The Truth About Engine Oil Changes
The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate, clean, and cool your engine. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The percentage of additives in the oil determines the type of oil: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral. However, these additives enhance the performance of the oil.
How often do I really need an engine oil change?
The general rule of thumb is to do an oil change every 10,000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first. Nonetheless, some newer car models are capable of going up to 12,000 kilometers or even 15,000. The suggested oil change period is based on the hypothesis that oil deteriorates and contaminates with time and mileage becoming less effective at lubricating and protecting your engine.
Factors that can affect the frequency of oil changes include the type of oil you use. For instance, fully synthetic is always the best option as it has the highest percentage of additives. In addition, the age and condition of your car and your driving habits are also factors. For example, if you drive short distances or in extreme conditions, you may need to change your oil more frequently.
It is always best to consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic for advice on how often to change your oil. They can consider the specific year, make, model, and any other factors that may affect the frequency of oil changes.
Is it OK to change my engine oil once a year?
The oil in your vehicle is also responsible for cleansing and cooling your engine. With little or no usage at all, your engine oil will still oxidize and form sludge affecting oil performance.
It’s not recommended to go more than a year between oil changes. Doing frequent oil changes can help keep your engine clean from the inside ensuring smoothness and longevity.
Should I change my engine oil by date or mileage and the effects of idling/traffic?
Ideally, it would be best to base your motor oil change schedule on both mileage and time. For example, if you drive a lot and reach the 10,000-kilometer mark before six months have passed, you should get an oil change. On the other hand, if you don’t drive as much and it’s been more than six months since your last oil change, it’s time for a new one. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that engine usage is not only defined by kilometers driven, but also the usage is calculated by averaging the engine idling and traffic hours and the mileage.
It is recommended to get more frequent oil changes if you spend a lot of time idling or stuck in traffic. For example, instead of getting the next oil change at 10,000 kilometers, you might do it at 7,500 kilometers or a month earlier.
Our Final Thoughts
By following a regular oil change schedule that takes mileage, usage, and time into account and conducting multi-point inspections at every engine oil replacement, you will ensure the proper lubrication of your engine and early detection of minor leaks that help you avoid higher future repairs and breakdowns. If you’re looking for a dependable and affordable oil and filter change service, you can rely on us! Our team at EFFEX is here to provide top-quality car services.
