How often and how to change the engine oil. When to change the engine oil How often to change the engine oil

As you know, engine oil is a working fluid in. The main function of the material is to protect loaded mating elements from dry friction by creating an oil film. Also, the lubricant allows for effective cleaning of the oil system, acts as a neutralizer of oxidative processes, removes excess heat from parts and assemblies to prevent local overheating, etc.

Given the significant temperature fluctuations and high heating, as well as due to the active chemical processes that the lubricant inside is exposed to, engine oil is prone to accelerated aging and a rapid loss of its useful properties. It becomes clear that grease is a consumable, and the required frequency of oil changes is strictly defined for any engine. In parallel, a number of specific factors can additionally influence the life of the material.

Next, we'll talk about why you need to change the oil in your engine and how often you need to change the oil. It will also consider such issues as the minimum oil change interval, how long it takes to change the oil in the engine in terms of time and mileage, whether the oil in the engine is often changed and what conditions the change intervals depend on.

Read in this article

Why you need to change the engine oil

As already mentioned, the lubricant, even in an absolutely serviceable engine, is subject to a natural aging process. This means that its properties, one way or another, deteriorate as a result of oxidation, as well as in connection with the gradual cessation of operation (operation) of active additives and detergents in the composition of the lubricant.

Ultimately, the oil accumulates a large amount of soot, wear products and other contaminants, the viscosity-temperature characteristics are violated (the lubricant thickens, blackens), the shear stability under load changes, the strength of the oil film, etc. Prolonged driving on dirty lubricant leads to clogging of filters and channels of the oil system with deposits, the resource of the internal combustion engine is also greatly reduced.

The fact is that the engine in this case is much less protected from mechanical wear at the interface of the loaded elements. Also, as a result of a significant change in the viscosity index towards an increase, there is a general deterioration in the pumpability of the oil through the system. Together with a decrease in throughput and / or clogging of oil channels (the power unit begins to experience), significant engine wear occurs.

In parallel, it should be noted that various ICE malfunctions also affect the properties of the oil. For example, dust and dirt entering through the intake, oil dilution due to leaks into the fuel crankcase, penetration. In these cases, wear is also significantly increased, and engine seizure can occur.

Determine when to change the oil in the engine

So, it is quite obvious that the lubricant in the motor needs to be replaced. At the same time, it is important to clearly understand when to change the oil. Taking into account the fact that the material in the internal combustion engine is aging, it turns out that the more often it is replaced, the better. However, it should be borne in mind that too early replacements in many cases are not needed.

This approach is irrational, as it will lead to serious financial costs, and the benefits for 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. Otherwise, you need to know on what basis and how to choose the correct replacement intervals.

At the very beginning, we note that there simply does not exist an unambiguous and accurate answer, after how many kilometers, engine hours or months to change the oil. There is only the engine manufacturer's recommended oil change interval, which is indicated in the owner's manual. At the same time, in many cases, the frequency of replacement remains rather individual.

• Most importantly, do not exceed the grease life. To do this, do not rely solely on the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturers. For example, if the manual says that replacement should be done every 15 thousand km, then this does not mean that you always need to adhere to only such an interval.
• You also do not need to rely on the statements of oil manufacturers in the fuel and lubricants markets. Even if a high-quality oil from the Longlife line is used (for example, with an extended service life up to 30 or 50 thousand km.), There is no guarantee that the lubricant normally runs out for the entire declared resource or even half of that mileage.

The fact is that the manufacturers of both internal combustion engines and oils indicate highly averaged indicators. In other words, many external factors that reduce oil life are simply not considered. Let's figure it out.

Let's start with the service interval in the manual. As a rule, you can find an indication that the oil needs to be changed, for example, every 15-20 thousand km. or at least once every 12 months (whichever comes first). However, it should be understood that such recommendations of auto manufacturers are average for a particular type of engine.

This does not take into account the general air pollution, fuel quality, individual properties of a particular engine oil, individual characteristics of vehicle operation, etc. Only in some cases can the manufacturer take into account regional peculiarities separately, but this practice is more typical for cars that are specially developed for specific markets. This does not apply to mass models.

It should also be added that the car manufacturer itself is not particularly interested in the engine working for the maximum possible period. The main task is the proper operation of the internal combustion engine during the warranty period, then the unit must go through a certain average number of hours to maintain the prestige and confirm the competitiveness of the brand.

