Is Frequent Oil Change Harmful?
4 Answers
Frequent oil and air filter changes are not harmful to the car. Generally, the oil should be changed once or twice a year. Under normal road conditions, the air filter should be cleaned and maintained every 7,500-8,000 km of driving. In areas with high levels of sand and dust, the maintenance interval should be shortened accordingly. The functions of engine oil are as follows: 1. Lubrication and friction reduction: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearing bush. To prevent excessive wear of parts, an oil film needs to be established between the two sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of the relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear. 2. Cooling: Engine oil can carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine. 3. Cleaning: Good engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation. The flow of the lubricating oil washes away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts. 4. Sealing and leak prevention: Engine oil can form a sealing ring between the piston ring and piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering. 5. Rust and corrosion prevention: Lubricating oil can adhere to the surface of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. 6. Shock absorption: When the pressure at the engine cylinder port rises sharply, the load on the piston, piston pin, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings suddenly increases. This load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load.
Changing engine oil too frequently indeed doesn't bring much benefit, mainly just wasting money and resources. I've been driving for nearly twenty years. When I was younger, I also thought changing oil more often was good for the car, rushing to service stations at every turn, which cost me hundreds extra in oil expenses every month. Later, after consulting with car-savvy friends, I learned that engine oil maintains stable performance throughout its normal service interval. For instance, synthetic oil can typically last 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers or needs changing only every six months. Changing it too often not only wastes money but also adds environmental burdens—disposing of waste oil is troublesome, potentially polluting soil and water sources. So now I strictly follow the vehicle manual's recommendations—it's worry-free, cost-saving, and eco-friendly. Don't worry, cars aren't that delicate. Unless you're driving in particularly harsh conditions, like frequently on dusty construction sites, then you might consider slightly advancing the schedule.
Changing engine oil too frequently won't directly damage the engine, but honestly, it's just unnecessary waste. As someone who cares about environmental protection, I think this practice is quite inappropriate. Think about it - replacing oil before it reaches its service life is like throwing money down the drain. Each oil change generates waste oil that can easily pollute the environment if not properly disposed of. Under normal driving conditions, engine oil maintains optimal protective performance, and it's generally sufficient to change it every 7,000 to 10,000 kilometers or as specified in the manual. Frequent oil changes offer no benefits whatsoever; instead, they increase carbon emissions from transportation and disposal processes. I recommend everyone develop good habits - don't follow those who over-maintain their vehicles. Save that money for other purposes; it's both practical and eco-friendly. In short, change oil as needed, don't overdo it.
I haven't been driving for long, and I'm quite concerned about this issue. After researching and consulting, I learned that changing the oil too frequently doesn't cause much harm, it's just a pure waste of time and money. Conventional oil remains effective within 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, and changing it early means paying extra for no reason. I suggest directly referring to the vehicle manual, which provides clear recommended intervals. Don't overthink it; simply follow the instructions to avoid unnecessary expenses. If it's synthetic blend oil, it can last even longer.
