Should engine oil be changed every time a car is serviced?
3 Answers
Engine oil should be changed every time a car is serviced. This is because the quality of engine oil deteriorates after reaching its service interval. To ensure the normal operation of the engine and considering that the maintenance cycle usually aligns with the oil change interval, it is necessary to replace the engine oil during car servicing. Functions of engine oil: Lubrication to reduce wear - There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder of the engine, as well as between the main shaft and bearing shells, which can easily cause wear. High-quality engine oil can form a sufficiently thick oil film between these two sliding surfaces, separating the relatively sliding parts and thereby reducing wear. Cooling - Engine oil can carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine. Cleaning - Good engine oil can circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine components back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. Engine oil change intervals: Mineral oil can meet the daily lubrication needs of the engine and should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Semi-synthetic oil not only provides lubrication but also has certain cleaning and repair functions, with a change interval of 7,500 kilometers or nine months. Full synthetic oil offers lubrication, cleaning, and repair functions, along with strong environmental adaptability, and should be changed every 10,000 kilometers or one year.
I've been driving for twenty years, and when it comes to maintenance, you really can't be rigid. The oil change interval mainly depends on three things: first, whether you're using mineral oil or full synthetic oil. Mineral oil can last up to 5,000 kilometers at most, while full synthetic can easily go 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Second, your driving habits. For someone like me who crawls through city traffic every day, the engine is always running at low temperatures, and the oil gets dirty faster, so I change it more frequently than those who drive on highways. Third, time. Even if the mileage hasn't been reached, the oil will oxidize after six months. During each maintenance check, pull out the dipstick to inspect the oil's condition—rub it between your fingers. If there are metal shavings or a burnt smell, it's absolutely time for a change. Difficulty starting the engine in winter is also a sign of deteriorating oil. Don't wait for the car to alert you before taking action; damaging the engine is where the real cost comes in.
As a mother of two, I believe changing engine oil should be efficient. My SUV clocks 2,000 kilometers monthly just shuttling the kids, so I opt for full synthetic oil which allows servicing every 7,000-8,000 km. Remember this tip: During dealership maintenance, don't let them take the oil container—keep leftovers in the trunk and monitor the dashboard oil light. If the oil life indicator shows 20% remaining after just 4,000 km post-service, I'll change it early. Weekend tutoring runs become perfect for quick 30-minute oil changes at express shops—zero schedule disruption. Never fall for shops insisting on 5,000-km intervals; full synthetics don't need such frequency, it's just money and resources down the drain.
