Is frequent oil change good for the engine?
2 Answers
Frequent oil changes are beneficial for the engine, as new oil undoubtedly performs better than used oil in all aspects, naturally providing greater benefits to the engine. Engine oil operates in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment over time, leading to chemical reactions within its components. This results in a small amount of chemical elements remaining in the oil, which reduces its cooling and lubricating properties, thereby accelerating engine wear. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple purposes including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is composed of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil's performance.
Having driven for over a decade, I firmly believe that regular oil changes are absolutely beneficial for the engine. Engine oil is like the lifeblood of an engine, lubricating components and reducing friction and wear. However, changing it too frequently is wasteful—the maintenance intervals specified in the manufacturer's manual are the most reliable. For my old Volkswagen, the manual recommends changing semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers, and I generally stick to that schedule. Occasionally exceeding by a few hundred kilometers isn’t a big issue, but it’s best not to go beyond 10,000 kilometers. Long intervals between oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, clogged oil passages, increased engine noise, or even cylinder scoring. This is especially important for drivers who frequently tackle mountain roads or make short trips, as their engines endure heavier loads and require more frequent oil changes. Full synthetic oil offers better protection but is more expensive, while semi-synthetic provides a good balance of cost and performance. Mineral oil is cheaper but offers weaker protection. Choosing the right oil for your driving habits is key.
