When is the Best Time to Change Engine Oil?
2 Answers
The optimal time for changing engine oil depends on the type of oil used. Here are the details: 1. Mineral oil should generally be changed every six months or approximately 5,000 kilometers. 2. Semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 7 to 8 months or around 7,500 kilometers. 3. Full synthetic oil should be changed annually or approximately every 10,000 kilometers. Below are the steps for changing engine oil: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. 2. Engage the handbrake and lift the vehicle. 3. Unscrew the oil filter and drain the old oil. 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter. 5. Pour the new oil into the oil pan. 6. Check for leaks underneath the engine. 7. Lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine. 8. Turn off the engine and recheck the oil level.
When it comes to changing engine oil, I must say your driving habits play a crucial role. When I first started driving, I strictly followed the manual's recommendation of changing every 5,000 kilometers. Later, I realized that frequent traffic jams in the city cause the engine to operate at high temperatures more often, making the oil degrade faster. So, I adjusted my schedule to every 4,000 kilometers or four months. Weather changes also have a significant impact. In summer, the heat accelerates oil oxidation, while in winter, cold starts increase oil viscosity, which can lead to more wear over time. I regularly check the dipstick—if the oil turns black or the level is low, I don’t delay changing it. Otherwise, the engine noise increases, fuel consumption rises, and repairs become a hassle. Synthetic oil lasts longer, up to 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but I still prefer changing it earlier for safety. After a fresh oil change, the engine runs much smoother, and the car ages more slowly.
