less frequent driving. I managed to stretch a conventional oil change to a full year, but upon inspection, the oil had turned very dark, felt sticky, and the engine noise at startup became noticeably louder. A mechanic friend explained that the base oil in conventional oil is less stable—it oxidizes and breaks down when exposed to air and high temperatures, compounded by dust and moisture drawn in during driving, gradually losing effectiveness. Since then, I've stuck to changing it every six months for peace of mind and reliability. I recommend owners consult their vehicle manual—manufacturers typically advise replacing conventional oil every 6 months or 5,000 km. Driving conditions also play a big role: stop-and-go city traffic accelerates oil degradation, while highway driving is gentler, but don’t push it to a full year. Regularly check the dipstick—if the oil turns black and thick, act immediately.

[DiIsabel]

As someone who often maintains my own car, I've always felt that mineral oil is quite economical, but thinking it can last a year without changing is a misconception. From my experience, over time, the additives in mineral oil deplete, its lubricating ability declines, and the risk of engine wear increases significantly. Driving conditions are crucial: in temperate regions with infrequent driving, maybe ten months is passable, but in areas with large temperature variations or high humidity, don't even try. I set a reminder to check every six months to avoid sudden breakdowns. Mineral oil is cheaper than synthetic oil, but its lifespan is much shorter—if used long-term, it's best to change it more frequently. Additionally, driving habits matter: aggressive acceleration speeds up oil degradation. Developing a habit of frequent oil changes extends your car's lifespan, far outweighing the savings from skimping on oil costs.

[CarsonAnn]

From an economic perspective, I find it unlikely that mineral oil can last a full year. Although mineral oil appears cost-effective initially due to its lower price, delaying oil changes leads to degraded oil quality, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage—resulting in much higher repair costs. Once, I postponed an oil change until year-end, and my car lost power while fuel consumption rose by 10%. The mechanic confirmed the oil had broken down into sludge. Typically, mineral oil has a service life of 6-7 months; prolonged use accelerates internal chemical reactions. If driven infrequently, it might barely last a year, but it's unreliable. I recommend combining driving data: even if you don’t reach 5,000 km within six months, change the oil to ensure stable lubrication and lower maintenance costs. A little extra effort saves money more effectively.