How Often Should 0W20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil Be Changed?
3 Answers
Full synthetic engine oil can generally be changed every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers or every six months, but the specific interval depends on the vehicle's driving conditions. Compared to semi-synthetic and mineral oils, full synthetic oil has a wider temperature range, is less prone to deterioration, has lower evaporation loss, and a longer service life than conventional oils. It offers excellent chemical stability, good radiation resistance, high oil film strength, minimal foaming, superior lubrication, and reduced wear. Below is relevant information about engine oil: 1. Function of Engine Oil: Engine oil lubricates and reduces friction in the engine, aids in cooling, seals against leaks, prevents rust and corrosion, and provides shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of a car. Choosing the right oil and changing it regularly helps maintain the engine in good condition and extends its lifespan. 2. Choosing Engine Oil: The best engine oil isn't necessarily the most expensive; it should be selected based on the characteristics of the car's engine and the driver's habits. Engine oils can also be categorized by their suitability for winter or summer use. For winter, the primary consideration is the low-temperature viscosity grade, while in summer, due to higher temperatures, oils with superior low-temperature viscosity grades are not necessary.
I've been driving ride-hailing for ten years and changed 0W20 oil over a hundred times. Fully synthetic oil can safely last 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers before replacement, but it depends on conditions: First, consider driving habits—frequent traffic jams or short trips mean the oil starts turning black by 8,000 km. Second, factor in time—even with low mileage, change it after a full year as oil oxidizes. Third, monitor fuel consumption—if it suddenly increases by more than half a liter, the oil's performance is likely degraded. I always keep oil test strips in my car, checking the diffusion ring monthly by dripping a drop; obvious sediment rings mean it's time to change.
As the owner of a neighborhood auto repair shop, I've encountered too many people blindly believing that full synthetic oil can last extremely long. Last week, a Japanese car owner drove 15,000 kilometers without changing the oil, resulting in a seized engine that cost 8,000 yuan to repair. Although 0W20 oil has good high-temperature resistance, maintenance should consider actual conditions: vehicles frequently driven on highways can indeed last up to 12,000 kilometers; for grocery-getter cars used for school runs, with five or six cold starts daily, it's recommended to change the oil at 8,000 kilometers. Remember these four non-negotiable indicators: frequent start-stop driving requires earlier changes, vehicles over five years old need earlier changes, sludge at the oil filler cap calls for earlier changes, and metal shavings on the dipstick demand immediate replacement!
