Why Isn't New Car Engine Oil Life at 100%?
2 Answers
Due to the fact that new cars cannot be transported entirely by flatbed trucks during transit, they accumulate mileage, which is why the engine oil life of a new car is not at 100%. Engine Oil Life: Engine oil life refers to the usable duration of the oil. When the oil exceeds the specified time or mileage, it must be replaced. Engine oil also has a shelf life. If it exceeds this period, the lubricity and adhesion of the oil will degrade, leading to unnecessary wear on the engine. Calculating Engine Oil Life: The lifespan of engine oil is not calculated based on mileage but rather on engine operating hours. Conventional oil typically lasts between 100 to 150 hours, while synthetic oil can last 200 to 300 hours. When manufacturers recommend oil change intervals, they use the following calculation method: assuming an average speed of 80 km/h, 100 hours of operation would equate to 8,000 to 12,000 km. For conventional oil, it's advisable for owners to change the oil approximately every 5,000 km.
When I bought my first new car, I also wondered why the oil life wasn’t at a full 100%. Later, I learned that this is normal. Before leaving the factory, cars undergo a series of tests, including engine operation checks. The oil life system calculates engine runtime and mileage through sensors, and a new car may already have several hours or dozens of kilometers of usage recorded, resulting in a lower initial life value. The system is designed to guide owners to develop good habits—the break-in period is crucial, and the first 1,000 kilometers should be driven smoothly to allow the oil to fully lubricate the components. Don’t worry that this will affect the car’s performance; as long as you maintain it on schedule, the system will dynamically adjust the life display based on actual driving data. I recommend checking the oil level during each maintenance and developing a habit of regular monitoring, which is very helpful for extending the engine’s lifespan.
