How often should you change the oil in your car?

How often do you change the engine oil?

Do I need to change the oil every 5000-8000 km?

We answer that no. In modern cars, the oil does not need to be changed very often. Modern engines do not require frequent engine oil changes. But despite this, every driver should know some information about the frequency of oil changes.

These days, the minimum oil change interval of 5,000-8,000 km is generally not necessary. Nevertheless, and especially among many car enthusiasts, there is a widespread myth that in our country the oil needs to be changed as often as possible. Who do you think supports this myth? Of course, private car repair shops and garage car services.

The fact is that it is beneficial for the craftsmen who work in such workshops that you come for service as often as possible. By trusting them, we spend a lot more money on maintenance. And we must admit that it is very difficult not to believe in this myth, because we hear this from car service workers and, as a rule, we trust specialists. Especially if they claim that frequent oil changes are needed due to the poor quality of fuel in our country, which contributes to the rapid loss of properties of motor oil.

But in fact, all cars produced these days do not need frequent oil changes, especially every 5000-8000 km. It is true that it is worth noting that there are still many old cars on our roads that require an oil change at this interval. But if your car was produced no more than 5-7 years ago, then frequent oil changes are not necessary.

Why do older cars need more frequent oil changes than new ones? More than ten years ago, there were many cars on the market that were equipped with a carburetor fuel injection system. It was this system that required changing the oil every 5000-8000 kilometers.

Also, the design of old power units was not as advanced as it is now. Old engines could accumulate moisture, which, once in the oil, changed its properties. In addition, 15 years ago motor oils were not as advanced as they are now. Currently, the market offers mainly high-class synthetic oils. Thanks to the development of technology in the chemical industry, these oils have become much more reliable, better quality and more effective in their composition. This made it possible to use them in the engine for much longer, even with poor fuel quality.

New technologies that make it possible to rarely change oil in cars

Some car manufacturers have developed various systems that allow you to extend the engine oil change interval. For example, Chrysler has developed a system that automatically monitors not only the engine oil level, but also monitors various vehicle operating parameters to determine when a scheduled engine oil change is necessary.

Thus, the system monitors the engine temperature, monitors the load on the engine, idle time, the number of cold starts of the power unit and many other parameters. It is these characteristics that directly affect the oil change interval.

Obviously, if you often transport a loaded trailer with a heavy load in hot weather and your path constantly lies through a long hill, then the engine in the car is subject to increased load, which naturally contributes to the rapid loss of oil properties.

Or, if you often use the car at high speeds, then the oil also loses its chemical properties faster. Therefore, if you most often use the car at low speeds and do not often transport heavy loads by car, then the oil can be changed every 15,000 kilometers. Otherwise, the oil must be changed every 10,000 kilometers. It is worth noting, however, that these values ​​apply only to those car brands that have an oil change service interval of 15,000 kilometers. If the manufacturer recommends changing the oil in your car every 10,000 km, then in case of increased load on the engine due to operating conditions, the oil needs to be changed every 6,000-8,000 kilometers.

Another technology that has helped manufacturers increase vehicle mileage between oil changes. These are developments that have made it possible to increase the reliability and resistance of engines to destruction through the use of more modern materials, as well as through electronics that regulate optimal fuel injection.

You may ask, what should drivers do if they do not travel the required mileage for a whole year for a scheduled technical inspection, during which the engine oil is changed. In this case, despite the low mileage of the car, it is recommended to change the engine oil once a year.

It's all about synthetic additives that are added to the oil and change its properties. A year after operating the machine on one oil, these chemical additives may lose their characteristics. For example, if you don't change your oil once a year, chemicals in the oil such as anti-foam agents, detergents, corrosion inhibitors and friction modifiers may degrade. Modern oil is not only a direct petroleum product, but also a set of various chemical additives.

Is changing the oil every 40,000 km reality or fantasy?

There is another way to increase the oil change interval between scheduled maintenance. For example, you can use various innovative motor oils that are available on the global car market today. There are high-tech and high-quality synthetic oils in the world that do not lose their properties over long vehicle runs. It is worth noting here that many manufacturers of such fluids claim that some brands of oils can withstand a mileage of 40,000 km.

