How many kilometers should a new car drive before changing the oil?
3 Answers
New cars should have their oil changed every six months or 5,000 kilometers. Additional information about engine oil is as follows: 1. Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives can compensate for and improve the deficiencies in the base oil's performance, granting it certain new properties. Additives are an important component of lubricating oil. 2. Only qualified engine oil can reduce wear on engine parts and extend their service life. The engine is the heart of a car, containing many metal surfaces that move against each other in friction. These components operate at high speeds, in harsh environments, and can reach working temperatures of 400°C to 600°C.
After buying a new car, the mileage for oil changes depends on the specific situation. During the break-in period of a new car, engine parts may shed some metal debris, so I recommend changing the oil for the first time within the first few thousand kilometers—many car owners choose between 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. After that, the regular oil change interval is usually around 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the type of oil used. Full synthetic oil lasts longer and can go beyond 8,000 kilometers, while mineral oil requires more frequent changes. Additionally, driving habits have a significant impact. If you frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic in the city, the engine temperature rises, and the oil degrades faster, so it’s best to change it earlier. From personal experience, during the first maintenance of a new car, confirm the manual’s recommended value with the service shop—don’t delay too long, or engine wear will increase, leading to costly repairs and safety risks. Also, remember to check the air filter every time you change the oil; a dirty filter indirectly increases fuel consumption.
My newly purchased car has been driven for two months. Both the salesperson and the manual recommend changing the first engine oil at around 3,000 kilometers to remove residues from the break-in period. After that, conventional oil should be changed every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers, while high-quality synthetic oil can extend the interval to over 10,000 kilometers, saving both money and hassle. During daily driving, I've noticed that in hot weather or on dusty roads, engine oil tends to deplete faster, so it's best to check the oil dipstick every six months to monitor its clarity. Don't skip oil changes to save trouble—protecting the new engine is crucial, and early prevention of major issues is more cost-effective. If you frequently drive short distances in urban areas, I recommend performing a comprehensive maintenance every other interval.