It turns out that 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 client, but at the expense of the internal combustion engine resource. At the same time, there is also no particular interest in further extending this resource. What's more, breakdowns after the end of the warranty period is a proven way to get customers to change their car for a new one rather than doing repairs.

It becomes clear that for auto manufacturers, the service interval is now a marketing ploy, as it implies the opportunity to offer customers reduced costs for warranty service. If we talk about the motor and its resource in the long term, then the interval stated in the vehicle maintenance and operation manual can be greatly increased.

Now let's move on to the oils. Many modern products are positioned as motor oils with an extended service life (service interval). As a rule, such a grease has an additional Longlife mark. At the same time, it is a mistake to believe that this oil can be safely poured into any engine and changed at an increased interval.

1. First of all, the ICE manufacturer must separately indicate that in the case of using the Longlife oil group, an increase in the service interval is allowed for a specific type of engine.
2. Longlife oil must also be approved by the engine manufacturer for use in its engine, that is, the product of a particular brand must undergo a separate certification.
3. The engine manufacturer only permits the use of oils according to the Longlife scheme if the vehicle is used exclusively in the prescribed operating conditions and is under conditions suitable for the use of lubricants according to the extended drain schedule.

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

We add that, based on practical use, an increase in the interval for Longlife oil is possible if the car constantly drives on the highway with medium engine loads. At the same time, high-quality fuel is poured, high-quality filters are installed, there is no dust on the roads, etc.

It is noteworthy that such conditions are quite real for developed countries, which cannot be said about cars that are operated in large cities or drive along highways in the territory of the CIS countries. For such machines, the so-called severe operating conditions are more relevant, while any lubricant ages very quickly. In view of the above, replacing old used oil (both regular and Longlife) is only desirable with a decrease, and not with an increase in the interval.

What affects engine oil life

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

Some of these factors can be influenced by the driver himself (choose high-quality oils and filters, monitor the operation of the engine and troubleshoot in a timely manner), while other features cannot be changed, that is, they must be additionally taken into account. Subsequent analysis allows you to more accurately determine in what conditions the vehicle is operated.

The fact is that the frequency of engine oil changes is highly dependent on the operating conditions. If the machine is subjected to so-called harsh conditions, the oil change interval is necessarily reduced.

• Severe conditions should be understood to mean certain conditions. These include long-term downtime of the car, after which trips are made, but then the car stops again. This mode especially greatly reduces the lubricant resource in winter. The fact is that condensate accumulates inside the engine, chemical processes are activated, and oil is oxidized.

On motors that are operated daily and warm up to operating temperatures, the formation of condensation is less intense. At the same time, even constant, but short trips, during which the internal combustion engine does not reach operating temperatures, still do not allow the formation of condensation to be prevented.

• Driving in the city at low speeds, traffic jams, frequent accelerations and stops. This mode is difficult for the motor, since heavy loads on the internal combustion engine arise precisely during the start of movement from a standstill. At the same time, at low speeds, the oil pressure is not high, its heating increases, engine coking occurs, etc.

As for traffic jams and downtime at traffic lights, the engine in this case runs at idle. The idling mode is also considered difficult for the engine, since the power unit cools worse, runs on a lean mixture, and the oil pressure is not high.

• Poor quality fuels also greatly affect the properties of the oil. The fact is that combustion products accumulate in the lubricant, impairing the useful properties of the material. It is important to understand that the recommendations for replacement intervals in the service book are often indicated for fuel that meets European standards. There is simply no such fuel on the territory of the CIS.
• Frequent loads on a car engine, driving at maximum speed at high revs, towing a trailer, constant transportation of a large number of passengers and goods.

In these cases, the engine must be "turned" in order to get more power from it. It is quite obvious that the oil in this case oxidizes faster and loses its properties. By the way, riding in mountainous or hilly terrain with alternating long ups and downs is also a difficult condition. On uphills, the driver loads the engine, and on downhills, engine braking is often used.

• Driving on dirt roads, vehicle operation in conditions of increased air pollution. In this case, the oil actively accumulates pollution from the environment, the lubricant resource is noticeably reduced.

As you can see, domestic operating conditions are far from the "calculated" ideal and can be fully considered difficult. For this reason, the relubrication intervals must be adjusted separately, taking into account the above factors.

