How often should 0W-20 full synthetic oil be changed?
3 Answers
Original 0W-20 super full synthetic oil requires maintenance and replacement every 5,000 kilometers as recommended by 4S shops. Depending on the intended use, synthetic oil can have various components modified. The development of synthetic oil began in the 1930s. At that time, due to the harsh operating conditions of aircraft engine oil, there was a demand for higher-performance oil, leading some chemical plants to start developing and producing synthetic oil. Here is some extended information about engine oil: 1. Types: Engine oil is divided into three types: full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil. 2. Oil specifications: The packaging of engine oil typically displays specifications such as 5W-30, 0W-20, and 5W-40, indicating the oil's grade. The 'W' stands for 'Winter,' meaning the oil can be used in winter if it has this letter. 3. Consequences of insufficient oil: When oil is insufficient, the lubrication effect on the friction surfaces of various engine components deteriorates. Poor lubrication can exacerbate the wear and tear of parts. Additionally, oil plays a crucial role in cooling and heat dissipation. Insufficient oil reduces the engine's cooling capacity, leading to internal overheating, which can further cause bearing corrosion, cylinder scoring, and other issues.
I've been using 0W-20 full synthetic oil for years. From my experience, the oil change interval depends on your driving habits and environment. If you're like me, mainly doing long highway drives in moderate weather, you can easily go 7,500 miles or 8 months between changes. But if you frequently drive in city traffic or extremely hot areas where the engine works harder and oil degrades faster, I'd recommend changing every 5,000 miles. Last time I waited too long - the oil turned black and thickened, then my engine started making strange noises. The repair cost me a fortune. Honestly, regular changes preserve engine life. Don't just watch the mileage - consider time too. Check the oil's color and viscosity every six months or so to avoid major issues. After years of driving, I've learned it's always better to change early than late.
When switching to 0W-20 full synthetic oil, I need to budget carefully to save money. Changing it too infrequently leads to severe engine wear and skyrocketing repair costs; too often, and I'm just wasting money on oil. I usually aim for an oil change every 8,000 miles or 10 months, which strikes a good balance between cost and protection. Thanks to the full synthetic oil being more durable than semi-synthetic, I can visit the shop less often. During each maintenance check, I also measure the oil level with the dipstick—if it's below the mark, I top it off to buy an extra week or two. If I frequently brake hard or drive in dusty conditions, I shorten the interval to 6,500 miles. In short, follow the vehicle manual and don’t arbitrarily extend intervals—saving money is minor compared to the pain of a blown engine.