It is noteworthy that such oils are often used on heavy-duty vehicles that cover enormous kilometers in a short time. And we must admit, judging by the reviews of truck drivers, such oils do not damage the engine even with high mileage and loads. So, we advise you to try using high-tech oils. This will not only save you money, but will improve the performance of your car's engine.

When choosing which oil to buy, take into account the viscosity and brand of oil that the manufacturer recommends. Whenever possible, always use synthetic oils, which are much better than mineral oils. Remember that more expensive brands of oils are more efficient, they have a lower pour point and increase engine life, and at the same time reduce fuel consumption.

The only condition is to be careful when buying oil. There is a huge percentage of counterfeit oil products on our market. If you are offered to buy an expensive branded oil for a small amount, then think about whether such oil can be worth that kind of money. For example, in recent years, a myth has spread on the Russian market that oil sold by official dealers of brands is very expensive due to a large markup, and that is why many of us have no doubt that many brand oils are sold for pennies. “Grey” sellers, as a rule, claim that the oil is delivered from Europe, bypassing customs, and the markup on it, unlike the dealer, is minimal. But don't believe it. Most likely this oil is fake.

Try to buy oils only from an authorized dealer. Even if you overpay, you will receive a guarantee that the oil is original.

Oil change period: after how many km or months it needs to be changed in the engine

Many people believe that vehicle inspections are carried out exclusively during maintenance. You can’t argue with this, but what to do during the period of post-warranty service. When to carry out such an important procedure as changing the lubricant in the engine? On this score, you can hear different answers among car enthusiasts. From the usual seasonal ones in the form of “I’ll replace them when summer or winter comes,” to the classic “I’ll wait for the required odometer reading.”

Official answer: after how many kilometers should you change the oil in a car engine?

Factory recommendation

In the classic version, the operating book prescribes at what mileage to change the oil in a car engine. Typically this figure varies between 13,000-15,000 km. It is worth noting that the value was chosen for ideal load conditions:

1. Clean motor.
2. Average speed.
3. Work without overheating.

This mode is achieved at an average speed of at least 50 km/h, which is ensured when driving on country roads over long distances.

Is it worth deviating from the manufacturer's requirements?

In most cases, yes. Here is a list of severe operating conditions for motor lubrication that require routine maintenance more often:

• Driving on mountain roads.
• Traveling in dusty areas.
• Frequent trailer towing.
• Increased ambient humidity.
• Severe frosts and constant temperature changes.

For these reasons, preparing a car for a long trip involves completing the accessories with a canister of oil.

Real numbers or how long does it take to change the engine oil?

Recently, there has been more and more talk about the dangers of such a regime as moving in traffic jams. With such operation, the emulsion in the crankcase quickly deteriorates. This occurs as a result of contact of the composition with unburned fuel and crankcase gases.

Let’s add here the lack of proper cooling of the container and we get optimal conditions for lubricant oxidation. This is an undesirable phenomenon that directly causes the aging process. In addition, at low speeds the lubrication conditions for the CPG worsen. This means that all wear products will soon end up in the crankcase area.

General recommendations from experts

During the entire period of use, car oil goes through several states. They can be conveniently configured into three groups. On this basis, it is convenient to note how long it takes to change the engine oil in order to preserve its factory service life during mixed city/highway operation:

• Clean (up to 7,500 km) – ensures that the engine remains in perfect condition.
• Working (8-15 thousand km) - contaminated liquid, which has naturally aged and lost a number of its properties (undesirable status - negatively affects the power plant).
• Emergency (over 15 thousand km) - guaranteed clogging of the oil system, emergency friction mode and, as a result, extreme wear of components.

"Traffic" cars

For each machine, the period for changing the lubricant is selected individually. This is absolutely logical and directly depends on the conditions in which the car is used. For example, with a weekend car everything is clear. It is used mainly over long distances. Engine performance is close to optimal - no questions asked. Change it in accordance with the service book and there will be no problems.

Important! Even if the car just sat for a year with a new emulsion or drove, say, a couple of thousand kilometers in 12 months, the lubricant must be changed without reservation. Oil is a chemical, and chemical compounds degrade due to stagnation.

