Will running semi-synthetic oil for 10,000 kilometers damage the car?
3 Answers
Running semi-synthetic oil for 10,000 kilometers can damage the car and may lead to reduced lubrication performance, potentially causing engine damage. The types of semi-synthetic oil, as well as replacement and selection guidelines, are as follows: Types of semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a type of automotive engine oil that uses semi-synthetic base oil. For vehicles using semi-synthetic oil, the replacement interval is typically 7,500 kilometers, whereas conventional oil usually requires replacement every three months. Oil replacement and selection: Oil replacement should be determined based on actual driving conditions and habits. In harsh driving environments, earlier replacement may be necessary. Oil replacement is not strictly time-based and requires reasonable judgment by the vehicle owner. The type of engine oil should also be selected with reference to the recommendations in the vehicle's maintenance manual.
My old car used semi-synthetic oil. Once I forgot to change it and drove almost 12,000 kilometers. I noticed the engine sounded louder and the acceleration felt rough when stepping on the gas. Later, a check revealed the oil viscosity had dropped, and some impurities had built up. Luckily, the engine wasn’t damaged, but since then, I’ve been changing the oil regularly every 7,000–8,000 kilometers. Driving mostly in the city, frequent stop-and-go traffic, or hot weather can make the oil degrade faster. I recommend checking the oil dipstick regularly—topping it off when the level is low can help for a while. Regular maintenance isn’t expensive and is much cheaper than repairs. Oh, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter during changes—keeping the entire system clean is crucial.
The replacement interval for semi-synthetic oil is generally between 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers. Exceeding 10,000 km won't immediately damage the engine, but it depends on driving conditions. For instance, since I do more highway cruising with lighter loads, I've tried running 10,000 km without engine issues. However, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or uphill routes, the oil degrades faster, reducing lubrication effectiveness and potentially causing carbon buildup or minor component wear. I prefer using oil test strips to easily check degradation levels at home. Timely oil changes protect the engine, saving money and ensuring peace of mind. Remember, prolonged delays increase fuel consumption and repair costs—it's safer to follow the manual's recommendations.
