How Often Should 0w-20 Engine Oil Be Changed?
2 Answers
If using conventional 0w-20 engine oil, it can be changed every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. If using fully synthetic 0w-20 engine oil, it can be changed once a year or every 10,000 kilometers. Below is extended information about engine oil: How to identify synthetic engine oil: Check whether it is labeled as PAO or ester-based engine oil. Only products that use these two raw materials without blending with Group I, II, or III base oils are fully synthetic engine oils. Additionally, if it is PAO or ester-based engine oil, it will definitely be labeled as fully synthetic engine oil. Criteria for selecting engine oil: When selecting engine oil, strictly follow the oil grade specified in the vehicle's user manual. If the same grade is not available, you can use a higher-grade oil, but never use a lower-grade oil as a substitute.
I usually use 0W20 oil for my compact car. The manual recommends changing it every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but I've found that city driving has a significant impact. Frequent traffic jams and stop-start driving in urban areas cause large fluctuations in oil temperature, accelerating degradation, so I change it every 7,500 kilometers and check the oil quality at the same time. If the oil on the dipstick darkens or has a burnt smell, it's time to change it early. If you do less highway cruising, the interval can be slightly extended to 10,000 kilometers, but safety comes first—don't skimp on costs, as engine protection depends entirely on it. Also, pay attention to weather changes; high summer temperatures or severe winter cold can shorten oil life. It's best to adjust your maintenance plan according to the season, and using an oil test strip can save a lot of hassle.
