How Many Kilometers Should Engine Oil Be Replaced?
4 Answers
Engine oil replacement intervals depend on the specific type of oil used: 1. Fully synthetic oil should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers or 1 year; 2. Semi-synthetic oil should be replaced every 7,500 kilometers or 7 to 8 months; 3. Mineral oil should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. The replacement procedure is as follows: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature; 2. Engage the handbrake and lift the vehicle; 3. Unscrew the oil filter and drain the old oil; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter; 5. Pour new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks underneath the engine; 7. Lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine; 8. Turn off the engine and recheck the oil level.
I've got plenty of experience with oil changes. After decades of driving, I believe the key is regular maintenance. Generally, change it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the oil type and driving habits. Synthetic oil can last longer, easily reaching 10,000 kilometers; conventional mineral oil needs changing at 5,000 kilometers. If you drive a lot in city traffic with frequent stops, the engine heats up quickly and wears more, so I recommend changing it earlier, around every 6,000 kilometers. Don't forget the time factor—change it every 6 months as oil degrades and becomes thicker, reducing lubrication. I've made it a habit to check the dipstick monthly. If the oil level is low or the color turns black, change it early to prevent engine carbon buildup. Smooth driving also saves fuel, and in the long run, you can save thousands on repairs—totally worth it.
As a mom driver, I care about the safety of my whole family, and frequent oil changes ensure engine reliability. The manual recommends changing it every 6,000 kilometers or 6 months, which I strictly follow. Since city traffic for school runs is heavy and driving slowly puts more load on the engine, it's best to change every 5,000 kilometers. Synthetic oil is more expensive but lasts longer, so 8,000 kilometers is also acceptable. My husband reminds me to check the dipstick when the engine is cold—if the oil level is low or looks dirty, it needs immediate attention. Delaying oil changes increases sludge buildup, damaging the engine and costing a lot to repair, not to mention the risk of stalling on the road. Saving money shouldn’t come at this expense. After each oil change, the car runs smoother, and I feel much more at ease when taking the family out.
Just got a new car and super excited, gotta keep an eye on the oil change intervals. I follow the manual and change every 7,500 km, full synthetic can go up to 10,000 km, while mineral oil needs changing at 5,000 km. Driving habits matter a lot – frequent high-speed runs or mountain road driving means shorter intervals. Downloading an app to remind yourself is a good idea to avoid missing it. Timely oil changes keep the engine smooth and quick to start, otherwise, degraded oil increases fuel consumption and raises the risk of breakdowns. The mechanic advised checking the oil level early; if it's black and dirty, change it to protect the engine and extend its lifespan.
