How Often Should You Change Your Car Engine Oil?
3 Answers
Car engine oil change intervals depend on the type of oil used. Below are the recommended oil change intervals for different types of engine oil: 1. Mineral Oil: Mineral oil, being relatively basic in performance, is suitable for most vehicles and widely available in the market. Generally, it should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, whichever comes first. 2. Semi-Synthetic Oil: Semi-synthetic oil contains traditional mineral oil with a smaller percentage of additives and high-performance fluids. It is recommended to change this type of oil every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months, whichever comes first. 3. Full Synthetic Oil: Full synthetic oil is the highest quality engine oil available. It is typically suitable for changing every 10,000 kilometers or 12 months, whichever comes first.
I've been driving for over a decade and have always been careful about oil changes. Generally speaking, family cars should get an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but the exact interval should follow the manufacturer's manual recommendations. Mineral oil needs to be changed every six months or 5,000 kilometers, semi-synthetic can last about 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers, while full synthetic can usually go a full year or 10,000 kilometers. Special reminder for those who frequently drive in city traffic jams or take lots of short trips - low engine temperatures make sludge buildup more likely, so you should change oil 1,000-2,000 kilometers earlier than normal. Also, the oil filter must be replaced every time, otherwise the oil change is wasted. It's best to have this done at a proper repair shop.
My neighbor is a car mechanic, and he told me that the oil change interval isn't a fixed value. For new cars in the first few years, you can change it every 8,000-10,000 kilometers, but for older cars that have been driven for seven or eight years, it's recommended to shorten it to 6,000 kilometers. Winters in the north require special attention—low temperatures can thicken the oil, affecting its lubrication performance, so it's best to check and change it before winter. In old residential areas like ours where parking spaces are tight and short-distance moves are frequent, the engine doesn't warm up sufficiently, causing the oil to degrade faster, so it should be changed every 5,000 kilometers. You can usually pull out the dipstick to check the oil's color; if it's too black or smells burnt, it's time for a change.