The situation with the city employee's car looks much more complicated. The vehicle travels no more than 20-30 km per day. Average speed – 20 km/h. The main feature is that the power plant operates uninterruptedly for several hours, black carbon deposits form on the spark plugs and in the combustion chamber. Agree, in 3-4 hours you can travel much more on the autobahn than in traffic jams.

The concept of motor resource

All conversations translated into mileage terms are approximate. The most accurate answer in this matter is given by engine hours. Based on the total operating time of a diesel or gasoline engine, it is impossible to miscalculate the timing of routine maintenance on the engine.

Determining the red limit is simple: just estimate how long it will take the car to cover the official 15,000 km at an average speed of 50 km/h. The answer is immediate – 300 hours. We take this figure as the change point. At the same time, do not forget about the mileage - it is strictly not recommended to exceed 15,000 km.

Technically, solving the problem of measuring the operating hours of a power unit is not difficult. It is enough to purchase an engine hour meter: either electronic or electromechanical. It cuts into any operating circuit that is activated by the ignition switch. All that remains is to secure the device in a convenient place and the installation is complete. There is no need to be afraid to disconnect the battery – the gadget’s memory is non-volatile.

Theoretical option

An alternative to the odometer and engine hours is the amount of fuel burned. We calculate how many liters will be consumed per 15,000 km at individual average consumption, which is shown by the BC. So, the answer to the question, after how many liters of burnt fuel should you change the oil in a small car engine, is this - every 1,000 liters. However, you will have to work hard to ensure that all fuel receipts are collected and processed.

Short tips

The lubricant in the engine should be changed based on the operating conditions of the vehicle:

• 5-7 thousand km: 95% of the time – driving through traffic jams in a cramped metropolis at an average speed of no more than 20-30 km/h.
• 13-15 thousand km: 70-80% of the time – driving on the highway.
• Every year, regardless of mileage: the oil begins to age after the plug is opened.

The most accurate method for determining the time for routine maintenance is to record engine hours using a meter. The red limit is 300 units. An alternative technology is to count the number of liters of fuel burned.

How often should you change the engine oil?

Not all car owners know when to change the engine oil. And many of them do not trust the data provided by the manufacturer on lubricant change intervals. There is some logic in this, since replacing it after the recommended 15 thousand km is not always correct. It is necessary to look at the time worked by the engine and the speed of movement. In addition, you need to take into account operating conditions, mileage, and technical condition of the car. Additional factors that influence the frequency of lubricant changes include engine parameters and the date of the last change. In the review you will learn more about the mentioned factors, correctness and errors when replacing lubricant.

Why you need to change your engine oil regularly

What can happen if you do not change the lubricant in the power unit for a long time? To answer, you need to find out what role oil plays. It includes a base and a certain amount of additives that protect the surfaces of engine parts. While driving a car and even while parked, chemical additives gradually decompose. In motion, this process proceeds faster, natural deposits are created that settle on the walls of the crankcase. Some lubricant substances oxidize, acidity and viscosity change.

At high load and temperature, chemical processes occur with greater intensity. But modern production is becoming more advanced, technologies are being updated, as is the chemical composition of lubricants. Therefore, new lubricants can protect the engine for a long time, remaining clean even under extreme heat.

The control units of modern cars are programmed to control the frequency of engine oil changes. Such data are calculated using empirical dependencies. The actual parameters are used as the basis for this. This is the number of engine revolutions, speed, number of starts in cold weather, temperature conditions during operation. The firmware of the electronic unit takes into account technical tolerances and errors, so only the approximate replacement time is determined.

Today, many counterfeit engine lubricants are sold in retail outlets in Russia and abroad. In addition, the fuel is also of low quality, so you need to change the oil even more often. The recommended minimum mileage before replacement should be reduced by 30%. If, for example, the factory provides for this procedure after 15 thousand km, then it is better to reduce the mileage to 10,000. You will not go wrong if you change the oil annually, regardless of whether you drive a car or not.

Results of untimely replacement

We list the consequences of failure to replace the lubricant and their specific causes.

