An oil change is one of the essential engine maintenance operations. The first step is to remove the old oil from the engine, before replacing it with new oil. During this operation, it is also important to replace the filter. As it too is dirty, it will tend to clog up the clean oil. But why is an engine oil change important? The oil used lubricates the engine. In this way, friction between the various moving parts is reduced to a minimum, preventing damage. The oil change also removes residues from the engine, improves engine cooling and enhances corrosion protection.
When should I have my oil changed?
The frequency of oil changes can vary from one vehicle to another. Ideally, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and those of your authorized service center. With the development of increasingly high-tech cars, the frequency of oil changes has become extremely variable. For some cars, it may be 5,000 kilometers, for others 50,000 kilometers. That’s why some groups are equipping their vehicles with a system capable of assessing oil quality and indicating when a check-up is required. Examples include Renault, BMW and Mercedes. However, there are a number of criteria that influence the frequency of oil changes. One of these is the fuel used. As a general rule, we recommend that you change the oil in a diesel engine every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers. In the case of gasoline engines, this operation is generally carried out every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. To find out how many kilometers you need to change your oil, you also need to take into account how your car is used. A vehicle that is mainly driven in the city will need an oil change more regularly than one that is driven on the freeway.
This video can explain it more:
Should I have my oil changed every year?
Whether or not you should have your oil changed every year depends on a number of factors. As a general rule, if your car doesn’t cover a large number of kilometers each year, an annual oil change is recommended. This ensures that the engine remains in good working order, even if the mileage recommended by the manufacturer is not reached.
However, for newer cars or vehicles that are driven a lot, the frequency of oil changes may be dictated by the vehicle’s service book or dashboard, which indicates when an oil change is required. In these cases, the interval can vary between 10,000 and 30,000 km. It should also be noted that the type of fuel used influences the frequency of oil changes. Diesel engines may require oil changes more frequently than gasoline engines. In short, each vehicle has its own specificities, and it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the right interval for an oil change.
