Is it acceptable to change fully synthetic motor oil once a year?
2 Answers
It is acceptable to change fully synthetic motor oil once a year. Fully synthetic motor oil appears as a clear, semi-transparent or transparent liquid with a shelf life of up to 5 years. Synthetic motor oil is chemically engineered lubricant whose composition can be adjusted according to different usage purposes. The replacement procedure for fully synthetic motor oil is as follows: 1. Start the vehicle engine for preheating; 2. Unscrew the drain plug; 3. Remove the oil filter; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter; 5. Pour new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks at the lower part of the engine and verify oil level with dipstick before starting the engine for testing.
When it comes to changing full synthetic oil once a year, I think it really depends on how you drive. I have extensive experience with cars and have driven under various conditions. Generally, full synthetic oil has better durability, and manufacturers usually recommend changing it once a year or around 10,000 kilometers. But if you drive a lot, like daily highway or long-distance trips, you might need to change it sooner. On the other hand, if the car sits idle, the oil will slowly oxidize, and even if a year passes, it’s usually not a big issue. The key is to regularly check the dipstick—if the color darkens or there are impurities, don’t delay. After all, engine repairs are expensive, while an oil change is cheap and hassle-free. My neighbor has a car that’s rarely driven and changes the oil once a year without any issues; meanwhile, my colleague drives aggressively and needs to change it every six months. In short, following the manufacturer’s manual while adjusting flexibly is the way to go—it saves you trouble.