Oil operation in practice

To determine which replacement interval is better to adhere to, one should proceed from:

• features of operation;
• operating modes;
• quality (base) oil;

If the car is operated in the CIS, and a mineral or is used, then it is recommended to reduce the replacement interval by 50-70% from that stated in the manual. In other words, if the instructions provide for a planned replacement after 10 or 15 thousand km. in terms of mileage, and also at least once a year in time, then the lubricant must be changed every 5 thousand km. or every 6 months (whichever comes first).

Checking the oil level in the engine, determining the exact indicator. When is it best to check the lubricant level on a cold or hot engine. Helpful hints.

There are more and more motorists on the roads - this is a consequence of both an increase in the population in general and an improvement in the standard of living. Having a car is simply becoming a mandatory part of the social image of a prestigious person, and not just functionally using it as a means of transportation. But not everyone knows how to take care of their four-wheeled friends, and as a result, they begin to ask questions.

This approach is reasonable, because a car service is not always at hand, but your own hands can solve many problems. One of the questions is: how often do you change the engine oil? Actually, this will be discussed below.

Main FAQ

The issue of frequency, in fact, often fades into the background. Especially when it comes to choice. So now there will be several small subtopics of interest to motorists. Naturally, one way or another, this will relate to the question of how often the oil in the engine is changed. You will also receive a direct answer. But this is generally a rather complicated topic, since a solution needs to know many variables. That is why everything is so individual.

Where to buy motor oil?

If you look into the corresponding stores, you can see that the shelves are literally crammed with a variety of oils and other similar compounds. The choice is practically unlimited, since, in addition to brand lines, it is quite possible to find a composition "from the manufacturer".

Before choosing one or another option, you need to learn one particularly important thing - any oil, whatever it may be, always consists of a certain base, as well as additives.

How are oils classified?

The division takes place according to the thesis already voiced - that is, taking into account the basis of the product. There are three main types - mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic bases.

Using them as a foundation, they create all those products that are exhibited in automobile supermarkets. Oddly enough, you will have to choose from the last two types. as such, they practically do not occur.

You can buy either semi-synthetics or synthetics, where the composition is based on a variety of artificial compounds. The former is usually cheaper and weaker in quality, but is quite suitable for most cars. The second, in turn, is often more expensive - but the feasibility of its use is questionable.

How often should the engine oil be changed?

Any driver will answer this question exhaustively - the more often, the better. True, here you are faced with certain difficulties, since this process is quite long, and the product used itself costs a certain amount. So usually a recommendation from the manufacturer is included in the technical characteristics of the machine.

Actually, there is simply no unambiguous answer to this question - it can be any figure from 5 to 50 thousand kilometers inclusive. True, a whole chain of factors plays a role here, which will be discussed below.

What aspects need to be considered?

As you already understood, any manufacturer technologically calculates the recommended service interval. This is what you should focus on in the first place.

Also, do not forget about those points that can reduce the intervals between regular maintenance. These are usually external factors. They mainly affect the life of the motor itself - so pay special attention to this.

Based on all of the above, you need to calculate an individual replacement schedule. But this will still be something rather arbitrary, since in addition to time and mileage, there are other factors, and you simply cannot take into account everything until this happens.

This point is the most important in the question raised. Indeed, is it possible to find out how often the engine oil is changed (2nd generation Ford Focus, for example)? Yes, there is such a possibility. To do this, you just need to look at such a column as the service interval in the technical documents for the car. There is nothing complicated about it.

But you should know that these are just general guidelines. So the average conditions used in the assessment may be completely incomparable with those in which you live. This is quite normal, and you just need to consider everything that happens with the car and inside it.

How does the manufacturer calculate the service interval?

Cars don't live forever - it's simply not profitable for manufacturers. Accordingly, a logical conclusion can be drawn from this - any recommended time frame is by no means a concern for the engine of your car. At least when it comes to long-term prospects.

There is nothing particularly surprising in this, since the manufacturing company is only interested in one moment - that the machine has worked for the entire warranty period and cannot be sued. There is even some benefit here, especially if the mechanism breaks down shortly after the warranty expires.

In addition, there is also a marketing point - the longer the interval specified in the documents, the more attractive the car will become for the buyer.

Indeed, how often to change the oil in the engine, this is just another argument with which you can convince to make an absolutely unjustified purchase.

