How Often Should Private Cars Change Engine Oil?

[MacJocelyn]

Under normal circumstances, considering the quality of domestic fuel in China, engine oil should be changed approximately every 8,000 kilometers. Below is some extended information about engine oil: 1. Types: Engine oil is divided into three categories: full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil. 2. Oil grades: On the packaging of engine oil, you will find labels such as 5w30, 0w20, and 5w40, which indicate the oil grade. The 'w' stands for 'winter,' meaning that if the oil has the letter 'w,' it can be used in winter. 3. Consequences of insufficient oil: When the engine oil is insufficient, it will lead to poor lubrication of the friction surfaces of various internal engine components. Poor lubrication can exacerbate the wear and tear of parts. Additionally, engine oil plays a crucial role in cooling and heat dissipation. Insufficient oil will reduce the engine's cooling and heat dissipation capacity, leading to internal overheating, which can further cause bearing bush burning, cylinder scoring, and other phenomena.

[LeCali]

Changing engine oil is something I've deeply experienced in my car modification journey. Generally, it's recommended to change it every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every 6 months, depending on your driving habits. For me, since I often drive on highways or engage in modifications, high RPMs accelerate oil degradation, so I stick to changing synthetic oil every 5,000 kilometers. Synthetic oil performs better under high temperatures, protecting the engine from overheating and wear. Don't forget to regularly check the dipstick; if the oil level is low or the oil turns black, it's time for an early change. City driving in heavy traffic can speed up oil contamination, making an early change a safer bet to avoid costly engine issues down the line. In short, taking care of your car is taking care of yourself.

[MaxRose]

As a family car user, we have a daily commuter vehicle, with safety as the top priority. The oil change frequency is generally every 7,500 kilometers or every six months, and the most worry-free approach is to refer to the owner's manual. With frequent use of a private car, engine oil can accumulate dirt and affect lubrication. Not changing it in time may lead to engine noise or increased fuel consumption. I make it a habit to check the oil level and color every two months, and take early action if it changes color. Considering the children's commute to and from school, regular maintenance to avoid breakdowns on the road is crucial. Engine health is directly related to driving safety, so don't cut corners for convenience.

[VanHope]

After decades of city driving, you can hear engine problems if oil changes are delayed. For regular private cars, changing oil every 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers is reasonable. With frequent start-stop city driving like mine, engine oil oxidizes and deteriorates easily. Before each oil change, I check the old oil's viscosity by touch—if it feels gritty or has an odd smell, it's time. Experience shows regular oil changes can extend a car's lifespan by over ten years, saving significant repair costs. Remember, full synthetic oil allows slightly longer intervals, but don't get lazy.