How Often Should Engine Oil Be Changed?
4 Answers
There is no fixed interval for changing engine oil. The specific replacement period depends on actual driving conditions and the vehicle's condition. Different types of engine oil also have different replacement cycles. The details are as follows: Engine oil can be divided into mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil. If mineral oil is used, it should generally be changed every six months or after driving about 5,000 kilometers. If semi-synthetic oil is used, it should be changed every 7-8 months or after driving about 7,500 kilometers. If full-synthetic oil is used, it can be changed after driving for about one year or 10,000 kilometers. The condition of the engine oil can be checked using an oil test filter paper. After parking the car for ten minutes, dip the oil dipstick into the oil and drip it onto the test filter paper. The test filter paper may show the following three conditions: 1. The three rings are clearly distinguishable, indicating the oil can still be used. 2. The oil ring disappears, leaving only the deposit ring and diffusion ring, suggesting it's time to change the oil. 3. Only the darker deposit ring remains, indicating an immediate oil change is required.
After driving a family car for so many years, my experience with oil changes is that it should be done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or approximately every six months, whichever comes first. This is mainly based on the recommendations in the owner's manual. If you frequently drive in the city with stop-and-go traffic, causing more wear, the interval should be shortened to around 5,000 miles. For smooth highway driving, you can extend it slightly. I also make it a habit to check the oil level monthly, checking if the oil has turned black or is low. If I notice any abnormalities, I change it early. This prevents small issues from turning into major repairs, extends the engine's lifespan, and saves costs. When getting an oil change at a repair shop, they usually test the oil quality and provide advice, which is the most reliable approach.
After driving on highways for over a decade, I've learned that oil change intervals truly depend on road conditions. With smooth highway driving, synthetic oil can last 7,000 to 10,000 miles before needing replacement, saving considerable hassle. However, with frequent braking and starting in city traffic, it's best to change at 5,000 miles. I remember once pushing it to 8,000 miles out of laziness, and the engine noise noticeably increased – since then, I've stuck to six-month inspections. Always pay attention to dashboard alerts, schedule regular professional servicing, and combine it with DIY oil level checks. This approach is both safe and practical – never rely solely on mileage for oil change decisions.
When I first started driving, my instructor told me that engine oil should generally be changed every six months or around 5,000 miles, depending on the vehicle model and manual. I basically follow this practice now, and changing it is quite simple and quick—whether going to a shop or doing it myself, it doesn’t take long. Choosing the right type of oil, such as full synthetic, might even extend the interval to 10,000 miles. Just take a quick look at the dipstick before driving, and address any issues early—don’t procrastinate.
