Should I Service My Car When the Oil Life is at 50%?
3 Answers
When the oil life is at 50%, it is advisable to service your car. If you are particularly concerned about your vehicle's maintenance, it is recommended to replace the engine oil and clean the internal carbon deposits in the engine. However, if you choose not to service or replace the oil, you can still continue to use it. Engine oil lifespan: The lifespan of engine oil is not calculated based on mileage but rather on engine operating hours. Conventional oil typically lasts between 100 to 150 hours, while synthetic oil can last between 200 to 300 hours. Manufacturers calculate the recommended oil change interval based on the following method: assuming an average speed of 80 km/h, 100 hours of operation would equate to 8,000 to 12,000 km. For conventional oil, it is best to change the oil approximately every 5,000 km. Precautions for using engine oil: Since engine oil significantly impacts the performance and lifespan of the engine, it is essential to strictly follow the vehicle's user manual and use the same series and viscosity grade of oil. The oil recommended in the vehicle manual is determined based on the engine's performance and the regional temperature conditions where the car is sold. It serves as a guideline for oil selection and includes a considerable safety margin. Additionally, using the recommended oil is one of the prerequisites for warranty claims during the engine's warranty period.
After driving for so many years, when I see the oil life indicator at 50%, there's no need to rush for maintenance. This is a reminder system based on your driving mileage and habits. 50% means you can still drive half the distance before reaching the oil change point. For example, if the manual recommends an oil change every 10,000 kilometers or six months, being at less than half means changing the oil now is just wasting money and time. I suggest waiting until it drops below 20% before taking action—this saves hassle and protects the engine. Remember to regularly check if the oil color turns black or has impurities, and driving smoothly helps extend oil life. Changing oil too frequently only increases costs. If the car is in good condition, following the system prompts is the safest approach.
As a new driver, I also struggled with this question: Does the car showing 50% oil life mean it's time for maintenance? Later, I learned that it's an estimate of the remaining effective time based on vehicle data, with 50% indicating you can still drive normally for a few more months or a few thousand kilometers. There's no need to panic—check the user manual, and you'll see it's recommended to change the oil when it reaches around 10-15%. I often remind myself that engine oil is like the blood of a car, ensuring smooth engine lubrication without hesitation; changing it too early not only costs more money but also wastes environmental resources. Pay attention to temperature changes affecting its lifespan, especially when frequently driving on highways.
