How Many Kilometers Should Mineral Engine Oil Be Changed?
4 Answers
Mineral oil needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers. Generally, conventional oil requires replacement every 5,000 km, semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 km, and full synthetic oil every 10,000 km. Oil changes are not solely due to consumption; deterioration caused by time and environmental factors also necessitates replacement. The environmental factors here include both external conditions and the operating environment of the oil. More details are as follows: 1. Mineral engine oil is suitable for vehicle models with relatively low emission requirements, such as micro, compact, and economy cars priced around tens of thousands of yuan. 2. Since the engines of these vehicles are not very powerful, the perceived power loss due to oil performance degradation is minimal. Naturally, the impact on driving experience is also slight, often unnoticeable. Therefore, mineral oil can be chosen for these types of vehicles to achieve the most economical usage.
Mineral engine oil is generally recommended to be changed every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, but the specific interval should refer to the vehicle manufacturer's manual. Through my own research, frequent stop-and-go city driving causes oil to get dirty faster, so it's better to shorten the change interval. Over time, used oil loses its lubricating and cleaning properties, leading to engine wear or increased carbon deposits. Additionally, driving in dusty or high-temperature areas accelerates oil degradation, so changing around every 5,000 kilometers is advisable. Regular oil dipstick level checks are essential - I often remind my family to develop this habit. Never neglect this issue, otherwise engine repair costs could be very high.
I've had a few experiences forgetting to change the engine oil. Conventional mineral oil should typically be replaced every 6,000 kilometers. But in practice, if you're driving long highway distances, the interval can be extended to 7,000 or 8,000 kilometers. Once when I was towing and didn't change it promptly, the oil became thin and the engine noise grew alarmingly loud - it really gave me a scare. Mineral oil is inexpensive but has a short lifespan and tends to accumulate contaminants. If the dipstick shows black oil or particles during inspection, it's definitely time for a change. My suggestion is that new cars can go slightly longer between changes, while older vehicles need more frequent attention - safety first, after all.
Mineral oil changes should never be taken lightly, with the standard interval being around 5,000 kilometers. Degraded oil increases engine friction, leading to overheating and even permanent damage. In my opinion, driving in heavily polluted urban areas warrants oil changes every 4,500 kilometers. From personal experience, inspecting the air filter during oil changes is equally crucial, as excessive dust accelerates oil deterioration. Don't solely rely on dashboard warning lights - manually checking the dipstick remains the most reliable method.
