How Often Should Engine Oil Be Changed for a Car?
4 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the engine oil for a car should be changed every 6 months or 8,000 kilometers. However, the specific interval depends on driving conditions, driving habits, and the type of oil used. It is recommended to change the oil regularly during daily use to reduce engine wear and extend its lifespan. Engine oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of the engine, as the engine cannot function properly without it. Inside the engine, oil not only lubricates but also cleans, seals, cushions, prevents rust, and dissipates heat. When the engine is running, the oil forms a protective film on the surfaces of various components, preventing direct contact and friction between them.
I've driven several cars before and feel that oil changes shouldn't be treated as one-size-fits-all. Generally, mineral oil needs replacement every 5,000 km or six months, while full synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 km or a year. But it also depends on your driving habits—if you frequently encounter city traffic jams with the engine running at low speeds, the oil's lifespan may shorten to 7,000-8,000 km. Last time during maintenance, the technician mentioned that modern cars now come with electronic reminder systems that intelligently determine oil change intervals based on actual driving conditions, which is quite convenient. Also, don't just rely on mileage—regular self-checks are crucial: if the oil appears black and sticky or has a pungent smell, you should change it immediately regardless of usage duration. Pay extra attention during winter's low temperatures as aged oil loses fluidity, making cold starts particularly damaging to the engine. In short, timely oil changes are vital for engine protection.
My neighbor Old Zhang is a veteran taxi driver with 30 years of experience. He always says that following the manufacturer's manual is the most reliable. His Corolla's maintenance manual recommends an oil change every 10,000 kilometers, but since he drives 80-90 kilometers daily, he basically needs to change it every three months. I've heard that German cars have stricter requirements, with Volkswagen often suggesting changes at 7,000-8,000 kilometers. Once, I drove a friend's SUV to Tibet and changed the oil immediately after returning from rough roads—dust and continuous uphill driving can degrade oil faster. Nowadays, many 4S shops offer free inspections. During each maintenance check, it's good to also check the dipstick—if the viscosity is normal, you can actually extend the interval slightly. With recent fuel price hikes, many people try to save money by delaying oil changes, but this can easily lead to carbon buildup in the engine. Repair costs are much more expensive than the oil itself.
From a professional perspective, oil change intervals primarily depend on three indicators: oil type, driving intensity, and vehicle age. Full synthetic oil offers the best protection, and for regular vehicles, an annual change or every 12,000 kilometers is sufficient. However, vehicles frequently used for short trips require special attention. If the engine is turned off before reaching operating temperature after each cold start, gasoline can easily mix with the oil, so it's advisable to shorten the interval to eight or nine months. Used cars need even more frequent changes. Last month, I inspected a ten-year-old used car, and the oil had already emulsified and deteriorated after just 5,000 kilometers. Here's a lesser-known fact: oil filters have a lifespan of only about 15,000 kilometers, so it's best to replace them during oil changes. Remember these basic principles: full synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers or annually, semi-synthetic every 7,000-8,000 kilometers or every nine months, and mineral oil should not exceed 5,000 kilometers.
