In the field of car maintenance, there is a widespread saying: "You have to change the engine oil at 5000 km". However, does this still apply in today's state of technology? This article will explore the rationale for oil change intervals from multiple perspectives.
In the early days, the technology and road conditions of the car were relatively backward, which led to a rapid decline in the performance of the oil. In order to ensure the stable operation of the engine, 5000 km oil change has become a common practice. Older oil filters are limited and difficult to adequately filter out impurities, so short drain intervals help keep the oil clean.
However, with technological advancements, oil types and performance have improved significantly. Mineral oils, semi-synthetic oils and fully synthetic oils have their own characteristics, and the oil change intervals are correspondingly extended. Due to its excellent performance, fully synthetic oils can even achieve a service life of more than 10000 km.
Vehicle usage also affects oil change intervals. Frequent starts and stops in the city are very different from the loss of oil on the highway. Intense and smooth driving, harsh environments and good conditions can also have a significant impact on the condition of the oil.
Different types of vehicles have different oil requirements. High-performance cars may require more frequent oil changes, while family cars can have longer oil change intervals.
So, how do you determine a reasonable oil change interval? First of all, you can refer to the recommendations in your vehicle's manual, which is a reliable guide developed by the manufacturer based on the characteristics of the vehicle. Secondly, check the condition of the oil regularly and judge whether the oil needs to be replaced by looking at indicators such as color, transparency, and viscosity. Finally, professional oil testing tools can be used to accurately assess oil performance.
The saying of changing the engine oil at 5000 km is no longer a monolithic rule. A combination of factors should be taken into account when determining an oil change interval to ensure that the engine is optimally lubricated and protected.