How Often Should You Change Your Car's Oil?
2 Answers
The frequency of oil changes for car maintenance depends on the type of oil used in the vehicle. How often to change the oil is influenced by many factors, including the quality of the oil, the driving environment in your region, the age of the vehicle model, and more. While there is a wide variety of oils available on the market, the most reliable method to determine the appropriate oil change interval, viscosity grade, and quality is to follow the recommendations in your vehicle's owner's manual. Specific details are as follows: 1. Full Synthetic Oil: Generally, full synthetic oil should be changed every 10,000 kilometers or once a year. 2. Semi-Synthetic Oil: Semi-synthetic oil is typically changed every 7,500 kilometers or every 7-8 months. 3. Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is usually changed every 5,000 kilometers or every 6 months.
I've been driving for over a decade, and oil change frequency really depends on the specific situation. Generally speaking, for new cars or normal driving conditions, it's recommended to service every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers or every six months. Full synthetic oil is of better quality and can last up to around 10,000 kilometers, while semi-synthetic might only make it to 7,000 kilometers. If you often drive in city traffic with constant stopping and starting, or frequently take short trips, the engine is more prone to carbon buildup and wear, so it's best to shorten the interval to every 5,000 kilometers. I used to delay changes to save trouble a few times, and ended up with thickened engine oil and noisy operation, costing me thousands in repairs. Remember to check your owner's manual - different models have specific requirements. Also consider oil quality and driving habits, don't just follow the repair shop's recommendations.
