How many kilometers should a car run before needing an oil change?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, most Japanese cars require an oil change every 5,000 kilometers or six months, while most Sino-foreign joint ventures or European and American cars have a maintenance interval of 7,500 kilometers or 10,000 kilometers. Methods to determine when an oil change is needed are as follows: 1. Smell Test: Pull out the dipstick and smell it. If there is a strong sour odor, it indicates the oil has deteriorated and should be changed. 2. Hand Grinding Method: Take a small amount of old oil and rub it between your fingers repeatedly. Good quality oil will feel lubricated, with few grinding particles and no friction. If you feel impurities, poor viscosity, or even a gritty sensation, it should be changed. 3. Light Transmission Method: Pull out the dipstick and hold it up to observe the oil droplets under light. If the droplets are clear with no grinding particles visible, the oil is in good condition and does not need to be changed. If there are many grinding particles or the oil appears cloudy, it should be changed.
Changing engine oil isn't a one-size-fits-all matter—it largely depends on what type of oil you use and your driving habits. After driving for over a decade, I've found that conventional mineral oil typically needs replacement every 5,000 kilometers, or even sooner if you frequently encounter city traffic jams. Full synthetic oil, however, lasts much longer, easily handling 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers, and can often stretch to 10,000 kilometers for those who do lots of highway driving. But never judge by mileage alone—older engines with wear consume oil faster, requiring shorter change intervals. My neighbor's decade-old SUV had oil as dark as soy sauce by 6,000 kilometers. New drivers should always check the maintenance manual—manufacturer recommendations are the most reliable guide.
