Must Engine Oil Be Changed After 6 Months of Use?

[Anastasia]

Mineral oil generally needs to be replaced every 6 months, while semi-synthetic oil has a service life of 9 months. Fully synthetic oil can last up to a year. Engine oil is composed of base oil and additives. If the additives wear out over time, the oil can still be used, but under normal circumstances, the usage cycle of engine oil is 8 to 10 months. If it exceeds 10 months, the oxidation inhibitors in the oil will no longer be effective, and its lubricating properties will certainly not be as good as before. Relevant information about engine oil is as follows: Introduction to Engine Oil: It refers to the specialized lubricant used in internal combustion engines, which also serves functions such as cleaning, rust prevention, and cooling. Engine Oil Grades: Classified by quality grade and viscosity grade, oil for gasoline engines is usually denoted by the letter "S," while oil for diesel engines is usually denoted by the letter "C." Composition of Engine Oil: It consists of base oil and additives, where the base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its basic properties, and the additives can compensate for the shortcomings of the base oil.

[LaLaila]

I've been driving for over a decade, and changing engine oil isn't just about rigidly following a time schedule. Saying it must be changed every 6 months is a bit absolute. It actually depends on your actual usage. If you frequently drive short distances in the city with constant starts and stops, the oil tends to absorb moisture and thicken, reducing its lubrication effectiveness. Not changing it could lead to early engine problems. However, if you rarely drive, say only a few hundred kilometers a month, you might stretch it to 8 months. I checked my car's manual, and it recommends prioritizing mileage for oil changes—like every 5,000–8,000 km—or every 6 months, whichever comes first. I regularly check the oil's color by dripping it on white paper. If the spread is large or the oil appears dark and thick, I change it immediately to avoid costly major repairs. Remember, don’t skimp on this small maintenance task and risk bigger troubles.

[BrooklynMarie]

As a safety-conscious car owner, I must emphasize that using expired engine oil poses significant risks. Engine oil protects the core components of your engine. If not changed after 6 months, oxidation can reduce its viscosity or allow impurities to accumulate, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased friction/heat damage. I've seen a friend who delayed oil changes end up with an overheating, shuddering engine and thousands in repair costs. This isn't scare tactics - the manual recommends changes every 6 months or 5,000 km precisely to prevent such issues. I use an app to track intervals and act promptly when due. Safe driving comes first - don't wait for an accident to regret cutting corners. Saving small money isn't worth the enormous risk.

[LeBenjamin]

I really think changing engine oil requires a balance between saving money and safety. Replacing it every 6 months isn't absolutely necessary, but delaying it will accelerate oil degradation and cost more in the long run. Degraded oil increases fuel consumption and may damage the engine, leading to repair bills of thousands. I've done the math—changing oil twice a year only costs a few hundred, much cheaper than repairs. I suggest adjusting based on your driving habits—less highway driving means longer oil life; more short trips require more frequent changes. Checking the dipstick is easy—if the oil appears thin or has an odd smell, change it immediately. Don't rigidly stick to the 6-month rule.