Is it necessary to change fully synthetic engine oil every 6 months?
2 Answers
Different types of engine oil have varying replacement cycles. Fully synthetic engine oil does not necessarily need to be changed every 6 months; its maintenance interval is typically between 10,000-15,000 kilometers or one year. However, the oil change cycle should only serve as a reference, and the actual replacement time depends on the vehicle's driving conditions. Additional information: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions for the engine, including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car.
I just chatted with a veteran mechanic the other day about this. The idea that full synthetic oil must be changed every 6 months is actually a misconception! It really depends on how you use your car. My daily commute is 20-30 kilometers, and I drive less than 10,000 kilometers a year—I still use the same oil for a full year. But if you frequently take short trips, driving only 3-5 kilometers each time without the engine properly warming up, the oil's acid value can rise, and an early change is indeed necessary. Also, for vehicles left parked for long periods, oil oxidation speeds up, so a 6-month interval is best in such cases. My suggestion? Try testing it yourself—drip some oil on a test strip and observe the diffusion ring. If it turns seriously dark, it's time to change, regardless of the time passed.
