Is it necessary to change the engine oil every 6 months?
4 Answers
Whether the engine oil needs to be changed after six months depends on the type of oil. Generally, mineral oil should be changed every 6 months, while semi-synthetic oil has a service life of 9 months. For fully synthetic oil, it can last up to one year. Here are some methods to determine if the engine oil needs to be changed: 1. Observe with an oil test paper: Take a small amount of oil from the dipstick and drip it onto the test paper, then let it sit overnight until the oil fully diffuses on the paper. If the edges between the oil ring, sediment ring, and diffusion ring appear harder, it indicates greater degradation of the oil's performance. 2. Judge based on driving experience after an oil change: Engine oil has a "shelf life" in terms of performance. When acceleration slows down, it means the oil has expired and needs to be replaced.
As an auto repair technician, I often get this question from car owners. Actually, oil changes aren't just about time - it depends on your driving conditions and oil type. If you're using full synthetic oil, even after six months, as long as you haven't driven 10,000 km or mostly take short trips, there's no urgent need to change it. I've seen too many owners changing oil after just 3,000-4,000 km in six months - when we open the oil cap, the oil still looks perfectly clear. That's just wasting money. However, if you frequently drive on construction sites or deal with constant stop-and-go traffic putting heavy load on the engine, changing every six months is safer. The simplest method is to use cheap oil test strips - if the oil shows clear diffusion rings when dripped on, it doesn't need changing.
I'm a pretty laid-back driver, and after ten years behind the wheel, I've picked up a few tips. The dealership always pushes you to change your oil every six months, but it's really not necessary. Oil quality has improved significantly compared to the past, especially full synthetic oil, which is much more durable. My old car runs on full synthetic, and I typically change it only once a year or every 8,000 kilometers—the engine still runs quietly and smoothly. However, if you've bought a new car that's still under warranty, it's best to follow the maintenance manual to avoid the dealership using it as an excuse to deny warranty claims. If you usually park in a garage, the oil degrades even more slowly, so extending the interval by three months isn’t a big issue. The key is not to fall for sales pitches—actual observation is the most reliable. Just unscrew the oil cap and check the color; as long as it’s not black or sticky, it’s still good to go.
Over the years of modifying cars, I've mastered the ins and outs of engine oil. Changing full synthetic oil every six months? That's way too exaggerated! I use track-grade oil myself and frequently push it with high RPMs, yet it can last up to 12,000 kilometers. The lifespan of engine oil mainly depends on usage intensity. For regular family cars, driving 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers in half a year hardly warrants an oil change. However, pay attention to the oil filter's lifespan—low-quality filters can actually degrade the oil's performance. I check the dipstick every month; as long as the viscosity is normal and there's no gasoline smell, there's no need to change it. On the other hand, for cars that sit idle for long periods, oil emulsification is the real issue. Regularly warming up the engine for ten minutes is far more effective than blindly changing the oil.
