How Often Should the Automotive Lubrication System Be Cleaned?
4 Answers
Generally, it is recommended to clean the lubrication system every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers driven. If mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil is used for an extended period, the cleaning interval should be appropriately shortened. If full synthetic oil is used long-term, the cleaning and maintenance can be extended to 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers. Below is additional information about the automotive lubrication system: 1. Composition of the Lubrication System: The lubrication system consists of an oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, and oil strainer. Additionally, the system includes components such as the oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, and oil pipelines. 2. Necessity: Since the engine operates under high temperature and pressure for extended periods, the resulting sludge and carbon deposits can reduce engine efficiency. Therefore, cleaning the lubrication system is highly necessary.
I drive to work every day, and cleaning the lubrication system isn't a scheduled task—it mainly depends on how you use your car and its condition. For city commuters like me, frequent traffic jams cause the engine temperature to rise, leading to sludge buildup, so I clean it roughly every 30,000 kilometers or two years. The method involves adding an engine cleaner before changing the oil, letting it run for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then proceeding with the regular oil change. If not cleaned in time, fuel consumption may increase, engine noise may grow louder, and in severe cases, internal parts could be damaged. The cleaning frequency should also consider the vehicle manual—older models or those driven long distances frequently may need it sooner. Additionally, choosing synthetic oil and regularly replacing the filter can reduce the need for cleaning, avoiding excessive cleaning that might harm the engine. In short, protecting your car requires adjusting based on actual driving habits.
Having worked in car repair for many years, the key to lubricating system cleaning isn't about fixed intervals but flexible handling based on vehicle usage. For most vehicles, cleaning every 40,000 km under urban driving conditions is appropriate, while frequent off-road driving or high-load operations require more frequent cleaning. It's recommended to perform the cleaning during oil changes by adding a dedicated cleaner, letting the engine run briefly, then draining the dirty oil for replacement. Long-term neglect can lead to oil pump clogging, causing cold start difficulties and poor acceleration. The cost is minimal - just a few dozen yuan for a bottle of cleaner, and when paired with high-quality oil, it can extend engine life. Environmental factors also matter; in dusty areas, more frequent cleaning is advisable for added safety.
As an experienced driver maintaining a vehicle, cleaning the lubrication system doesn't need to be too frequent. Doing it every 40,000-50,000 kilometers or every 3-4 years is sufficient, as excessive cleaning is unnecessary. I only take action when issues arise, such as feeling the engine starts slowly or noticing the engine oil has discolored, before performing cleaning procedures. The method is simple: just add regular engine cleaner before an oil change and let it run for a while, without the need to spend extra money at a repair shop. Don't forget that cleaning is just supplementary; the basic oil change and filter replacement are more important. This approach is both hassle-free and practical, especially friendly for ordinary family cars.
