Best Practices for Changing Engine Oil: Fact or Fiction?
The age-old advice of changing engine oil every 3 months has long been a guideline for maintaining a vehicle's performance. However, modern advancements in engine oil and driving conditions make this strategy less relevant for many drivers. In this article, we explore the latest in oil change practices and how to best service your vehicle according to its specific needs.
General Guidelines for Oil Change Interval
The recommendation to change engine oil every 3 months is somewhat outdated and depends on several factors including the type of oil used, the vehicle's make and model, driving conditions, and the manufacturer's guidelines. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to determine the best oil change interval for your car.
Conventional Oil
For traditional, or conventional, engine oils, the general advice may recommend changing it every 3000 to 5000 miles or about every 3 months if you drive less frequently. This was a common recommendation in the past and is still relevant for many vehicles. However, newer vehicles may benefit from a more extended interval due to advancements in engine design and oil quality.
Synthetic Oil
Modern vehicles often use synthetic oils, which can last much longer. Many synthetic oils can last between 7500 to 10000 miles or more. Some even claim to last up to 15000 miles. This longer lifespan is due to the superior quality and engineering of synthetic oils. Regular oil changes are still important, but you can extend the interval significantly with synthetic oils.
Factors Impacting Oil Change Interval
Your driving habits, the type of engine, environmental conditions, and the type of oil used in your car all play a significant role in determining how frequently you should change your engine oil.
Your Driving Habit
Driving in a variety of conditions can affect oil change intervals. For instance, if you frequently drive in harsh conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, towing, or short trips, you may need to change your oil more frequently. In these scenarios, the oil can become contaminated faster, and contaminants can cause wear on the engine.
The Type of Engine
The type of engine in your vehicle can also influence the oil change interval. Some engines are specifically designed to run on synthetic oils, which can last longer. Engines that require conventional oils may have a shorter recommended interval due to their design.
Environmental Conditions
The climate and environmental conditions in which you drive also play a role. For example, driving on unsealed dirt roads can introduce fine dust and particles that can get past air filters and enter the engine. This can exacerbate the need for more frequent oil changes to maintain optimal engine performance.
The Type of Oil Used
The quality of the oil used in your vehicle significantly impacts its lifespan and the frequency of oil changes. Synthetic oils, being more advanced, can last longer than conventional oils. However, the frequency should always align with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Driving Conditions and Frequency
Based on my own experience, changing oil every 6 months works well for me. I use full synthetic engine oil and typically cover only 5000 kilometres (3000 miles) between service intervals. However, this may change in the future depending on my employment situation. If I get a job, I may shift to a 3-month interval using semi-synthetic engine oil, as taxis typically operate under harsher conditions due to frequent starting and stopping.
Taxis, particularly those that operate under harsher conditions, often require more frequent servicing due to extensive idling, particularly when running on LP gas before transitioning to hybrid electric engines with frequent starts and stops. Diesel engines in taxis also benefit from more regular servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Conclusion
While changing engine oil every 3 months may be suitable for some older vehicles or specific driving conditions, it is often not necessary for vehicles using synthetic oil. Regular checks and adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines are the best approach. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations, as they consider the engine design and oil specifications.