How often you need to change the oil in the engine

As you know, engine oil is the working fluid in the lubrication system of the power unit. The main function of the material is to protect loaded conjugate elements from dry friction by creating an oil film. Also, lubrication allows you to effectively clean the oil system, acts as a neutralizer of oxidative processes, removes excess heat from parts and components to prevent local overheating, etc.. P.

Given the significant fluctuations in temperature and high heat, as well as due to active chemical processes, to which the lubricant inside the internal combustion engine is subjected, motor oil is prone to accelerated aging and rapid loss of its useful properties. It becomes clear, that the lubricant is a consumable, the required oil change frequency is strictly defined for any engine. In parallel, the service life of the material can be further affected by a number of certain factors.

Next we'll talk about that, why change the oil in the engine and how often you need to change the oil. The following issues will also be considered, as the minimum oil change interval, after how much it is necessary to change oil in the engine on time and run, how often to change the oil in the engine and on what conditions the intervals of change depend.

Why you need to change the oil in the engine

As already mentioned, lubricant, even in a perfectly serviceable engine, is prone to natural aging. This means, that its properties, anyhow, deteriorate as a result of oxidation, and in connection with the phasing out (triggering) active detergents and additives in the oil.

Eventually, the oil accumulates a large amount of soot, products of wear and other contaminants, viscosity-temperature characteristics are violated (the oil thickens, turns black), shear stability changes under loads, the strength of the oil film, etc.. d. Prolonged driving on dirty oil leads to this, that clogging of deposits of filters and channels of oil system occurs, the resource of the internal combustion engine is also greatly reduced.

The point is, that the engine in this case is much worse protected from mechanical wear at the junction of loaded elements. Also as a result of a significant change in the viscosity index in the direction of increasing the overall deterioration of the oil pumping in the system. In combination with reduced capacity and / or clogging of oil channels (the power unit begins to experience oil starvation) there is a significant wear of the motor.

In parallel, it should be noted, that various engine malfunctions also affect the properties of the oil. Example, getting dust and dirt through the inlet, liquefaction of oil as a result of leakage into the crankcase, penetration of the heat carrier from the cooling system into the lubrication system. In these cases, wear is also significantly increased, engine jamming may occur.

We define, when to change oil in the engine

so, quite obviously, that the oil in the engine needs to be replaced. It is important to clearly understand, when you need to change the oil. With that in mind, that the material in the engine is aging, it turns out, the more often to replace, the better. However, it is necessary to take into account that, that too early replacements are in many cases not required.

This approach is irrational, as it will lead to serious financial costs, and the benefits to the motor may not be so obvious. For this reason, service intervals should be calculated taking into account a number of additional factors and features. If otherwise, you need to know, on the basis of what and how to choose the right intervals for replacements.

At the very beginning we will note, that unambiguous and accurate answer, after how many kilometers, hours or months to change the oil, simply does not exist. There is only an oil change interval recommended by the engine manufacturer, which is specified in the operating instructions. However, in many cases, the frequency of replacements remains quite individual.

• The most important thing, do not exceed the service life of the oil. To do this, do not rely solely on the recommendations of car manufacturers. Example, if written in the manual, that replacement should be carried out every 15 thousand. km., then it does not mean, that you always need to follow only such an interval.
• You also do not need to rely on the statements of oil producers in the fuel markets. Even if you use quality oil from the Longlife line (example, with extended service life to 30 or 50 thousand. km), there are no guarantees, that the lubricant normally turns out the entire claimed resource or even half of such mileage.

The point is, that manufacturers as internal combustion engines, and oils indicate strongly averaged indicators. In other words, many external factors, which reduce the service life of the oil, simply not taken into account. Let's understand.

Let's start with the service interval in the manual. Usually, you can find instructions, that the oil needs to be changed, example, each 15-20 thousand. km. or at least 1 once on 12 months (depending on, which will come sooner). However, it should be understood, that similar recommendations of car manufacturers are average for this or that type of the engine.

This does not take into account the total air pollution, fuel quality, individual properties of a motor oil, individual features of vehicle operation, etc.. P. Only in some cases the manufacturer can take into account regional features, but this practice is more typical of cars, which are specially developed for specific markets. This does not apply to mass models.

It is also necessary to add, that the car manufacturer itself is not particularly interested in that, that the engine has fulfilled the maximum possible term. The main task is the proper operation of the internal combustion engine during the warranty period, then the unit must pass another average number of hours to maintain prestige and confirm the competitiveness of the brand.

It turns out, it is more profitable for the manufacturer to extend the service interval for a new car under warranty, which makes the product more attractive and convenient for the customer, however, to the detriment of the ICE resource. However, there is no special interest in the further continuation of this resource. Moreover, Breakdowns after the warranty period are a proven way to get customers to change their car for a new one, rather than engage in repairs.

It becomes clear, that for car manufacturers service interval today is a marketing move, as it involves the ability to offer customers reduced warranty costs. If we talk about the engine and its resources in the long run, then the interval, stated in the manual for maintenance and operation of the vehicle, can be significantly increased.

Now let's move on to lubricants. Many modern products are positioned as car oils with extended service life (service interval). Usually, such oil has an additional Longlife mark. It is a mistake to assume, that this oil can be safely poured into any engine and changed at extended intervals.

1. First of all, the engine manufacturer must specify separately, that in the case of using the Longlife oil group, an increase in the service interval on a specific type of engine is allowed.
2. Longlife oil must also be approved by the engine manufacturer for use in its engine, that is, the product of a brand must pass a separate certification.
3. The engine manufacturer allows the use of oils according to the Longlife scheme only if, if the car is operated exclusively in the specified modes and is in conditions, suitable for use with lubricants according to the scheme with an increased replacement interval.

If with the first and second point everything is more or less clear, then from the third position questions immediately arise. Usually there is no detailed description of the "optimal" modes, the claimed increased oil change intervals are calculated based on these modes.