There are no definite tips on this matter. Trusting the manufacturer is entirely up to you. But in the vastness of the CIS, the justification and expediency of such an approach may be somewhat different. This should also be remembered.

Factors affecting the replacement interval

It's worth starting with the main reasons. First of all, this is the season, as well as the mode of operation of the machine. That is, in general, it all depends on when and how you use the car. Here we are talking not just about a reasonable grain, but, rather, about a reasoned conclusion.

In addition, the quality of the gasoline used should be taken into account - this can be a key point. Also look out for other consumables. Actually, the same oil can greatly affect how often it needs to be changed.

There are also internal problems of the car, which can greatly affect the resulting figure.

Basically, these are various leaks or waste. In the first case, you should contact a professional service as soon as possible, since some part of the oil line is damaged, and this can lead to the worst consequences. In the second, you can figure it out on your own, but a lot also depends on the reasons that entailed such consequences.

Also, manufacturers often use such a magic phrase as "difficult operating conditions", but this needs to be discussed separately. In general, this greatly affects the service interval. True, the description of such processes is a rather laborious thing.

What is Severe Service Conditions?

It can be assumed that you are presented after hearing this phrase. So, just forget - here you will be wrong. So, the main points of unbearable conditions for a car:

1. Irregular use - The cars that are driven every day behave best. Otherwise, this leads to the need for frequent oil changes, as well as to other problems in the engine mechanism.
2. Regular short-distance travel is the essence of cold-drive travel. Actually, in most cases, especially in cities, the engine simply never warms up to a normal state, at least, passing along the daily route.
3. Driving according to the "start-stop" principle - this usually happens at any traffic light or intersection. At the moments of start, the oil heats up especially strongly, and therefore is consumed.
4. If the machine is loaded or the trailer is used, it is simply an excessive load on the engine that affects the oil itself.
5. Air pollution - Any dust and dirt that gets into the engine through the air filter can have some impact on the quality of its operation.
6. Poor quality of gasoline - nothing further needs to be explained at this point.
7. Idling.

Additional factors

There are also certain difficulties that must be remembered. The main one, on which the emphasis is placed, is the vacuum one. Here you need to know that, despite all its advantages, such as an order of magnitude accelerated process, and clean hands in the end, this method has its own disadvantages.

Firstly, in this way it is impossible to drain all the oil to a drop - and in the traditional version, this is exactly what happens. In addition, sediment remains at the bottom of the tray, which cannot be removed using vacuum suction.

In general, if you use this method, then remember a few tips - intersperse it with the usual. Also, do not forget that you will need to carry out maintenance after such a replacement a little earlier - just for the safety of the engine.

Domestic cars

And yet, how often to change the oil in the engine of the 2107th VAZ? Specific questions require specific answers. Only this worries the majority of motorists. So, you will have to focus on numbers from 10 to 15 thousand kilometers. In the same way, you can answer the question of how often to change the oil in a VAZ-2109 engine.

For some other domestic cars, the numbers may differ slightly. But in general, for example, the same "Ladas" do not differ much from the VAZs. For example, on a domestic car, how often should the engine oil be changed (Kalina is no exception)? The answer will still be the same. Ten, maybe fifteen thousand kilometers. As you can see, there is nothing difficult in orienteering. Also, due to the popularity of the model, you can often hear the question: how often do you change the oil in the engine on the Prior? The Priora model 2170 is being repaired according to the same principle. The numbers don't change much.

In addition, there are more modern models of Russian cars. We need to talk about them in a little more detail.

For example, how often do you change the oil in a VAZ-2114 engine? According to the factory specifications, we are talking about fifteen thousand kilometers. But the reviews of motorists, rather, hint at a slightly smaller figure - ten. Moreover, with regular maintenance in order to avoid accompanying problems.

If you are interested in how often to change the oil in a VAZ-2110 engine, the answer will not change. It's all the same ten thousand kilometers. In some cases, fifteen.

Popular foreign cars

Of the European small cars intended for the city, several brands are especially popular among Russians. Therefore, the questions are appropriate: how often to change the oil in a 2nd generation Ford Focus engine, for example? The answer lies in the technical documentation - 20 thousand km. But, given the peculiarities of environmental conditions, motorists recommend slightly lower numbers. Usually, opinions converge on 15 thousand, but the car may well go all 18.

