How often should the engine oil be changed if the car is not driven frequently?
2 Answers
It is recommended to change the engine oil once a year. If the car is not driven for a long time, it is advisable to use fully synthetic engine oil. Although it is more expensive than conventional dedicated oil and semi-synthetic engine oil, fully synthetic engine oil has a higher manufacturing and refining process technology. Its internal cleanliness, lubrication, viscosity, and sealing performance can meet the requirements of long-term parking. Below are the types of engine oil and their corresponding replacement intervals: 1. Mineral engine oil: Replace every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months. 2. Semi-synthetic engine oil: Replace every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months. 3. Fully synthetic engine oil: Replace every 10,000 kilometers or 1 year.
I remember buying a car when I was younger, but I rarely drove it due to a busy work schedule, and oil issues became my lesson. Generally speaking, if a car isn't driven often, the oil will still deteriorate over time—absorbing moisture from the air or oxidizing and thickening, which can wear down engine components. My experience is that changing the oil every 6 to 12 months is the safest approach, depending on whether you use mineral or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer and can stretch to a year, but older cars using conventional oil need more frequent changes, around every six months. Don’t just rely on the odometer; change it when the time comes to avoid costly engine repairs. Also, check other components like the battery and tires, as they can degrade from sitting idle. In short, regular maintenance is far more effective than trying to save money temporarily.
