Is it okay to change engine oil once a year?

[DePeyton]

If the vehicle owner drives relatively few kilometers in a year, they can choose to change the engine oil once a year; if they drive more kilometers in a year, it is recommended to change the oil twice a year to ensure the normal operation and internal cleanliness of the engine. Below are some precautions for changing car engine oil: 1. Topping up oil without changing it: Simply adding oil without changing it only brings the oil quantity to a standard level but does not fully restore the oil's performance. In other words, adding new oil to oil that has already been used for some time does not return the oil to its optimal performance. Just topping up oil without changing it is not sufficient. Some cars consume oil more quickly, and topping up can only serve as a short-term engine maintenance method. Once the oil reaches the end of its lifecycle, it must be completely replaced with fresh oil. 2. Do not mix two different brands of engine oil: Engine oils in cars are essentially base oils with different additives. The base oils are the same, but the types and quantities of additives vary, resulting in different oil varieties and grades. If different oils are mixed, these additives may undergo chemical reactions, damaging the original performance of the oil. Therefore, mixing different oils is not recommended.

[CorbinDella]

I've been driving for over ten years and I really don't think changing engine oil once a year is good enough. Engine oil is like the blood of a car - if you don't change it for too long, it gets dirty and thick, reducing its lubrication effectiveness. I prefer following the maintenance manual's recommendations. For example, my SUV suggests changing oil every six months or 8,000 kilometers. If using full synthetic oil, it might last a year, but it depends on driving conditions: frequent short trips in traffic accelerate oil degradation, while more highway driving causes less wear. I once neglected it for a year and a half, and ended up with louder engine noise and increased fuel consumption. Oil changes aren't expensive - just a few hundred yuan each time - much cheaper than major engine repairs. Regularly check the dipstick to keep the oil clear, and don't wait until the warning light comes on. Safety comes first, and maintaining good car condition ensures stable driving.

[StDiana]

As a car enthusiast, I've researched oil change intervals and found that a once-a-year schedule isn't universal. The type of oil is crucial: mineral oil is best changed every six months, semi-synthetic every eight months, while full synthetic can last a year but requires high quality. Inside the engine, high temperatures and pressure cause oil to oxidize and accumulate impurities, reducing lubricity. From maintenance manuals, I've learned that delayed oil changes may lead to piston ring wear, increased carbon buildup, and compromised power output. Consider driving conditions and habits: urban congestion with poor air quality accelerates oil contamination, while suburban areas with cleaner roads are better. I recommend using a mobile app to track mileage or time, making it a habit. When selecting oil, pay attention to viscosity grades—5W-30 suits most vehicles—and regularly replace filters to extend engine life. Don't risk major damage to save small costs.

[Luis]

I prioritize safety when driving and never cut corners on oil maintenance. Changing oil once a year is too risky—engine damage is a major concern. As oil ages, its viscosity increases, impairing heat dissipation and lubrication, which accelerates wear on pistons and bearings. I once saw a neighbor skip timely oil changes and end up spending tens of thousands on an engine overhaul. Follow your vehicle’s manual: most cars require oil changes every 6–12 months or 5,000–10,000 km. Full synthetic oil can extend intervals slightly, but dusty environments or cold winters speed up degradation. Regularly check the dipstick to ensure oil levels stay between Min and Max, and the color isn’t overly dark. Small costs prevent big problems—keeping your car healthy ensures peace of mind.

[DiTyler]

From an economic perspective, changing engine oil once a year may not be cost-effective. While an oil change costs a few hundred yuan, delaying it might save small amounts but carries significant risks: engine wear repairs can cost thousands, plus fuel consumption increases by 10%-15%, leading to greater long-term losses. Using an electronic log, I found that changing oil every six months as per the manual extends oil lifespan and maintains higher engine efficiency, saving fuel costs. Consider oil degradation: high temperatures accelerate oil breakdown, reducing lubrication and speeding up component wear. Comparing costs, regular oil changes are a wise investment. My experience suggests combining it with annual maintenance to check brakes and tires simultaneously, ensuring overall cost savings and accident prevention.