When Should Engine Oil Be Replaced?
4 Answers
Engine oil should be replaced under the following circumstances: 1. Check the oil viscosity; if there is no viscosity, the oil needs to be replaced; 2. The oil color turns black; 3. Excessive black particles, metal shavings, or carbon deposits in the oil; 4. The oil smells abnormal. The functions of engine oil include: lubrication and anti-wear, auxiliary cooling, cleaning, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. Engine oil is categorized into: 1. Conventional mineral oil; 2. Semi-synthetic oil; 3. Full synthetic oil. The method for replacing engine oil is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the underbody shield, and place a container under the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow into the oil filler port for two minutes, then tighten the oil drain plug after draining and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the underbody shield, lower the vehicle, and add new oil through the oil filler port.
I think oil change intervals depend on your driving habits. If you mainly drive short city commutes daily, the oil gets dirty faster and should be changed earlier—around every 5,000 km or 6 months. When I do more highway driving, synthetic oil can last 7,500 to 10,000 km, but you should regularly check the oil color—replace it if it turns black or sticky. Make it a habit to check the dipstick after parking; low oil levels or metal particles mean trouble. The maintenance manual is your bible—follow it religiously, don’t wait until the engine makes strange noises to regret it. Overall, flexibly adjust based on mileage and time to keep the engine running smoothly.
Speaking of oil changes, I've been driving old cars for decades, and my experience is simple: don't delay. For the first few years of a new car, just follow the manual's recommendation of changing every 7,000 kilometers. But even if you drive less, change it every six months to prevent oil oxidation and deterioration. I remember once on a long trip, I neglected it, and the aged oil burned off significantly, nearly causing the engine to fail—costing me a fortune in repairs. That's why I insist on recording each oil change's mileage and use my phone's reminder function. Climate matters too; large temperature differences between winter and summer can accelerate oil breakdown. Saving money isn't the point; regularly changing the oil to extend your car's lifespan is the right way. Take good care of your car, and you'll have peace of mind on the road.
The timing for an oil change is quite straightforward. First, consider the oil type: synthetic oil lasts longer than mineral oil, typically around 8,000 kilometers, while mineral oil requires earlier replacement. I usually use synthetic oil and check the oil level and consistency quarterly—if the oil feels thick like mud when touched, it's time for a change. Newer cars also come with an oil life monitoring system; don't hesitate when the indicator light comes on. Remember, driving habits have a significant impact, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic or towing heavy loads, which can accelerate oil consumption. Maintenance shop recommendations are a reliable reference, and taking a few minutes to inspect can prevent major issues.