Also, many are interested in how often the oil in the Renault-Logan engine is changed. The interest is quite justified, given the prevalence of the model. Again, the manufacturer indicates 20 thousand km. But Russian roads and harsh operating conditions cut the figure in half.

Engines consume not only gasoline but also oil. And I really want to save money on it. Will last year's oil still work for the season?

Car manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 15,000 kilometers. Standard operating conditions allow you to drive on one fill for a year. But the operation of a car in a megalopolis differs markedly from standard conditions and involves increased loads on all technical units. Therefore, oil change times are shortened.

On the one hand, in a large city, the runs are small, only 30-40 kilometers on weekdays. But if with free roads the car flies them in 20-30 minutes, then at rush hour the path is stretched for a total of 3-4 hours to work and back. Traffic congestion forces you to push in first gear through crowded streets, repeating the starting and braking cycles an infinite number of times. And the engine burns fuel all this time, spinning up to 3000 rpm and dying again. Naturally, the temperature rises, the air conditioner takes up a considerable part of the energy for the compressor to operate, and the engine overheats.

It is even worse when the owner of the car, in order to save money, is used to pouring cheap AI-92 instead of AI-95 gasoline, which is reflected in an increased number of detonations. Then the temperature regime of the motor goes out of the established framework and another daunting task falls on the oil: cooling the local overheating zones.

In general, traveling in a traffic jam refers to extreme operating conditions and not only reduces the life of the mechanics, but also affects the life of the oil. And, in order to determine the service life of the oil, it is necessary to count it not in mileage, but in engine hours, as on special equipment.

This is easy to do. Usually, on passenger cars, 200-250 engine hours of engine operation are generated for 15 thousand kilometers. This is about a year of operation at an average speed of 60 km / h, after which it is prescribed to go for scheduled maintenance.

As a result, the overwhelming majority of cars in Moscow are experiencing a shortage of good lubrication. And this is dangerous for technology, since modern synthetic oil is very afraid of overheating. Its additives change properties under the influence of temperature and stop working properly. The oil turns black and its viscosity drops. If you pull out the dipstick and look at the edge of the measuring scale, the burnt oil will drip like water. Then the direct road to the store for a new canister.

In general, it is better not to save on oil and replace it at least before the summer season. If the warranty car is pushed every day in traffic jams and rolls over 8 thousand kilometers a year, then it is better to call on specialized technical stations to change the oil twice a year. In this case, you only need to fill in the oil recommended by the manufacturer for a particular model. It is selected based on the temperature conditions of the engine.

For most car owners, the question: how often and when to change the engine oil simply does not exist. After all, there is a service book, where it is clearly written: after 10 - 15 thousand kilometers, what is there to think about? But as we can see, neither the mode of operation of the car, nor the quality of the flooded one are taken into account here. In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated, and if you take into account only the mileage, determining when to change the oil in the engine, and do not pay attention to the operating conditions of the engine and the characteristics of the engine oil, the choice of the replacement frequency will not be optimal. I operate the car in especially harsh winter conditions, do not forget to change the oil for summer in the spring, and change the oil for winter in the fall.

Influence of engine operating conditions on oil

Equal mileage in the city and on the highway is almost a threefold difference in engine running time. For example, to overcome 15 thousand km in city mode with traffic jams and speed limits, the motor will have to work about 600 hours, outside the city no more than 250. This huge difference in operating time leads to the fact that in urban operation the oil loses its properties much faster based on mileage. After all, the temperature effect on it, even when the motor is running with a low load, is quite large. In modern powertrains, the operating temperature is quite high, which amplifies this effect.

On the track, loads can also vary significantly. The car at speeds up to 130 km / h does not have to experience even average loads. Therefore, the oil in the engine at such speeds undergo insignificant loads and almost does not lose its qualities. Cars with a powerful motor at such speeds experience minimal stress at all. This means that their negative impact on engine oil in such conditions will be small.

At high speeds, along with an increase in the load on the power unit, the load on the oil also increases.

On cars with low-power motors and a small transmission ratio, at speeds above 130, the oil is very hard. With an increase in the load on the engine, the conditions for its operation deteriorate - the temperature of the pistons rises, the volume and pressure of crankcase gases increase, destructively acting on its base.

Optimum working conditions for engine oil

• the speed of movement, which is half of the maximum permissible for this vehicle;
• short idling time after warming up;
• good crankcase ventilation;
• compliance with the temperature regime of the internal combustion engine.

