How Many Kilometers Should You Change Your Engine Oil?

[ChloeRose]

According to different engine types of vehicles, the oil change intervals vary. Below are the introductions to oil change intervals and considerations for selecting engine oil: Oil Change Intervals: Depending on the engine type of the vehicle, the oil change intervals differ. In fact, vehicle maintenance is largely determined by the oil change cycle. The replacement interval for full synthetic oil is 10,000 kilometers, for semi-synthetic oil it is 8,000 kilometers, and for mineral oil it is 5,000 kilometers. Considerations for Selecting Engine Oil: Engine oil should be selected based on the requirements of the engine, choosing oil that matches the engine. Multi-grade oil is recommended, as it offers advantages such as fuel efficiency, long service life, and high performance, providing better protection for the engine. The oil level should be slightly below the mark on the dipstick and not overfilled.

[VanNorah]

About changing engine oil, after driving for over a decade, I believe it really depends on the specific situation. Many new car manuals nowadays recommend changing full synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers, but in practice, it depends on your driving conditions. For example, if you're stuck in city traffic every day with frequent starts and stops, the oil tends to degrade faster, so you should check the oil color around 8,000 kilometers. If you often drive on highways, changing it at 11,000 kilometers is fine. The key is to develop a habit of checking – pull out the dipstick to check the viscosity, and if you smell a burnt odor, change it immediately. Not changing the oil for a long time can lead to sludge buildup, and one engine overhaul could cost as much as ten years' worth of oil changes. Don't be stingy with this small expense.

[McDawson]

The mechanic told me that turbocharged cars nowadays have particularly high requirements for engine oil. My turbocharged car needs frequent oil changes—the manufacturer's manual recommends changing it every 7,500 km, but I usually change it at 7,000 km. The mechanic taught me a little trick: after a long drive, pull out the dipstick. If the oil film doesn’t cling to the dipstick, it means it’s time for a change. Naturally aspirated engines can be a bit more lenient, but never believe that nonsense about changing oil every 20,000–30,000 km. By the time you notice sluggish acceleration and skyrocketing fuel consumption, the piston rings will already be scratched. Remember, only good-quality oil keeps the engine breathing smoothly.

[Eugenia]

After testing data from over a hundred vehicles, I can tell you that 70% of engine oil lifespan depends on oil quality. The SP-grade full synthetic oil I use can last a full 9,000 km in city driving. Oil sample tests showed that after exceeding 8,500 km, the kinematic viscosity drops by 15% and anti-wear additives begin failing. However, special attention is needed for older vehicles - my 150,000 km Honda Accord already showed unqualified oil dispersion at 5,000 km. I recommend doing an oil ring test with filter paper during each maintenance, which is more accurate than just tracking mileage.