Can Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil Last for 8,000 Kilometers?
2 Answers
Most semi-synthetic motor oils can last for 8,000 kilometers. Here is a detailed introduction about semi-synthetic motor oil: 1. Overview: Semi-synthetic oil (Semi-Synthetic Lubricant) is a type of motor oil. It is formulated using semi-synthetic base oils, specifically Group III base oils, which are refined from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology. 2. Composition: It is a blend of mineral oil and fully synthetic oil in a ratio of 4:6. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of fully synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than mineral oil. It serves as an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil.
My old car had been using semi-synthetic oil, and I even tried changing it at 8,000 kilometers. To be honest, it felt fine. When driving mostly on highways, the oil quality didn’t change much—the engine ran smoothly with no noticeable increase in noise. However, in heavy city traffic with frequent stops, the oil degraded faster. I’d recommend checking it every 7,500 km under such conditions. It’s best to regularly use the dipstick to check if the oil level is sufficient and whether the oil has turned dark and sticky. After all, prolonging oil changes too much could lead to engine wear or reduced fuel efficiency. Ultimately, following the manufacturer’s manual is the safest bet—saving a little on oil changes is trivial compared to the major hassle of engine repairs.