How many kilometers should a vehicle travel before changing the engine oil?
3 Answers
Vehicle should change the engine oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Lubrication to reduce wear - between the piston and cylinder of the engine, relative sliding of the main shaft and bearing bush causes wear. The engine oil forms a thick oil film between the two sliding surfaces, separating the relatively sliding parts to reduce wear; 2. Cooling - the engine oil brings heat back to the oil tank and then dissipates it into the air to help the radiator cool the engine; 3. Cleaning - the engine oil circulates carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles on engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the parts through the flow of lubricating oil; 4. Shock absorption - when the pressure at the engine cylinder port rises sharply, suddenly increasing the load on the piston, piston chips, connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, the load transmitted through bearing lubrication plays a buffering role in bearing the impact load.
The mileage interval for oil changes is actually quite flexible, but generally speaking, most cars follow a standard of every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. My car has been used for several years, and based on experience, new cars with synthetic oil can go over 10,000 kilometers, while older cars or those under harsh driving conditions—like frequent traffic jams or dusty environments—might need an oil change every 6,000 kilometers. Aged oil accumulates dirt and thickens, which can lead to engine overheating and wear if not replaced. I check the dipstick monthly to monitor the color and viscosity; if it's too dark, it's time to act early. Of course, the owner's manual is always the gold standard—different models vary significantly, so don’t blindly trust generic advice online. Developing a regular maintenance habit can extend your car’s lifespan, saving both money and hassle.
When it comes to oil change intervals, I think it depends on your daily driving habits. If you drive frequently, changing every 5,000 km is safe; if you drive less, you can go for every 8,000 km or base it on a six-month schedule, as oil degrades with seasonal changes. The advantage of synthetic oil is longer-lasting lubrication – the type I commonly use can easily go up to 10,000 km. Never skimp on this expense. Check oil levels early to avoid leaks or contamination. This keeps the engine efficient, improves fuel economy, and ultimately saves money while being more eco-friendly.
