However, in practice, it can be the opposite. Daily short trips to work, standing in traffic jams, and frequent cold engine starts can have a significantly greater impact on oil change frequency than long highway trips. That is why for one car, oil is recommended to be changed after 10,000 kilometers, while for another, the interval can be up to 40,000 kilometers.
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Car experts point out that the oil change interval is determined not only by the engine design and manufacturer recommendations but also by the actual operating conditions of the vehicle.
In the city – some of the most challenging conditions for the engine
According to car mechanic Ramūnas Vaitkus, oil helps protect the engine from mechanical wear and corrosion, participates in regulating its thermal regime, and special additives help ensure a longer engine service life.
Oil also collects some of the pollutants produced during fuel combustion. However, oil is not unlimited. Over time, oil loses its properties, and if not changed in time, deposits can begin to accumulate inside the engine, accelerating its wear.
“One of the most challenging conditions for oil is short trips in the city. Constant starting from traffic lights, standing in traffic jams, frequent engine starts, and routes of just a few kilometers mean that the oil does not always reach the optimal operating temperature, so the load on the engine can be no less than during very dynamic driving on the highway,” explains the auto mechanic.
How can a driver understand that their car is being operated under more challenging conditions than it might seem by looking at the kilometers driven?
According to R. Vaitkus, one indicator can be fuel consumption. If it significantly exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications, it may mean that the engine is used under more intensive conditions. In such a case, it is worth considering whether the oil should be changed more frequently.
“That is why two cars driving the same distance per year should not necessarily be evaluated equally. If one covers most kilometers on long trips, and the other drives short routes in the city daily, their oil experiences different loads,” emphasizes the auto mechanic.
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Why 10,000 kilometers in one case and 40,000 in another?
The oil change interval is primarily determined by the car manufacturer, taking into account the specific engine design and its requirements. Oils must meet established standards and specifications defining parameters such as low ash content or resistance to LSPI phenomena. The type of power unit is also important – different recommendations may apply to gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
“With the advancement of engine technologies and oil formulations, in some cars, oil change intervals have extended up to 40,000 kilometers. However, this does not mean that such an interval can automatically be applied to any car. The same applies to ‘Long Life’ oils. The possibility of using them and applying longer change intervals depends on the specific engine design and its manufacturer’s requirements,” explains TotalEnergies expert Adamas Klimekas.
Another common mistake, according to experts, is evaluating oil condition solely based on kilometers driven.
“If a car has covered only 2–3 thousand kilometers per year, it may seem that there is no need to change the oil yet. However, oil ages even when the car is driven very little. It contacts oxygen, oxidation processes occur, moisture enters the engine – all of which gradually deteriorate the oil’s properties. Therefore, even with very low annual mileage, it is usually recommended to change the engine oil at least once a year,” emphasizes the TotalEnergies expert.
The engine type, manufacturer requirements, vehicle age, operating conditions, and driving style all affect oil service life.
“Regular oil changes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the actual vehicle usage conditions help maintain proper engine protection and contribute to a longer service life,” reminds A. Klimekas.
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