1. The appearance of deposits. The cause of the sediment is the decomposition of chemical additives and contamination of the lubricant with combustion products in the crankcase of the power unit. As a result, engine power decreases and exhaust gases become toxic and dark.
2. Increased wear of the piston group and other parts. Reasons - the lubricant does not fulfill its task due to a change in the chemical properties of the additives.
3. The oil becomes more viscous. The reasons also include changes in the quality of additives. For example, they begin to oxidize and their polymerization is disrupted. As a result, circulation becomes more difficult and engine parts wear out faster. Oil starvation of the engine often leads to difficulty starting it in winter, and sometimes even jamming occurs.
4. Displacement of connecting rod bearings. This defect occurs due to clogging of the lubrication channel with thick oil. The smaller the cross-section of the lubrication passages, the more the connecting rod bearings experience the load. As a result, they overheat and turn over.
5. Turbine failure. If the car is equipped with a turbocharging system, its rotor may become unusable. This occurs due to the high pressure of dirty oil on the bearings and compressor shaft. Therefore, scuffs and defects appear on them. In addition, used oil clogs the compressor passages, which can cause it to seize.

Note! Do not drive a car with thick and black oil - the engine will wear out quickly.

The problems considered are more relevant to city cars. Such conditions are difficult for the motor.

What determines the frequency of replacement?

Each car manufacturer gives detailed information in its manual about when to change the oil. But this information does not always correspond to real life. Usually in the documents you can see the mileage on average from 10 to 15 thousand km, depending on the brand of the car. But in reality, these numbers are influenced by various factors.

1. Quality and type of fuel (diesel, gasoline, gas).
2. Engine displacement.
3. Type and class of oils used.
4. Brand of lubricant poured (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic).
5. Condition of the engine oil.
6. Full mileage.
7. Replacement method.
8. The quality of the purchased oil.
9. Mode and operating conditions.
10. Vehicle condition.

The plant’s recommendations are not taken into account in this list, since for them the frequency of replacement is a marketing ploy.

Engine size and type

A powerful motor can more easily withstand heavy loads and difficult working conditions. Therefore, the lubricant will not deteriorate too much. A car with a powerful power unit moving on the road at a speed of 120 km per hour does not put much stress on it.

Subcompact cars are usually equipped with a transmission with a low gear ratio for driving at low speeds and engine speeds. Therefore, in difficult conditions, their motors experience greater load compared to powerful engines. When the load increases, the piston group heats up more, and the volume of gases in the crankcase increases. This increases the temperature of the motor lubricant.

It’s especially difficult for “small cars” with forced 1.2-liter engines. In this case, the load is also added by the turbocharger.

Operating mode

First of all, the frequency of engine lubricant changes is affected by the operating mode of the vehicle. Without going into details of this process, there are two types of modes - urban and suburban. The question is, if the car drives around the city, its mileage will be less, and the load on the power unit will be greater. This is due to frequent downtime in traffic jams and at traffic lights with the engine running. There is not enough cooling.

If the car is used on country roads, the situation is completely different. The mileage is longer, and the engine is cooled much more efficiently. Therefore, the load on the motor and lubrication is also reduced.

It would be more correct to determine when to change the engine oil, taking into account the engine hours. This is done for agricultural and cargo equipment. For example, in a city a car will travel 10,000 km in about 400 engine hours, but the same distance outside the city will take only 100 engine hours. In addition, different operating modes must be taken into account.

It is not for nothing that driving in a big city is equated to rough terrain, as this has a detrimental effect on lubrication. The effect is especially noticeable when the oil level is below average or minimal. In addition, in hot weather there is more load on the oil due to the increased temperature of the air and the road surface.

Other factors

Additional conditions that affect the timing of engine lubricant replacement include high operating temperature. In addition, you need to take into account the characteristics of the oil, the contamination of the oil filter, the condition of the lubrication channels, compliance of the lubricant with the factory recommendations, its originality, and crankcase ventilation.

In addition, the type of oil plays an important role - synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral water.

How often should you change the engine oil?

