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.

Let's add, that based on practical use, increasing the interval for Longlife oil is possible in that case, if the car is constantly driving on the road in the mode of medium loads on the engine. At the same time high-quality fuel is filled, high quality filters are installed, there is no dust on the roads, etc.. P.

It is noteworthy, that such conditions are quite real for developed countries, what can you say about cars, which are operated in large cities or drive on the highway in the CIS countries. For such machines, the so-called difficult operating conditions are more relevant, while any oil ages very quickly. Given the above replacement of old waste oil, (as usual, and Longlife) desirable only with a decrease, rather than increasing the interval.

Which affects the service life of the oil in the engine

It is accepted to consider, that the resource of the lubricant is affected by the following factors, as:

• seasonality;
• operating modes;
• fuel quality;
• oil base;
• efficiency of filters;
• general condition of the internal combustion engine;

Some of these factors can be influenced by the driver (choose quality oils and filters, monitor the operation of the motor and troubleshoot in a timely manner), while other features cannot be changed, that is, it remains to take them into account. Further analysis allows you to more accurately determine, in what conditions the car is operated.

We also recommend reading the article about it, what will be, if you do not change the engine oil in the engine for a long time. In this article you will learn about the possible consequences for the power unit (on the example of a diesel engine) after driving on old oil.

The point is, that the frequency of engine oil change is highly dependent on operating conditions. If the car gets into so-called difficult conditions, the oil change interval must be shortened.

• Under difficult conditions, certain regimes should be understood. These include long downtime of the car, after which trips are made, but then the car stops again. This mode especially reduces the life of oil in winter. The point is, that condensate accumulates inside the engine, chemical processes are activated, oil oxidation occurs.

On motors, which are operated daily and warmed up to operating temperatures, condensation is less intense. At the same time, even permanent, but short trips, during which the internal combustion engine does not reach operating temperatures, still do not prevent condensation.

• Riding in the city at low speeds, traffic jams, frequent accelerations and stops. This mode is difficult for the motor, as heavy loads on the internal combustion engine occur just at the beginning of the movement from the place. At low speeds, the oil pressure is not high, its heating increases, there is a coking of the engine, etc.. d.

As for traffic jams and downtime at traffic lights, the motor in this case runs idle. Idling is also considered difficult for the engine, as the power unit cools down worse, works on a poor mix, oil pressure is not high.

• Low quality fuel also strongly affects the properties of the oil. The point is, that combustion products accumulate in the oil, deteriorating the useful properties of the material. It is important to understand, that recommendations for replacement intervals in the service book are often given for fuel, which meets European standards. There is simply no such fuel in the CIS.
• Frequent loads on the car engine, driving at maximum speed at high speeds, towing a trailer, constant transportation of a large number of passengers and goods.

In these cases, the engine must be "turned", to get more power from it. Quite obviously, that the oil in this case oxidizes faster and loses its properties. By the way, riding in mountainous or hilly terrain with alternating long ascents and descents also refers to difficult conditions. On ascents, the driver loads the engine, and on descents the mode of braking by the engine is often used.

• Riding on dirt roads, operation of vehicles in conditions of high air pollution. In this case, the oil actively accumulates pollution from the environment, the life of the oil is significantly reduced.

As you can see, domestic operating conditions are far from the "estimated" ideal and can be fully considered difficult. For this reason, the oil change intervals need to be adjusted separately, adjusted for the above factors.

Operation of oil in practice

To determine that, which replacement interval is better to follow, should proceed from:

• features of operation;
• operating modes;
• quality (basic basis) oils;

If the car is operated in the CIS, and mineral or semi-synthetic oil is used, then it is recommended to reduce the replacement interval by 50-70% from stated in the manual. In other words, if the instruction provides for planned replacement through 10 or 15 thousand. km. mileage, and at least once a year at a time, then the oil needs to be changed every 5 thousand. km or each 6 months (depending on, which will come sooner).

As for hydrocracking and synthetic oils, in this case, it is recommended to change the lubricant taking into account the stated reduction of the interval by 40-50%. Hydrocracking oils usually begin to lose their properties on our fuel after 6-7 thousand. km, quality paint sticks to 1.5-2 thousand. more.

Over time, these types of lubricants are also better to change more than once a year, and each 6-7 months. It is most desirable to carry out a planned replacement before the onset of the cold season.

We also recommend reading the article about it, how to change engine oil. In this article you will learn about the main features of the correct implementation of this procedure.

When it comes to high-powered turbocharged engines or engines, which are often operated at the limit, then oil change is shown every 4-5 thousand. km. In parallel, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations for the replacement. The main task is to completely remove the "work" from the engine.

For this purpose methods of pumping out oil through an oil filler neck by means of vacuum are not suitable. The oil must be drained from the heated internal combustion engine by unscrewing the drain plug in the pan. As for the common express oil change, after such replacement it is also recommended to reduce the usual interval by 10-15%.

Finally, note, that in some cases may also require additional flushing of the engine before changing the oil. Care should be taken with active detergents and five-minute rinses. For some motors, the effects of such flushing can be extremely negative.