If we focus on car manufacturers who give recommendations on the engine oil change interval in operating hours, then the typical replacement period is from 200 to 400 hours of total engine operation in various modes, excluding long-term operation with maximum efficiency. Simple calculations show that 400 hours of engine operation in a city at an average speed of about 25 km / h corresponds to a mileage of 10,000 km. And the same hours of driving outside the city with an average speed of 60 km / h - this is already 24,000 km of run, although it is doubtful that it is necessary to delay the replacement so much.

Not all car owners had the privilege of driving exclusively on highways, and even slowly. What should those who drive mainly around the city do and, moreover, have a car with a forced engine. Apparently, shorten the oil change intervals.

A considerable influence on the frequency of replacement is also exerted by what type of engine oil is used.

Engine oil properties

The huge selection of this consumable in stores often confuses the car owner and makes him ask the seller a rather stupid question - which is better? But they are not divided into good and bad, they are all designed for different types of engines. For example, what is suitable for a diesel engine is not suitable for a gasoline engine, but this does not mean that it is worse.

Any oil consists of a base and additives added to it. Basics types:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• synthetic;
• synthetic hydrocracking.

Mineral minerals are extremely rare in our time. They were replaced by semi-synthetic, with a higher content of additives. Their base is not persistent - the products of its decay strongly pollute the engine. The additives are also not held very reliably. And the viscosity changes significantly over time. Despite all this, the stability of this basis is enough for the recommended 10-15 thousand km of run. But under more difficult operating conditions, this interval should be reduced.

Synthetic hydrocracked oils are considered common semi-synthetics, but they are significantly better because their viscosity is more stable and the additives are held more securely. Most of the oils from car manufacturers are made on this basis. Even at high mileage, they perform better than their mineral-based competitors. They have fewer harmful decomposition products and better detergent properties.

Types of classifications

• SAE - viscosity classification;
• API - classification by purpose and quality.

The SAE class indicates the temperature range in which the oil allows the crankshaft to be cranked by the starter and is pumped through the lubrication system by the pump, avoiding dry friction.

Winter classes:

Summer classes:

• 20 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 5.6 mm2 / s;
• 30 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 9.3 mm2 / s;
• 40 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 12.5 mm2 / s;
• 50 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 16.3 mm2 / s;
• 60 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 21.9 mm2 / s.

All-season are designated by two numbers, one winter class, the other summer, for example: SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-40. Each of them corresponds to the parameters of one winter and one summer class.

According to the API version, oils are divided into the following operational categories:

• S (Service) - for gasoline engines, subdivided into quality groups, presented in chronological order;
• С (Commercial) - for diesel engines, subdivided into quality and purpose groups, presented in time sequence;
• EC (Energy Conserving) - energy saving: a new group of high quality oils that do not have excessive viscosity, good fluidity and reduce fuel consumption according to tests carried out on gasoline engines.

Each new class is designated by the next letter in alphabetical order. Universal use (for gasoline and diesel engines) are indicated by two letters, the first in the designation is the main one, the second indicates the possibility of using it in engines of a different type.

API quality classes

For gasoline:

• SM - from 30.11.04 for current multivalve and turbocharged engines, the oil is protected from oxidation with improved properties at low temperatures;
• SL - for multi-valve and turbocharged engines released after 2000, running on lean fuel mixtures. It is permissible to use when the manufacturer recommends oils of class SJ and earlier.
• SJ - for engines of cars, vans and light trucks after 1996. Oils of this class can be used with recommendations of SH class and earlier.
• SH - for engines manufactured later than 1994.
• SG - for engines manufactured later than 1989.
• SF - for engines manufactured later than 1980.
• SE - for engines manufactured later than 1972.

For diesel:

The consequences of exceeding the life of the oil

In cases of significant excess of the life of semi-synthetics or synthetics in the engine, coking occurs on the pistons, leading to a loss of ring mobility, a drop in compression and increased wear of parts of the piston group, as well as an increase in oil consumption due to the occurrence of rings.

On the one hand, experts say the more often we change the oil, the better. On the other hand, good oil is not cheap, and the oil change procedure takes a lot of time, which is never enough. But how much is your car worth?

How often to change the oil is almost Hamlet's rhetoric ...

