How Many Kilometers Can You Drive After an Oil Change?
1 Answers
Engine oil typically needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers. The duration for which the oil can be used depends on its quality. High-quality oil can last up to a year, while regular oil is generally suitable for about six months. The optimal oil change interval depends on the vehicle's usage rate. For high-usage vehicles that cover over 1,000 kilometers per month, premium-grade oil is recommended to extend the interval and reduce maintenance frequency. Conversely, for low-usage vehicles that don't reach 5,000 kilometers in six months, lower-priced oil is sufficient. The frequency of oil changes primarily depends on road conditions. In China, the number of cars is three times that of foreign countries, especially in large cities where traffic congestion is common, unlike in foreign countries where traffic jams are rare. Consequently, Chinese drivers often experience stop-and-go driving, significantly increasing oil consumption. For example, in second gear, the cumulative engine revolutions can reach 10,000 RPM over 1 kilometer. The same car model may require an oil change every 1,000 kilometers in China but only every 4,000 kilometers abroad. Despite the same mileage, the difference in engine revolutions leads to varying oil degradation rates. 4S shops advise frequent oil changes to avoid complications, as they cannot accurately track each driver's actual mileage. Therefore, they standardize maintenance services at 5,000 kilometers to minimize vehicle wear during the warranty period. However, the most critical factors in determining the oil change interval are the vehicle's operating conditions, the gasoline grade used, the base oil quality, and the additional additives in the oil. These factors should be considered holistically to determine the appropriate mileage for an oil change.
