Should engine oil be changed once a year?

[StJoel]

Engine oil does not need to be changed once a year. It is typically recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. Below is relevant information about engine oil: 1. Function: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple purposes including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. 2. Classification: Gasoline engine oils are divided into two types: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is further categorized into semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils. 3. Composition: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional performance characteristics. Additives are an essential part of lubricants.

[ODelilah]

Having driven for over a decade, I've found that oil changes aren't always strictly annual. It really depends on how you use your car. For new vehicles frequently driven on highways or under heavy loads, the oil degrades faster and may require replacement in less than a year. On the other hand, older cars used mainly for short commutes with minimal usage might be fine with annual changes if the oil remains in good condition. I always log mileage and time during each maintenance session. My advice is to follow your vehicle's manual, which typically specifies oil change intervals as either every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or 12 months—whichever comes first. Don't slack off; dirty oil can damage your engine, leading to costlier repairs. Make it a habit to check the oil dipstick every six months, examining its color and viscosity to spot potential issues early.

[DelJayden]

From my maintenance experience, oil changes shouldn't be rigidly set at once a year. Most cases require consideration of driving habits and environment. For example, with my frequent stop-and-go city driving, oil tends to accumulate carbon deposits and thin out, possibly requiring changes every 8 months. In dry, cool regions where oil quality maintains well, annual changes may suffice. I recommend checking your vehicle's owner's manual, which specifies baseline values based on mileage or time. I've also found synthetic oil lasts longer than mineral oil, though it absorbs moisture more easily in humid climates. To ensure long-term engine health, regular oil condition checks are crucial – and don't overlook professional maintenance shop advice.

[SanWillow]

I'm just an average car owner and don't know much about technical details when it comes to driving, but I've learned that engine oil shouldn't just be judged by time alone. Others have told me that oil changes should be based on mileage, for example, checking it every 5,000 kilometers driven. If you only drive occasionally, changing it once a year might be fine, but when the engine runs hot or you're often stuck in traffic, the oil can degrade faster. I've developed a habit of checking it every six months, using an oil test strip to simply check its color—it's safe and gives me peace of mind.