Car enthusiasts have different approaches to when it comes to changing the lubricant in a car engine. Basic control can be done using an oil dipstick. It shows the level, which should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Also, darkening of the oil is noticeable on the dipstick due to contamination with combustion products. Therefore, after some time the lubricating fluid needs to be changed.

How to treat factory recommendations

In the usual version, the operating manual contains information about how long it takes to change the oil in the car. Most often, mileage is indicated there from 13 to 15 thousand km.

These data are valid for ideal operating conditions:

1. Clean engine.
2. No overheating.
3. Low speed.

The ideal mode can be at a speed of at least 50 km per hour, which is typical for country driving over long distances.

In many cases it is necessary to deviate from the manufacturer's requirements. Let's consider a list of severe conditions for motor oil, due to which the replacement procedure should be carried out more often.

1. Traveling through mountainous areas.
2. Frequent towing.
3. Increased dust content in the air.
4. Sudden temperature changes, severe frosts.
5. High air humidity.

Given these conditions, it is recommended to take a supply of motor oil with you on a long trip.

What do experts recommend?

During the entire service life of the oil, it is in three states, which are divided into groups. They are used to determine when to change the oil.

1. Clean (mileage up to 7.5 thousand km) – maintains the ideal condition of the power unit.
2. Working (mileage from 8 to 15 thousand km) is a dirty liquid that negatively affects the operation of the engine.
3. Emergency (more than 15 thousand km) - the lubrication system is clogged, extreme wear of parts is observed.

Considering the operating conditions of the machine, the engine oil needs to be changed:

1. After 5-7 thousand km, if most of the time the car drives in traffic jams and the average speed does not exceed 30 km per hour.
2. After 13-15 thousand km, if the car is operated up to 80% of the time on country roads.
3. Regardless of the distance traveled, the lubricant in the engine must be changed annually as it ages.

How to properly change engine oil

The procedure is as follows:

1. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
2. Place a container under the drain plug to drain the liquid.
3. Unscrew the filler neck.
4. Drain the oil, wait until it drains completely and replace the plug.
5. Replace the oil filter. Don't forget to lubricate the rubber gasket by dripping grease onto it.
6. Pour fresh oil through the filler neck using a funnel.
7. Close the filler cap and run the engine for a few minutes.
8. After 10 minutes, measure the lubricant level with a dipstick and add if necessary.

If the engine oil is always changed on time and high-quality fuel is used, then flushing the system is not required. Otherwise, you can wash it with special means.

Replacement errors

Many drivers do not see the difficulties and subtleties in replacing the lubricating fluid in a car engine. But sometimes they are wrong, as will be discussed below.

1. Mixing oils with different properties. Inexperienced drivers buy popular brands, but they can damage the engine. Not all oils can be mixed. You must first drain the used fluid and then fill in new fluid. Incompatible additives may enter into chemical reactions.
2. Incorrect level determination. The first measurements are inaccurate as the level changes over time. It would be more correct to check it after a few days, or after driving a few kilometers.
3. Insufficient tightening of the filter, filler neck and drain plug. Oil may leak through these elements.
4. Using oil without taking into account the operating mode. A lubricant that is suitable for use abroad may not be suitable in Russia.
5. Some car owners suck out old oil through the dipstick hole. This leaves sediment in the oil pan.

Taking into account common mistakes will extend the life of the motor. Each car owner determines when to change the oil, depending on the factors affecting it.

How often should you change engine oil?

In the first part of the article, we tried to talk about why the quality of motor oil is so important, what happens to it in the bowels of the engine and what factors influence its aging. It remains to talk about how these factors are related to oil change intervals and how often the oils will have to be changed during actual operation.

City and highway

It must be said that changing the oil “by mileage” will almost always be suboptimal. The same mileage on the highway and in city mode means a more than fourfold difference in engine hours and a huge difference in terms of oil degradation. For example, with a standard replacement interval of 15 thousand kilometers, in traffic jams the oil will work for all 700 hours, and on the highway - even less than 200.

For the quality of oil performance, this more than threefold difference is colossal, because even when operating at low load, the thermal effect on the oil is very high. In modern engines, the situation is aggravated by high temperature control, poor crankcase ventilation and lack of crankcase cooling when the car is stuck in traffic jams, which causes a sharp decrease in its service life.

