[Daily Knowledge] When should the oil be changed?
1. The role of engine oil
- Lubricates engine parts and reduces wear.
- Cools the engine and takes away some of the heat.
- Cleans the engine , removing impurities and dirt.
- Prevents rust and protects metal surfaces.
2. When is it necessary to replace the oil?
1. Owner's Manual Recommendations
- The most standard basis : The owner's manual will state the recommended replacement mileage or time, which should be used as a reference first.
- Common recommendations : Replace every 5,000 to 10,000 km or 6 months to 1 year .
2. According to the type of engine oil
| Oil Type | Recommended mileage change |
|---|---|
| Mineral oil | 5,000-7,000 km |
| Semi-synthetic oil | 7,000-10,000 km |
| Fully synthetic oil | 10,000-15,000 km |
Note : If the driving environment is bad (frequent traffic jams, short distances, mountain roads, high temperature areas), it is recommended to replace it in advance.
3. According to the service life
- Infrequent driving : Even if the mileage is not reached, the oil will oxidize and become ineffective if exposed for a long time. It is recommended to replace it every 6 to 12 months .
3. Signs of whether the oil needs to be changed
- The engine oil turns black : New engine oil is golden yellow. The color turning black indicates impurities, but it is not the only criterion.
- The engine oil becomes thinner or thicker : The texture of the engine oil changes and loses its lubricating function.
- The engine noise becomes louder : the lubricating power of the engine oil decreases and the metal friction sound becomes obvious.
- The oil light on the dashboard is on : low oil pressure, check immediately.
4. Consequences of Ignoring Oil Replacement
- Engine wear increases and life is shortened.
- Excessive engine temperature may cause "locking".
- Oil sludge blocks the oil circuit and may even cause serious damage to the engine.
- Repairs are expensive.
5. Correct oil replacement procedure (introduction)
- Turn off the heat and wait for cooling.
- Drain the old oil.
- Replace the oil filter (recommended to replace at the same time).
- Add new engine oil.
- Start the engine and check the oil level and for leaks.
VI. Summary and Suggestions
- Check the oil level and color regularly .
- Replace regularly as recommended in the owner's manual .
- If you often drive in harsh environments, it is recommended to shorten the replacement cycle.
