How Often Should You Change Your Car's Engine Oil?
2 Answers
How often you should change your car's engine oil depends on the type of oil. Mineral oil typically needs to be changed every six months or after driving about 5,000 kilometers; semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7 to 8 months or after approximately 7,500 kilometers; and full-synthetic oil should be changed once a year or after around 10,000 kilometers. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary ingredient of the lubricant, while the additives help compensate for and improve any shortcomings in the base oil's performance. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Minimizing gas leakage and preventing contamination from external pollutants; 3. Protecting parts from contact with water, air, and harmful acidic gases; 4. Buffering the pressure rise in the engine cylinder; 5. Cleaning away dirt generated on the surfaces of working parts.
As a seasoned driver with 20 years of experience, I often get asked by beginners about engine oil. The key to oil changes is to follow the recommendations in your car's manual, as each vehicle is different. The traditional advice is generally to change it every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers or every six months. If you frequently drive in city traffic with frequent stops or take short trips, dust and sludge can accumulate quickly, potentially making the oil dirty by 3,000 kilometers, necessitating an early change. When I drove older cars, I used conventional oil, and if I didn’t change it for months, the engine would start humming, likely due to severe carbon buildup. Now, with a newer car, I use full synthetic oil, which lasts longer. The manual says changing it every 10,000 kilometers is safe, but I still prefer to check the dipstick regularly—if the oil turns brown or black, it’s time for a change. Regular maintenance is the secret to a long-lasting engine; don’t skip it to save trouble.
