What Aspects Should Be Considered When Changing Engine Oil?
1 Answers
When changing engine oil, pay attention to the timing of the oil change, avoid mixing different types of oil, ensure the correct amount of oil is added, and select the appropriate oil specification based on the vehicle's condition and local usage. The routine oil change interval is generally determined by whichever comes first between mileage and time. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to change the oil every six months or 5,000 km. If semi-synthetic oil is used, the interval can be extended to 7,000 km or one year. Fully synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 km or one year, but this should be adjusted according to actual road conditions. If the local environment is harsh, consider changing the oil earlier. The specification of the oil used for maintenance must be consistent. If switching from mid-grade or high-grade oil to regular oil, ensure the old oil is completely drained before adding the new oil. Do not mix different types of oil during the process, as this can cause excessive engine wear or even lead to oil burning. The oil level should be slightly below the upper mark on the dipstick and must not fall below the lower limit. The dipstick has both upper and lower marks. After adding oil, wipe the dipstick clean and check the oil level. It should ideally be in the middle. Overfilling can increase crankshaft resistance, reduce engine power output, and cause oil burning, blue smoke, and increased fuel consumption—outweighing the benefits. Currently, three types of oil are commonly sold in the market: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Naturally aspirated engines can use semi-synthetic or mineral oil, while turbocharged engines require at least semi-synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil is of higher quality and is recommended for most drivers. It offers excellent high-temperature wear resistance and low-temperature startup performance, making it suitable for various harsh conditions and significantly extending the oil change interval. As for oil specifications, new cars are advised to use 5W-30, older models can use 5W-40, and local temperature variations may require 10W for hotter climates or 0W for colder regions. There is a common misconception about oil changes, originating from automakers, that oil should be replaced based primarily on mileage. However, this is not entirely accurate. The most reliable reference should be the engine's running time. With the widespread use of fuel-powered vehicles, air conditioning has become a standard feature. Whether using the heater in winter or the AC in summer, the engine must be running. Often, these systems are used while the vehicle is stationary, meaning the engine is running without the car moving. Therefore, recording engine running time would provide the most accurate data for determining oil change intervals.
