How often should the crankcase oil be changed?
2 Answers
Crankcase oil should be changed every 3 years. Definition of crankcase: The lower part of the cylinder block where the crankshaft is installed is called the crankcase, which is divided into the upper crankcase and the lower crankcase. Function scope of crankcase: The upper crankcase is cast integrally with the cylinder block, while the lower crankcase is used to store lubricating oil and seal the upper crankcase, hence it is also called the oil pan. The oil pan bears minimal force and is generally made of stamped thin steel plates. Its shape depends on the overall layout of the engine and the capacity of the engine oil. The oil pan is equipped with an oil stabilizing baffle to prevent excessive oil surface fluctuations when the car is bumpy. The bottom of the oil pan also has a drain plug, which is usually equipped with a permanent magnet to adsorb metal particles in the lubricating oil, reducing engine wear. A gasket is installed between the joint surfaces of the upper and lower crankcases to prevent lubricating oil leakage.
After driving for so many years, I feel that the oil change interval for the crankcase mainly depends on the vehicle's age and driving habits. For example, my older family car has more engine wear, and with frequent city traffic jams, the oil tends to get dirty faster. I usually change it every 5,000 kilometers or six months to protect the engine and avoid carbon buildup issues. If I switch to synthetic oil, it might last up to 7,000 kilometers, but for my old car, I always check the oil level before long trips. If it's too low, I head straight to the repair shop for a change—never wait until the engine warning light comes on, as that could lead to serious problems. It's good practice to follow the maintenance recommendations in your car's manual. Keeping up with regular maintenance helps the car last longer and saves you from costly engine repairs. Honestly, changing the oil more frequently isn’t as expensive as you might think—it’s a small cost to avoid major trouble.