On the track, the load can also be very different. At speeds up to 100-130 kilometers per hour, for most cars the engine load is below average, the temperatures are low, and the crankcase ventilation works well. With powerful engines, the load is completely minimal, which means the load on the oil is very light.

At higher speeds, as the load on the engine increases, the load on the oil also increases. On small engines with a “short” transmission, the engine and oil may already have a very hard time. On more powerful motors the load will increase more smoothly.

Along with the increase in load on the engine, the operating conditions of the oil also worsen: the temperature of the pistons increases, and the flow of destructive crankcase gases begins to increase. Thus, the optimal operating mode for both the oil and the engine is an average speed of half the maximum and a short idle time after warming up.

When calculating engine hours, it turns out that a typical oil change interval of 15 thousand kilometers in engine hours ranges from 200 to 700, depending on the driving mode. Judging by the operation of the scheduled mileage counters on BMW and the oil change intervals on equipment for which the replacement period is indicated precisely in engine hours, during typical operation it can be kept in the range from 200 to 400 hours for different operating modes, with the exception of constant operation in maximum power mode .

Cases of obvious excess when using standard semi-synthetic oils and hydrocracking-based synthetics are fraught with “complications” for the engine in the form of coking and reduced mobility of the piston rings.

Oddly enough, 400 engine hours at typical city speeds of 20-25 km/h is exactly the same 8-10 thousand kilometers on one portion of oil. And 400 engine hours at a speed of 80 km/h is already a seemingly unrealistic 32 thousand kilometers, although it is hardly worth striving for such an indicator.

Well, few of us can boast that we drive cars in the extra-urban cycle at a constant speed. So what to do if the runs are mostly urban, and the engine is also forced? For example, some 1.2 TSI? Obviously, the oil needs to be changed more often.

However, the replacement interval depends not only on the driving mode. It is also important what kind of oil is poured into the engine.

Types of motor oils

The choice of oils in stores is very wide, if not huge. Some of them are not far removed from Soviet mineral oils, some look like a spaceship next to a cart in comparison.

First of all, you need to understand one important thesis: any oil consists of a base and a package of additives. The base can be mineral, semi-synthetic and completely synthetic, in many variations.

Semi-synthetics

Examples: Esso Ultron 2000.

Frequency of oil changes in a car: timing and recommendations

Issues discussed in the material:

• Why do you need to change the oil in your car?
• How often should you change the oil in your car?
• What factors influence oil change intervals?
• How to determine when it's time to change your engine oil

Any car requires timely maintenance. To protect the internal combustion engine from breakdowns, it is necessary to monitor the engine oil level and replace it regularly. But how do you know how often to do this? Let's figure out how to calculate the frequency of oil changes in a car.

Why change the oil in your car?

Motor lubrication is an important element in the engine, along with other mechanical parts. Over time, it loses its qualities and requires replacement for stable operation of the car. To calculate the frequency of these actions, you need to know the reasons for its wear.

The main task of motor lubrication is to reduce wear of engine parts. The operation of most of the engine is based on friction, and the lubricant levels it out. Because of this, it is not recommended to leave the car idle for a long time: the lubricant drains into the box (crankcase) and after idle time the engine runs “dry”.

Among other things, the lubricant also serves as a kind of cooler for rubbing parts, just like antifreeze or a radiator. Another important task of auto lubrication is to protect metal parts from corrosion. Many parts of the engine - valves, pistons, camshafts and others - operate under large temperature changes, strong friction, exposure to combustion products, etc. This is why it is important to control the frequency of use of auto chemicals.

Manufacturers indicate the frequency of engine oil changes. This indicator is determined when testing machines or based on data from the normal use of vehicles, which makes it possible to identify average results. The manufacturer associates the frequency of changing the lubricant with the mileage, operating time of the machine and the amount of fuel consumed. But if you are guided by these data, then in most cases the engines will run on oil that has lost its properties.

