How Often Should Mineral Engine Oil Be Changed?

[JohnMarie]

Mineral engine oil generally needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months. Engine oil is divided into three types: full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil. Among them, full synthetic oil should be changed every 10,000 kilometers or 1 year, while semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 kilometers or 7 to 8 months. The method for changing engine oil is as follows: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, locate the drain plug, and loosen it to drain the oil; 2. Remove the oil filter and place a container underneath it; 3. Replace with a new oil filter and add new engine oil. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and lowering temperature; 3. Cleaning and purifying; 4. Dampening vibrations; 5. Preventing rust and corrosion.

[LeEllie]

I've been driving since high school and have been using mineral oil all these years, sticking to an oil change interval of every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Once, I got too busy and delayed it to 6,000 kilometers, and the oil turned black and thick, with the engine noise increasing. The mechanic said it almost damaged the internals. So now I'm very diligent—if I drive mostly short trips in the city, where oil temperature fluctuates quickly and oxidation is more likely, I change it even more frequently. For long highway trips, I can stretch it a bit but never exceed 5,500 kilometers. Regular oil changes protect the engine by reducing wear and preventing carbon buildup. New car owners should follow the vehicle manual and not take risks—after all, engine repairs are too expensive.

[McCooper]

As an average office worker, I choose mineral oil because it's cost-effective, with oil change intervals typically around 5,000 kilometers. I drive a Honda Civic and change the oil every 5 months or 5,000 kilometers on schedule, which is worry-free and budget-friendly. The key is not to wait too long, otherwise, the oil deteriorates, lubrication worsens, and the engine is prone to overheating, leading to skyrocketing repair costs. External factors must also be considered. For example, in the summer when temperatures are high, the oil tends to thin out, so I change it at 4,500 kilometers; in the cooler winter, 5,000 kilometers is fine. I regularly check the dipstick myself, and if the color darkens, it's time to act—never be lazy, safety first.

[LaneMarie]

I prioritize driving safety, so I change my mineral oil within 5,000 kilometers. Prolonged oil use leads to quality degradation, increasing engine friction and potentially causing breakdowns on the road, which is extremely dangerous. The manual is the best guide—don't exceed the limits. Especially in urban stop-and-go traffic, change oil earlier to reduce contaminant buildup. Regular maintenance is key to protecting lives—don't risk major losses for minor savings.