How often should sedan engine oil be changed?

[MacLeilani]

For new sedans, the first engine oil change should be done within 2,000 kilometers, followed by maintenance every 5,000 kilometers, which also includes an oil change. The frequency of engine oil changes depends on the vehicle's age - engine oil is typically replaced during regular maintenance along with the oil filter. It's recommended to replace the air filter every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, while the fuel filter doesn't need frequent changes - replacement every 50,000 kilometers is suggested (for high-end vehicles, every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers is recommended). Transmission fluid is generally changed every 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Special attention should be paid to the type and specification of engine oil during changes, as using the wrong oil can affect vehicle performance.

[DiHope]

I've been driving for over 20 years and believe oil changes depend on actual usage. Generally, mineral oil lasts about 5,000 km or needs replacement every six months; semi-synthetic can go 7,000-8,000 km or nine months; full synthetic is best, requiring annual changes or every 10,000 km. However, if you frequently idle in city traffic with the engine running at low speed, it's better to change the oil early even if the mileage hasn't been reached. Once when I didn't drive for three months on a business trip, the first thing I did upon returning was change the oil – prolonged parking causes oil oxidation and deterioration. Remember to have mechanics check the dipstick during each maintenance; darkened or thickened oil warrants attention.

[ParkerAnn]

I remember flipping through the manual to the maintenance section on the very first day I bought my car, only to discover that standards vary significantly between manufacturers. German cars generally recommend oil changes every 7,500-15,000 km, while Japanese models mostly fall in the 5,000-10,000 km range. In fact, these manufacturer-specified intervals are based on extensive engine design testing – turbocharged engines, for example, operate at higher temperatures and consume oil more aggressively. I personally prefer using full synthetic oil with OEM filters, typically changing it once annually before winter sets in. If you frequently drive aggressively with sustained 3,000-4,000 rpm highway runs or regularly traverse dusty gravel roads, it's prudent to shorten the standard maintenance cycle by 20% under such conditions.

[AndrewDella]

Last week, my neighbor asked when to get the first maintenance for the new car, and I said the first maintenance is the most important, and you must go when it reaches 5,000 kilometers. Engine oil is like the blood of the engine. After prolonged use, it will mix with metal debris and carbon deposits, and the viscosity will decrease, making it ineffective for lubrication. Once, my car suddenly had a surge in fuel consumption, which was caused by piston ring wear due to overdue engine oil. For ordinary family cars, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 kilometers, fully synthetic engine oil paired with a long-life filter can definitely last for 12 months without any problem. If you are used to maintaining your car at a 4S shop, their system will automatically remind you of the next maintenance date.