
Engine oil maintenance means: The engine oil needs to be replaced after the car has been driven for a certain mileage. Simply put, engine oil is a type of lubricant for the engine. Since engine components are made of metal, without lubrication, metal-to-metal friction can easily cause damage to the parts. Engine oil has six major functions for the engine: lubrication and wear reduction, cooling and temperature reduction, sealing and leak prevention, cleaning and contamination removal, corrosion and rust prevention, and cushioning and shock absorption. Below is more information about engine oil performance: 1. Lubrication. Under various conditions, the ability of engine oil to reduce friction, minimize wear, and prevent metal sintering is called the lubricating property of engine oil. The viscosity of engine oil is an important indicator for evaluating its lubricating property. 2. Low-temperature operability. The performance of engine oil that ensures easy starting and reliable oil supply in low-temperature conditions is called low-temperature operability. The low-temperature operability of engine oil includes facilitating cold starts and reducing startup wear. 3. Viscosity-temperature characteristics. The property of lubricating oil to change viscosity with temperature fluctuations is called viscosity-temperature characteristics. Good viscosity-temperature characteristics mean the oil's viscosity changes minimally with temperature. The effect of temperature on oil viscosity: as temperature rises, viscosity decreases; as temperature drops, viscosity increases. Adding viscosity index improvers to the base oil can enhance the oil's viscosity-temperature characteristics.

Engine oil maintenance is essentially about regularly changing the engine oil in your car. Having driven for over a decade, I've gained particular insight into this. Engine oil acts like the lifeblood of an engine, continuously circulating to lubricate components, remove carbon deposits, and assist in cooling. After a few thousand kilometers, the oil begins to degrade and darken, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Most vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but specifics should always be checked against the manual. During each maintenance session, I make sure the mechanic uses fully synthetic oil with the appropriate viscosity and replaces the oil filter simultaneously. Never skimp on costs or delay this—a neighbor of mine postponed his oil change for six months and ended up spending over twenty thousand on major engine repairs. Also, when changing the oil, it's crucial to inspect the undercarriage for any potential oil leaks—a key detail often overlooked.

When it comes to changing engine oil, my experience is that you need to understand the principles and know how to choose the right product. Engine oil performs three major tasks in the engine: reducing metal friction, dissipating high-temperature heat, and sealing cylinder gaps. Fresh oil is golden and transparent, which looks pleasing, but it turns into a thick, dark liquid after prolonged use. During every maintenance session, I pay special attention to three things: selecting the right viscosity grade like 5W-30, deciding between mineral or synthetic oil based on driving conditions, and always replacing the oil filter simultaneously. A mechanic at the 4S shop shared a tip with me—wipe the dipstick clean before reinserting it to check the oil level, and maintaining it at the middle mark is ideal. Nowadays, many electric vehicles don’t require oil changes, but for fuel-powered cars, this expense really can’t be skipped.

Oil change maintenance is all about regularly draining the old oil and replacing it with fresh oil – I've got this down pat. Ever since I got my new car, I've done my research: engine operation generates debris, and the oil filter is there to trap contaminants, so it must be replaced along with the oil. I stick to a strict 8,000 km service interval, opting for full synthetic oil despite the higher cost because it offers superior protection. Remember to check the dipstick when the engine is cold, as hot engine measurements aren't accurate. Last time, there was a minor hiccup – post-maintenance, I noticed the oil level was low, which turned out to be due to a leaking valve cover gasket. Addressing it promptly saved me from bigger headaches. Oil viscosity also matters with seasons; I use 5W-grade oil in winter for better flow. Regular oil changes can easily extend an engine's life by hundreds of thousands of kilometers.


