What is the optimal interval for changing engine oil?
2 Answers
Engine oil should be changed every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months. The replacement cycle of engine oil is closely related to the quality of the oil and the external driving environment. If the vehicle uses fully synthetic oil, and the vehicle does not travel long distances, it is perfectly acceptable to change the oil within 12 months. The oil change interval also depends on the engine's condition. For example, if the engine has a slight oil burning issue, the oil change cycle should be shortened accordingly. After driving 5,000 kilometers following an oil change, it is necessary to frequently check the oil's color, smell, and for any impurities by pulling out the dipstick. If the oil has a foul or burnt smell, it should be replaced immediately regardless of the mileage. Similarly, if the oil contains a significant amount of impurities, it should be changed promptly. Criteria for changing engine oil: Oil should be replaced immediately if it becomes emulsified, foamy, deteriorates, contains impurities, or its viscosity decreases; if there are abnormal engine noises, such as sounds from the cylinder, which may indicate that mechanical friction debris has entered the oil pan and is being carried by the oil to the pistons, continuously causing impact noises in the cylinders. In such cases, the oil contains many impurities and should be changed, and the oil pan may need cleaning if necessary; high fuel consumption and severe engine idling vibrations should also alert the owner; abnormal engine temperature may be due to insufficient oil causing cooling system malfunctions; if the engine produces harsh noises during operation, it may be due to insufficient oil viscosity, reducing lubrication effectiveness, causing the piston rings to scrape directly against the cylinder walls, known as "engine cylinder scoring," which can severely damage the engine in extreme cases.
I usually drive to and from work, and the traffic is terrible. Changing the engine oil is something you really can't afford to overlook. Experience tells me that changing it every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers is most suitable, especially in the city with stop-and-go traffic, where the oil tends to turn black and dirty, shortening its lifespan. Synthetic oil can last longer, and the manual says 10,000 kilometers is also okay, but I prefer to be cautious—I check the dipstick early and top it up if the level is low to avoid engine problems. If there's a lot of short-distance driving, the engine doesn't warm up fully, and the oil oxidizes faster. I change it every six months, especially paying attention during the hot summer months. Don't just focus on the mileage—actual driving conditions matter more. With proper maintenance, the car becomes more durable, fuel-efficient, and reliable to drive.
