How Often Should Mineral Engine Oil Be Changed?
2 Answers
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.
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.
