How many kilometers does a car need to drive before changing the engine oil?
2 Answers
Car needs to change the engine oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of engine oil, determining its basic properties, while the additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil's performance, making them an important part of engine oil. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Relieving friction and high temperatures; 2. Reducing gas leakage and preventing external pollutants; 3. Preventing contact between water, air, acidic harmful gases, and parts; 4. Buffering the pressure rise in the engine cylinder port; 5. Flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.
I've driven many cars and found that oil change intervals aren't fixed, typically ranging between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Checking your owner's manual is the most reliable, as it provides customized recommendations based on engine design and model. For example, my previous SUV suggested 7,500 kilometers, but my current compact car recommends 8,000 kilometers. Don't just rely on the odometer—consider driving conditions too. If you're often stuck in city traffic or frequently take short trips, the oil degrades faster, so I change it at 6,000 kilometers. On the other hand, steady highway driving might allow you to stretch it to 10,000 kilometers. Synthetic oil handles high temperatures better and can last longer. Neglecting oil changes increases engine wear and can lead to major failures, so I always pay attention to maintenance reminders during each service.
