What are the specific criteria for changing car engine oil?
2 Answers
Car engine oil change criteria are as follows: 1. Mileage: According to the manufacturer's requirements, the oil change intervals vary by brand. Always follow the vehicle maintenance manual instructions and do not arbitrarily extend the service intervals. 2. Time: In addition to mileage, the manufacturer's maintenance manual also specifies time intervals for oil changes. Over time, engine oil absorbs moisture from the air, leading to deterioration or even emulsification, forming a white foamy liquid. Deteriorated or emulsified oil loses its lubricating properties and can no longer adequately protect the engine. In mild cases, this causes wear; in severe cases, it may require major engine repairs.
I've been driving for over a decade, and oil change intervals always depend on personal driving habits. Manufacturers typically recommend changes every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but this number must be adjusted based on road conditions. If you frequently drive short distances in urban areas where engines tend to accumulate carbon deposits, you should change around 5,000 km. For those who mostly drive long distances with smoother engine operation, you can stretch it to 8,000 km. Oil type matters significantly - I prefer full synthetic oil which lasts longer. The owner's manual is the bible; always check its specified interval (usually annually or every six months). Once I forgot a change and noticed louder engine noise, discovering the oil had degraded and lost much lubricating effectiveness. Regularly check the dipstick - when the oil turns dark brown, it's time to act. This saves money and prevents major repairs.