What happens to a car if the engine lubricant is not changed for a long time? To give an accurate answer about the frequency of oil changes, you need to understand what tasks it performs. Any motor oils consist of a kind of “base” and so-called additives. They have the function of protecting the components of the motor unit.

During operation of the vehicle, even when it is stationary, there is a continuous synthetic dissolution of additives. Of course, during movement, the decomposition occurs faster, and natural layers are created in the engine crankcase, some ingredients of the lubricating fluid are oxidized, its viscosity and pH (acidity level) change.

Under heavy load, the above phenomena occur even faster, especially at high temperatures. But manufacturers are constantly improving the chemical compositions of their products, so lubricants can cope with contamination and exposure to hot temperatures for quite a long period.

Today, many cars are equipped with an ECU that monitors operating time and signals when the oil in the car is due. It is clear that these decisions are made in a narrowly practical way. The basis is data on the average engine speed, engine and oil temperature, number of cold passes, speed mode, etc. The program also takes into account possible technical errors and tolerances. The computer can indicate the approximate frequency of changing the lubricant in the car.

Much to our disappointment, not only in Russia, but also in the CIS, a large number of low-quality products or even fakes are sold. And if you consider that the fuel is not of the highest quality, then the frequency of oil changes must be calculated independently.

What happens if you don’t change the lubricant in your car on time:

• Deposits on parts. During engine operation, additives decompose and combustion products enter the lubricant. As a result, there is a noticeable decrease in the car’s power, an increase in hazardous substances in the exhaust gases, and their blackness.
• Excessive wear of engine parts. The reasons remain the same: to a greater extent, due to disruption of the polymerization of additives or their oxidation. This may happen due to low quality oil. The resulting problems also include difficulties with the movement of oil, wear and tear of the engine and its parts. Lack of oil leads to problems with cold starts, and in a critical situation the engine may fail altogether.
• Rotating connecting rod inserts. This happens due to contamination of the oil cable with thickened liquid. The smaller its cross-sectional area, the more the connecting rod inserts are subject to loads, which is why they often overheat and rotate.
• Significant wear on the turbopump (if any). Huge risk of rotor failure. This occurs largely due to the fact that the used lubricant interacts with the compressor shaft and bearings. Chips and scratches appear, clogged grease clogs the lubrication channels of the pump (compressor), which often leads to its jamming.

The above difficulties arise in cars used in city conditions. These loads for the motor are considered the most difficult.

Car oil change intervals

The frequency of changing oil in a car engine depends on the composition and quality of the products used. Motor oils can be divided into three types:

• Mineral - made from petroleum products.
• Synthetic - produced using chemical synthesis.
• Semi-synthetic - a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil.

Mineral oil is most susceptible to wear at high temperatures. Therefore, the frequency of its replacement in a car engine is approximately twice as high as that of a synthetic one. Which lubricant is best to choose for engine operation? Here you need to focus not on cost, but on the conditions of use and technical capabilities of the motor.

Of course, the frequency of oil changes is affected by the quality of the fuel. It's no secret that low-grade gasoline and diesel fuel leave residues after combustion that penetrate the lubricant and spoil its properties.

The most important thing is to strictly follow the instructions of your car manufacturer. Data on the frequency of oil changes and maintenance of lubrication systems are indicated for a reason. These issues are dealt with by specialist technologists. If you spent a lot of money on buying a car, then you should listen to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• The lubricant must be changed after at least 5,000 kilometers.
• In the case of a mineral substance, this should be done after 7,000–8,000 kilometers.
• The synthetic composition must be replaced after 12,000–15,000 kilometers.

In addition, you need to take into account the reasons that affect the wear of the car engine and the frequency of its maintenance.

It is best to change the engine lubricant between vehicle maintenance. For example, if maintenance of a car with a gasoline engine must be done after 15,000 km, then in this case it is recommended to replace the lubricant after 7,500 km. For cars with a diesel engine, this interval should be reduced to 10,000 km.

It is important to use motor oils only of brands recommended by the car manufacturer. Despite the fact that there is an opinion that semi-synthetic and mineral compounds are inferior in properties to synthetic ones, you need to fill the machine with the type of lubricant specified by the manufacturer.

