Should I Perform Maintenance When Engine Oil Life is at 50%?
2 Answers
When the engine oil life remains at 50%, maintenance is required. If you are particularly attentive to your vehicle's care, it is recommended to replace the engine oil and clean the internal carbon deposits in the engine. However, if maintenance is not performed and the oil is not replaced, you can continue to use it. Below is relevant information: Engine oil life: Engine oil life refers to the usage duration of the oil. When the oil exceeds the specified time or mileage, it must be replaced. Engine oil also has a shelf life; if it exceeds this period, its lubricating and adhesive properties will degrade, leading to unnecessary wear on the engine. How engine oil life is calculated: The lifespan of engine oil is not determined by mileage but by engine operating hours. Conventional oil typically lasts between 100 to 150 hours, while synthetic oil can last 200 to 300 hours. Manufacturers calculate the recommended replacement mileage based on the following method: assuming an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour, 100 hours of operation would equate to 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers. For conventional oil, it is best for owners to replace the oil approximately every 5,000 kilometers.
I see the oil life indicator shows 50%, so there's no need to rush for maintenance immediately. Having driven for years, I've seen many people panic and change their oil as soon as it hits 50%, which is completely unnecessary. This percentage is intelligently calculated based on your actual mileage, engine operating hours, and driving conditions—it's essentially just a reminder system. Most official vehicle manuals recommend servicing when it drops below 15% or even 10%. At 50%, you still have a long buffer period. For example, if you're commuting in the city, you can still drive several thousand kilometers. However, if you frequently encounter traffic jams or dusty environments, the oil may degrade faster—just keep an eye on the dipstick for color and level. Remember, don’t overspend out of impatience, but delaying too long and damaging the engine is even more costly.
