How often should the engine oil be changed for a newly purchased car?
4 Answers
Generally, the engine oil change interval is between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months to a year. The recommended maintenance schedule can be found in the warranty certificate that comes with the car purchase. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. Below is an introduction to engine oil-related information: 1. There are 4 types of summer oils, 6 types of winter oils, and 16 types of all-season oils. The summer oil grades are: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity and the higher the maximum applicable temperature. 2. The winter oil grades are: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W. The letter 'W' stands for Winter. The smaller the number before 'W', the lower the viscosity at low temperatures, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the lower the minimum applicable temperature.
I just bought a new car last year and was initially confused about oil changes. After consulting a friend at the 4S店 and checking the user manual, I now know that new cars usually get their first free oil change between 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. After that, it's generally every 6 months or every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The key is your driving habits and environment: if you often drive on highways or in congested city traffic, use fully synthetic oil, which can extend the interval to around 7,500 kilometers. On the other hand, if you frequently make short trips with constant starts and stops or drive in dusty areas, you should check more often and change it earlier. I make it a habit to check the oil dipstick’s color and level every month—don’t wait for the warning light to come on. Proper maintenance for a new car can extend the engine’s lifespan and make driving smoother. Don’t listen to inexperienced people giving misguided advice.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've developed my own rhythm for new car oil changes. After the first maintenance, changing every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers or every six months is relatively safe, but modern vehicles using synthetic oil can appropriately extend this interval. Don't blindly follow old traditions; during high-speed cruising, the engine runs smoothly, making 7,500 kilometers no problem. In city stop-and-go traffic, oil contamination happens faster, so it's best to change it promptly. I recommend new car owners to carefully read the manual, which contains specific data as different models have varying requirements. Changing oil too frequently is a waste of money and can lead to oil sludge buildup, affecting performance. Regularly visit professional shops for oil quality checks to ensure no leaks and minimal dust, keeping the engine healthy and as good as new for ten years.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I pay close attention to the eco-friendly aspects of engine oil changes for new cars. It is recommended to use high-performance synthetic oil, which can support extended oil change intervals of up to 1 year or 15,000 kilometers, reducing waste oil emissions. Most modern vehicles are equipped with intelligent monitoring systems that dynamically provide prompts based on driving data, which is more precise and resource-efficient than fixed intervals. Remember that high temperatures and pressure accelerate oil degradation, and extra dust in rural areas may require earlier attention. Maintaining smooth driving with fewer sudden accelerations helps preserve oil quality and extend its lifespan. Tracking maintenance records through apps saves time and conserves energy for the planet. Proper maintenance makes your car cleaner and more eco-friendly.
