How Long Can Fully Synthetic Engine Oil Be Used?
2 Answers
Fully synthetic engine oil has a maintenance cycle of 12 months or 12,000 kilometers. If the overall road conditions are good, with minimal congestion and highway mileage accounting for more than 75% of the total, it can be replaced at 15,000 kilometers. Below is an introduction to the functions of engine oil: 1. Lubrication: Engine oil forms a lubricating film between the piston and cylinder, reducing friction. 2. Sealing: The oil film formed by engine oil helps prevent gas and oil leaks. 3. Cleaning: Engine oil circulates to carry away carbon deposits, sludge, and wear particles from engine components back to the oil pan. 4. Cooling: The circulation of engine oil helps dissipate some of the heat generated by the engine.
I've been driving this Honda CRV for five years, always using full synthetic oil, and I feel it's quite durable, capable of lasting around 10,000 kilometers before needing a change. But honestly, it really depends on how you drive: in heavy city traffic with frequent stops and starts, the oil tends to degrade faster, so I usually change it every 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers. On the highway, where driving is smoother, the viscosity holds up better, allowing me to extend the interval to over 10,000 kilometers. I recommend checking the dipstick during each maintenance session—if the oil turns black or becomes too thin, it's time for a change. Don't push it to the manual's recommended upper limit to avoid increased engine carbon buildup and component damage. By the way, shorter oil life can also lead to higher fuel consumption, so developing a habit of regular oil changes keeps the car running smoothly.
