How many kilometers does a general car need to run before changing the oil?
3 Answers
It depends on the type of oil used in the vehicle. Generally, motor oil is divided into three types: full synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil. Below is an introduction about them: I. Requirements for changing different types of oil: 1. Generally, full synthetic oil should be changed every 10,000 kilometers or once a year; 2. Generally, semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 kilometers or every 7-8 months; 3. Generally, mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or every 6 months. II. About choosing motor oil: When selecting motor oil, pay attention to the following four factors: 1. The choice of oil should be based on the requirements of the engine. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. 2. Multi-grade oil should be selected whenever possible. Due to its savings, long lifespan, and high efficiency, multi-grade oil provides better protection for the engine. Based on the characteristics of multi-grade oil, phenomena such as premature darkening or lower oil pressure compared to ordinary oil may occur during use, which are normal. 3. Some domestic brand oils are of quite good quality and are much cheaper than similar imported products, so they can be used with confidence. There is no need to blindly pursue 'foreign oil.' 4. If the engine is in good condition and the seasonal temperature is low, it is advisable to use oil with lower viscosity to ensure smooth oil flow. In high-temperature seasons or when the engine is severely worn, using high-viscosity oil helps form an oil film and reduces engine wear.
Changing engine oil depends on my years of driving experience. Generally, for regular gasoline cars, it's recommended to change the oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers because over time, the oil gets dirty, oxidizes, and its lubricating effect deteriorates, leading to carbon buildup or increased engine wear. For new cars in the first two years, you might stretch it to 10,000 kilometers, but if it's an older car or I often drive in congested cities with frequent stops and starts, putting more load on the engine, I’d change it earlier at 5,000 kilometers. Remember to check the oil color and viscosity with the dipstick before each drive—if the oil is black and thin, change it immediately. Skipping this to save a few hundred bucks could cost thousands in engine repairs, which isn’t worth it. Also, during regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the oil condition for peace of mind.
As a car enthusiast, I'm super particular about oil changes! I usually change it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the car model and oil quality: synthetic oil lasts longer and can go the full 10,000 km, while mineral oil needs to be changed at 5,000 km. My car is a regular family sedan, and I mostly drive on highways, so I stretch the interval to around 7,500 km. But if I go for weekend joyrides or mountain drives with lots of high-RPM engine work, the oil tends to degrade faster due to heat, so I shorten it to 6,000 km. I recommend setting a reminder app on your phone to avoid forgetting. Oil changes aren’t expensive—just buy a jug of synthetic oil and get it done at a local garage. It protects the engine and extends your car’s life.
