When Exactly Should Engine Oil Be Changed?
2 Answers
There is no fixed interval for changing engine oil; it depends on actual driving conditions and vehicle status. Different types of engine oil have varying replacement cycles, as detailed below: 1. Mineral oil: Change every six months or approximately 5,000 kilometers. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Change every 7-8 months or around 7,500 kilometers. 3. Fully synthetic oil: Change once a year or after about 10,000 kilometers. The method for changing engine oil is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle with a jack. 2. Drain the old oil. 3. Remove the oil filter. 4. Install a new oil filter and refill with new oil.
I've been driving for over a decade and have some insights about when to change engine oil. Typically, it's every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but don't rigidly follow the mileage. For example, when I frequently encounter city traffic jams or drive on highways, the engine bears heavier loads, causing the oil to degrade faster. I recommend changing it around 7,500 kilometers. The manual suggests changing every six months as a baseline, especially in hot summer weather when oil tends to thin out. I make it a habit to regularly check the dipstick—if the oil turns black or becomes sticky, change it immediately without waiting for problems to arise. Don't forget to replace the oil filter at the same time; it filters out impurities and protects the engine. Maintaining gentle driving habits can significantly extend the oil's lifespan.
