Can Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil Be Changed Once a Year?

[Lance]

Semi-synthetic engine oil should not be changed once a year; its replacement interval is 6 months or 7,500 kilometers. The consequences of not changing the oil include: 1. The oil becomes ineffective and deteriorates, increasing wear and damage to engine components; 2. The sealing effect is reduced, causing the oil to become watery and lose its sealing function; 3. The cooling effect is diminished; 4. Accumulated impurities can corrode internal engine parts; 5. The lubrication performance of bearings and the cooling function of mechanical transmission parts are lost. The steps for changing engine oil are: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature; 2. Engage the handbrake and lift the vehicle; 3. Unscrew the oil filter and drain the oil; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter; 5. Pour new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks under the engine; 7. Lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine; 8. Turn off the engine and recheck the oil level.

[LeJace]

I've been on the road for almost twenty years, driving all kinds of old and new cars, and I think changing semi-synthetic oil once a year is not something that can be generalized. It really depends on how you use your car. For example, I mainly commute in the city, drive less, and only cover about 5,000 kilometers a year. Occasionally checking the oil color shows no issues. But if you frequently drive on highways or live in the hot southern regions, the oil degrades faster. Delaying the change for a year can increase engine friction and lead to malfunctions. Last year, I tried going over a year without a change, and the engine noise increased. The mechanic said it was due to decreased oil viscosity. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the dipstick every six months to ensure the oil remains clear and bright. If anything seems off, I change it immediately. After all, car maintenance is about preparing for the unexpected—safety comes first.

[DeLuke]

I just bought my first car half a year ago and know nothing about it. I'm curious about how often to change the engine oil. After checking the manual and online resources, I feel that using semi-synthetic oil and changing it only once a year is quite risky. Especially for a new driver like me who sometimes accelerates hard, putting more load on the engine and consuming oil faster. Plus, parking in my community is outdoors, exposed to wind and sun, which degrades the oil quality quickly. Some experienced forum users shared that exceeding ten months can easily lead to oil burning, decreased engine performance, and higher repair costs. I've now set a reminder to check the oil condition every eight months—better safe than sorry. Preventive maintenance is always better than fixing problems afterward, and it gives me more peace of mind while driving.

[Dylan]

I've always been environmentally conscious and try to minimize waste by changing my car's engine oil less frequently. Technically, it's feasible to use semi-synthetic oil for a year before changing, but this depends on driving habits. For example, I only drive short commutes weekly without aggressive driving, and the urban road conditions are clean. Last year, I tried changing the oil annually and found it still in good condition upon inspection. However, environmental factors are crucial. If the local area has high dust or humidity, the oil absorbs contaminants faster, and delaying changes could lead to engine pollution and costly repairs, which is even less eco-friendly. Now, I regularly check the oil quality to ensure it doesn't affect engine longevity while extending usage intervals—a win-win. Saving resources while protecting the car, why not?