What is the ideal oil change frequency for a car that doesn’t run much?

The frequency with which you change your car’s oil is an essential factor in ensuring the smooth running and long life of your vehicle. If you use your car only occasionally, or if it’s parked for long periods, it’s important to know the optimum oil change frequency to avoid any mechanical problems.

Why change my oil even if my car isn’t running?

Even if your car remains stationary for several months, engine oil still undergoes degradation due to oxidation and the absorption of water and fine particles. This degradation can accelerate the formation of sludge and deposits, as well as the corrosion of metal parts.

Used oil gradually loses its lubricating properties and can cause premature wear of engine components. So it’s important to replace your engine oil regularly to ensure the smooth running and long life of your vehicle.

How do you change the oil in a car that doesn’t run much?

Changing the oil in a car that doesn’t run much is a relatively simple operation, but it’s important to follow a few recommendations to ensure it’s carried out safely. Here are the main steps to follow:

This video can explain it more:

Choose the right engine oil: it’s essential to choose the right viscosity and quality of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Prepare your vehicle: disconnect the battery, apply the handbrake and put chocks under the wheels to prevent any involuntary movement of the vehicle. Warm up the engine: run the engine for a few minutes to liquefy the oil and make it easier to drain. Remove the drain plug: place a container under the lower part of the engine and use a suitable wrench to remove the drain plug. Drain used oil: allow the oil to drain completely for several minutes, then clean the drain plug and replace it. Replace the oil filter: dismantle the old filter using a special wrench and fit a new filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the oil tank: pour new oil into the tank to the required level, taking care not to exceed the maximum recommended capacity. Check the oil level: after letting the oil stand for a few minutes, check the level again using the dipstick, and top up if necessary.

In general, automakers recommend an oil change every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers, or every year, depending on use and traffic conditions. However, for a car that doesn’t travel much, it’s advisable to use the time criterion rather than the number of kilometers covered. It is therefore advisable to change the oil at least once a year, even if your vehicle has not covered the recommended distance.