To begin with, the era of cars, which can be called eternal, has sunk into deep and fast oblivion. Until now, on the roads you can find cars that are 30 years old or more. Do you think that the "swallows" that left the nest in the 2000s will be able to last as long? This is hardly possible. Today's automaker is not at all interested in cars scratching the asphalt with tires for decades. Since the manufacturer must maintain its service infrastructure, our cars are simply obliged to break down, and new cars must regularly leave the showrooms.

That is why, when calculating the oil change interval, the automaker in no way cares how long the engine of your car will last. It is only important how the engine will function during the service period. So if you still believe in the fairy tales about the good faith of car manufacturers, then it's time to break your rose-colored glasses.

Timely oil change is the key to the "health" of the engine

How often do you need to change the oil in a car engine?

An unambiguous answer to the question "How often do you need to change the oil?" no one will give you. There simply cannot be a universal answer, because it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the car and the driving style of its owner. You can always spy on the recommended service interval in the book of the same name, but these are just recommendations, which in no case should be regarded as the ultimate truth. For example, if we are talking about a sports car, then this car is unlikely to be idle for months in serpentine traffic jams in big cities. And if you are talking about a golf-class car, then you should not expect that it will drive onto the track every day and cut the space-time continuum at a speed of 200 km / h. And the oil change period for such different cars will also be different.

A qualified oil change will delight both your car and you personally

What affects the frequency of engine oil changes?

The main factors are the season, fuel quality and operating mode. Very often, manufacturers make recommendations regarding the frequency of oil changes, taking into account the "difficult conditions" of vehicle operation. What is it and what is it with?

Oil change procedure

When a timely oil change in a car engine is especially necessary

There are many factors that can be attributed to the conditions of "heavy use" of the vehicle. However, we will only voice the main ones.

1. Simple car.
   If the car is used irregularly, then you can be sure that the engine of such a car will last much less than the one that “comes to life” every day. This is due to condensation that forms in the engine during idle time and, in combination with fuel and consumables, turns into acid, confidently corroding the insides of the engine. And if, when buying a car, you hear a sentimental story that grandfather only occasionally drove it on dates to a friend's grandmother, you should know that this is a rather dubious advantage.
2. Prolonged engine idling.
   Most often this happens in traffic jams, while the cooling system becomes less efficient and the oil heats up.
3. Regular transport of large loads.
   If your car is overloaded, this creates an additional load on the "heart muscle" of the car, and this is premature oxidation and thickening of engine oil.
4. Frequent starting off.
   This again applies to the ubiquitous traffic jams, when drivers have to brake immediately after the car has started. The oil heats up most of all at the very moment when the car starts moving. And a high temperature means an automatic decrease in properties.
5. Poor quality of the fuel used.
   No special explanations are needed here, because everyone knows that low-quality fuel does not burn completely, and its residues are mixed with oil, reducing its efficiency.
6. Express oil change.
   If you, saving time, expect that the vacuum oil change will get away with you, and the car will get away with the engine, then you are deeply mistaken. In fact, during such a procedure, a lot of used oil remains in the engine, which in the future will negatively affect the operation of the engine in general.

From all of the above, it follows that the car should drive a lot, at moderate speeds, practically empty and on gasoline of European quality. Naturally, this all sounds at least utopian. Nevertheless, the knowledge gained can be used to reduce the oil consumption of your "glutton".

Longlife - extended oil change interval

Some automotive chemistry manufacturers are positioning their oils as those with extended drain intervals. Motorists simply cannot help but peck at such advertising, because they want to believe that they are not only saving money, but also complimenting their engine. But few people know that an oil change according to the longlife system can only be done if the following conditions are met:

• the manufacturer of a specific car model provides an extended oil change interval
• the car manufacturer has issued a certificate for a specific longlife engine oil
• the car is operated exactly in the mode that is provided by the manufacturer, as permissible for "longlife"

So what is the optimal oil change interval in a car engine? Rather, what should be guided to determine it? First, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

A bluish tint in the exhaust indicates that the gas contains oil particles.

Then decide what factors in the personal life of your car fall under the category of "difficult conditions".

Tracking the unfavorable moments that your car has to endure, shorten the service interval yourself, which was determined by the automaker.

Do not forget to change the oil in the car engine on time!

Checking the oil level should become an automatic action, like breathing

Based on the foregoing, we make an oil change and try not to fool ourselves.