Is Weichai's engine oil changed every 60,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
Weichai's engine oil is changed every 60,000 kilometers. The following are the classifications of engine oil: 1. Mineral oil: The base oil of mineral oil is a product refined from the residual bottom oil after the useful light substances (such as aviation oil, gasoline, etc.) are fractionated during the refining process of crude oil. It utilizes the inferior components of crude oil. Mineral oil is relatively inexpensive and suitable for vehicles with lower emission requirements, but it causes greater environmental pollution. The replacement cycle for mineral oil is every six months or 5,000 kilometers. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a product refined from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology, consisting of a 4:6 ratio of mineral oil and full synthetic oil. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of full synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than that of mineral oil; it is an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oil is changed every six months or 7,500 kilometers. 3. Full synthetic oil: Full synthetic oil is a high-grade product among engine oils. It is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or crude oil gas, which are then polymerized and catalyzed through complex chemical reactions to form a lubricating fluid composed of large molecules. Full synthetic oil has superior quality, with much better thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity change resistance compared to mineral oil and semi-synthetic oil. Full synthetic oil is changed every six months or 10,000 kilometers.
This oil change interval doesn't sound reliable. Having driven for so many years, I've seen that maintenance manuals for common Weichai engines typically recommend oil changes at around 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, not 60,000 kilometers. If you use full synthetic oil, it might extend to 12,000 kilometers, but over such long distances, the oil will degrade and lose effectiveness, such as insufficient lubrication causing piston ring wear. In actual use, road conditions also have a big impact—construction vehicles running on dusty sites must change oil more frequently. I always follow the manual, changing oil every 7,000 kilometers or so to avoid major engine overhauls. Regular oil changes also save fuel consumption and are more cost-effective in the long run. Don’t cut corners at the expense of safety.
Changing oil every 60,000 kilometers is simply a pipe dream. I've used Weichai diesel engines, and the oil change interval mainly depends on the oil type and environment. For semi-synthetic oil, it's recommended to change every 8,000 kilometers, while full synthetic might last up to 15,000 kilometers. However, after exceeding the interval, the oil's viscosity drops rapidly, and impurities can clog the filter or accelerate engine wear. Engine temperatures run extremely high during operation, and prolonged oil neglect leads to severe carbon buildup, affecting combustion efficiency. I make it a habit to check oil levels every three months—if it discolors or develops an odor, it's time for a change. Remember, always rely on manufacturer guidelines or professional shop advice rather than trusting online rumors.
