
The engine oil and three filters should generally be replaced every 6 months. Here is some information about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in a base oil. 2. Composition: It mainly contains anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. 3. Function: The primary functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine. It also neutralizes acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improves the sealing of piston rings, and cools the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.

The replacement intervals for engine oil and the three filters really depend on personal driving habits and vehicle conditions. I mostly drive in the city for commuting, with frequent stop-and-go traffic. In such conditions, engine oil tends to oxidize and degrade more quickly, so I change it every 6 months or 8,000 kilometers, along with the oil filter. As for the air filter, the city has a lot of dust and traffic congestion, so I replace it whenever it gets dirty upon inspection, roughly once a year. The fuel filter affects fuel efficiency, so I replace it every 20,000 kilometers or so. Remember, don’t delay too long—otherwise, engine wear can lead to costly repairs. Regular maintenance is more cost-effective and worry-free.

The maintenance intervals for these components are typically every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months for engine oil, but you should check your vehicle's manual for specifics. The oil filter is usually replaced along with the oil. The air filter depends on your driving environment—if you often drive in dusty areas, like around construction sites, you might need to replace it every six months. The fuel filter is more durable and usually replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. I think keeping a mileage log is important to avoid forgetting and to protect engine performance. Driving conditions make a big difference—long highway trips might allow for longer intervals, while frequent short trips with frequent starts warrant earlier replacements.

With decades of driving experience, I've learned that engine oil and the three filters can't be treated the same. For frequent short trips, pay attention to the engine oil every 6 months—it might need an early change. The oil filter gets replaced along with the oil; change one, change the other. The air filter depends on conditions—dusty city driving means checking and possibly replacing it yearly. The fuel filter is more durable, typically needing replacement around 25,000 km. The key factor is the car's age: newer models might last longer, while older ones need more frequent maintenance for safety. Regular checks are always the right approach.