Note! Experts, one and all, say that when purchasing a used car, you need to replace lubricants immediately. Do not listen to the assurances of the former owner, because no one knows how often he replaced the lubricant in the car, or what brand he filled in with.

We recommend

What reduces the time needed to change the oil in a car?

By using some modern oils, the frequency of mandatory maintenance can be reduced. Thus, manufacturers of automotive chemicals make it possible to save money on car maintenance.

But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance, and the superior effectiveness of lubricants is not so real. Oils with high drain intervals can only be used if certain requirements are met.

Firstly, the presence of mandatory product certification from the manufacturer.

Secondly, the operation of the machine must comply with the instructions for changing lubricants for automobile engines. But, as a rule, in the technical documents for the vehicle there is no information about the frequency of lubricant changes.

There is only one way out - to do a private analysis and determine which contingent of buyers and which region this or that car brand is designed for. This way you can independently calculate the frequency of lubricant replacement.

In addition to the intensity of loads, in particular, mileage, there are a number of factors, without taking into account which it will not be possible to accurately determine the frequency of oil changes in a car. Without a doubt, these factors include the mode of use of the machine and the climatic zone of your location. There are also peculiar “severe” conditions that affect the frequency of replacing lubricants, which include:

• Frequently moving the machine over short distances or long breaks in its use. In this situation, the engine does not have time to warm up properly, this provokes the appearance of condensation. When mixed with fuel, condensate forms an acid that has a detrimental effect on engine parts.
• Driving through traffic jams. This is perhaps the biggest test for the engine of any car. The engine endures enormous loads when starting, starting and accelerating. At these moments, the lubricant heats up to extreme temperatures, which is why it loses its qualities.
• Frequent trips by car with a heavy load.
• Dust in the air. Of course, the cleanliness of our roads cannot be compared with the cleanliness of traffic lanes in European countries. Basically, European car manufacturers provide data on the frequency of oil and filter changes based on air cleanliness in accordance with their standards. As a result, a mileage of 40,000 km on German roads is not at all the same as the mileage of the same car in Russia.
• Do not allow the power unit to operate frequently at idle speed. This provokes excessive heating of the oil and, accordingly, its oxidation.
• Changing lubricants quickly is very harmful to the engine. Such an express procedure entails the deposition of a large amount of waste material in the engine.

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How to determine when it's time to change the oil in your car

It will not be difficult for an experienced car owner to determine the frequency of lubricant replacement. To carry out this simple procedure, you need a special oil dipstick.

How to check the engine oil level:

• First you need to remove the dipstick from the engine.
• Wipe it with a dry cloth or napkin.
• Insert the dipstick into the desired hole.
• Pull it out and do a visual analysis.

The oil level dipstick has two values: minimum and maximum. For optimal operation of a car engine, the lubricant level should be between two marks; if it turns out that the level is at a minimum, you need to add the missing amount or make a complete replacement.

Modern car models are equipped with a special indicator displayed on the control panel, where you can see the oil level in real time. This makes diagnosis much easier.

Next, you need to analyze the contents of the probe according to the following parameters:

• Viscosity of the extracted liquid. At first glance, the consistency of the lubricant should not differ from its original state. If the liquid has lost its former viscosity, it means that the lubricant has lost its qualities and requires replacement.
• If traces of dirt and carbon deposits are visible on the dipstick, then the motor lubricant is no longer suitable for use.
• The lubricating fluid has changed color and metal shavings are visible in its composition - this is also a signal to replace the car chemicals. Initially, the amber product turns into black waste. The presence of chips indicates a loss of lubricating properties; it no longer protects engine parts from friction. Insertion of water also indicates that the lubricant has lost its qualities and cannot protect internal combustion engine parts from wear. Sediment on the dipstick means that the process of severe decomposition of additives has begun, clogging the oil with crankcase exhaust gases. This is fraught with a decrease in the power of the car engine and the presence of toxic substances in the exhaust gases.

All of the above will help you carry out independent diagnostics and calculate the frequency of oil changes in your car. The check must be carried out regularly, approximately every 1,000 km. It is strictly prohibited to use motor lubricant that has expired the service life specified by the manufacturer.