How Many Kilometers Should a Heavy Truck's Engine Oil Be Changed?
2 Answers
Truck engine oil deteriorates over a certain period. Conventional engine oil typically oxidizes after about 3 months of exposure to air, leading to reduced performance. Synthetic oil should be changed every 6 to 9 months, semi-synthetic oil around every 7,500 kilometers, and full-synthetic oil around every 10,000 kilometers. Methods to determine whether the oil needs changing are as follows: 1. Smell Test: Pull out the oil dipstick and smell it closely. If there is a strong sour odor, the oil has deteriorated and should be changed. 2. Rub Test: Rub the old oil between your thumb and index finger repeatedly. If you feel impurities, poor viscosity, or even a gritty sensation, it should be changed. 3. Color Test: Take a clean white filter paper and drop a few drops of old oil on it. After the oil seeps in, good-quality oil will leave no powder, feel dry and smooth to the touch, and have a clear yellow infiltration zone. If the oil appears dark brown with impurities, it should be changed. 4. Light Test: Hold the oil dipstick at a 45-degree angle under light and observe the oil droplets. If no wear particles are visible, the oil is in good condition. If there are many wear particles, the oil should be changed.
After driving for many years, the oil change interval for heavy-duty trucks depends on the situation, generally every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, mainly depending on the type of oil you use and road conditions. If it's full synthetic oil, with better quality, it might last up to 25,000 kilometers; mineral oil needs more frequent changes, around 15,000 kilometers. When I drive long distances on highways, the oil wears less, so the interval can be longer; but in the city with frequent traffic jams, the engine load is heavier, so changes are needed between 7,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Don’t neglect oil level checks—inspect it monthly, and if the color turns black or becomes thin, it means an early change is needed. Also, driving habits matter: frequent hard acceleration or heavy loads mean shortening the interval—safety first. Regular maintenance can extend engine life and avoid breakdowns. Remember, the vehicle manual is a treasure trove with detailed recommendations, so don’t be lazy—check it out.
