How Often Should You Change the Oil for a Sedan?
3 Answers
Different types of motor oil have different replacement cycles. Mineral oil can be changed every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months; semi-synthetic oil can be changed every 7,500 kilometers or within 6 months; and full-synthetic oil can be changed every 10,000 kilometers or 12 months. The steps for changing the oil are as follows: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature; 2. Engage the handbrake and lift the vehicle; 3. Unscrew the oil filter and drain the old oil; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter; 5. Pour the new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check the lower part of the engine for leaks; 7. Lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine; 8. Turn off the engine and recheck the oil level.
I've been driving for over a decade, and changing engine oil is something you really can't take lightly. Conventional mineral oil needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months, semi-synthetic can last up to 7,500 kilometers, and full synthetic can go as far as 10,000 kilometers. However, it's important to note that if you frequently encounter city traffic congestion or make short trips where the engine doesn't fully warm up, the oil tends to degrade faster, requiring a change 500 to 1,000 kilometers earlier. My old car's maintenance manual clearly states 'reduce oil change intervals by half under severe operating conditions.' Last time when the oil light suddenly came on, it was because I had exceeded the interval for too long, and the mechanic said sludge had clogged the oil passages. Now I keep track of the mileage in my phone's memo app and change it right on schedule.
Last time I chatted with a technician at the 4S shop, he said many new cars now use full synthetic oil, which can last up to 15,000 km before needing a change. After checking some materials, I realized the key factors are oil quality and engine technology. New turbocharged models must use full synthetic oil, while older cars require more frequent changes. I also discovered a trick: during maintenance, ask the mechanic to test the oil filter paper to check the oil condition. From my experience, regularly checking the dipstick is crucial – if the oil turns black, loses viscosity, or develops a burnt smell, change it immediately. My weekend grocery car only runs a few hundred kilometers monthly, but I still change the oil when it's time because oil oxidizes and deteriorates over time.
