How Often Should You Change Your Vehicle’s Oil? A Mechanic’s Guide
One of the simplest yet most important things you can do to keep your engine healthy is to change your oil regularly. But with so many types of oils and vehicles on the road today, the question arises, how often is regular really? Let’s break it down, mechanic-style, so you know exactly when and why to change your engine oil whether you drive a bike, a sedan, or a rugged SUV.
General Rule of Thumb
Here’s a quick guideline based on oil type and vehicle:
Bikes (especially high-RPM engines): Every 2,000–3,000 km or as per manufacturer’s recommendation
Cars: Often every 7,500–10,000 km, depending on usage and oil quality
PRO TIP: Always refer to your owner’s manual for brand-specific recommendations — especially if your vehicle is under warranty.
Other Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency
1. Driving Conditions
- City Driving/Stop-Go Traffic: Accelerates oil breakdown due to constant idling and short trips.
- Rural/Dusty Roads: Introduces more contaminants into the oil.
- Towing or Heavy Loads: Increases engine strain, which means the oil works harder and degrades faster.
2. Engine Type
- Turbocharged or High-Performance Engines:
- Run hotter and stress the oil more. Stick to shorter oil change intervals.
- Older Engines: May burn or leak oil more quickly and need more frequent top-ups or changes.
3. Oil Quality
- Premium Synthetic Oils (like Relstar’s Spectra Ultra Plus 0W20 or 5W30) last longer, resist breakdown, and protect better in extreme temperatures.
- Mineral Oils are cheaper but have shorter lifespans and lower protection levels.
- Tip: Don’t just look at the oil type — check the API rating and SAE grade too. Newer API grades (like SN, SP) offer better protection and longer drain intervals.
Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change
Even if you haven’t reached the recommended kilometers, your engine might be telling you it’s time for a fresh fill. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Increased Engine Noise or Knocking: Oil may have lost its viscosity or volume.
- Dark, Dirty Oil: Check your dipstick. Fresh oil is amber-colored. Dirty oil is thick, black, and opaque.
- Check Engine or Oil Light: Don’t ignore it. It’s a direct message from your car’s health monitoring system.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Bad oil creates more engine friction, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
- Burning Smell or Smoke from Exhaust: A serious red flag. Get your oil and engine checked immediately.