How many kilometers does a truck need to drive before changing the oil?
2 Answers
The oil change for a truck generally depends on the type of oil used. Here are the details: 1. Replacement cycle: Under normal circumstances, conventional oil should be changed after about 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil should be changed after about 7,500 kilometers. Full synthetic oil should be changed after about 10,000 kilometers. 2. Replacement based on vehicle condition: The oil change is related to factors such as the usual driving environment, personal driving habits, and time cycle. If you often encounter traffic jams, drive in sandy areas, or in extremely hot or cold regions, the oil should be changed earlier.
As someone who frequently drives for cargo transportation, I believe the mileage for changing oil in trucks depends on the vehicle model and usage conditions. From my experience, light-duty trucks generally require an oil change between 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. For vehicles like pickup trucks, around 12,000 kilometers is the optimal interval. However, if you often drive in stop-and-go city traffic, you might need to shorten it to 8,000 kilometers. Heavy-duty trucks like tractor-trailers can last between 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers because their engines are more durable. Don’t wait until the oil turns black or the engine makes unusual noises—by then, internal components might already be damaged. Using high-quality synthetic oil can extend the interval slightly, but you still need to consider practical conditions, such as frequent cold starts in northern winters, which accelerate wear. I recommend checking the oil level and color every 5,000 kilometers as a preventive measure to avoid costly major repairs. Regular maintenance not only saves money but also ensures safer and smoother long-distance driving.
