Buying your first car can be an exciting venture. That said, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. From replenishing your fluids and having your brakes checked to replacing the wipers and getting your oil changed, regular maintenance is critical to ensuring your car remains safe and efficient.
But how often should you change your oil in the first place? If this is something you've been wondering, don't worry—you're not alone! On average, motorists should aim to have their oil changed every 5,000 kilometres driven. However, an oil change interval will vary between drivers, vehicles and potential warranties. So, if you want to learn more about how frequently you should have the oil in your car changed, keep reading!
Do you really need to change oil every 6 months?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should change your engine oil every six months. In fact, oil change intervals depend on a variety of things. The suggested period between oil changes might fluctuate depending on the oil you use, your car, your driving style, and the manufacturer's recommendations. Here are some things to think about:
Oil type
Your choice of oil has a significant influence on how frequently you should replace your oil. Conventional oil normally needs to be changed more frequently, commonly every 3 to 6 months or every 5,000 kilometres. On the other hand, synthetic oils typically have a longer duration, typically between 7,500 and 10,000 kilometres or 6 and 12 months.
Driving practices
Your oil may deteriorate more quickly if you frequently drive in traffic that is stop-and-go, in extremely hot or cold weather, or while towing. To guarantee adequate engine protection in these circumstances, more regular oil changes may be required.
Suggestions from the manufacturer
To find out how frequently the manufacturer recommends changing the oil in your car, consult the owner's manual. Many modern automobiles include an oil life monitoring system that might give you more precise instructions depending on your individual driving circumstances.
Mileage
For many individuals, the number of kilometres driven rather than a specified date is a better predictor of when to replace the oil. You might need to replace your oil more frequently if you go more kilometres than the average motorist.
Oil quality
Superior synthetic oils are designed for extended protection and frequently last longer between changes than regular oils.
It's important to remember that regular oil changes are crucial for the well-being and durability of your engine. That said, you don't always need to change your oil every six months; you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and take all of the above factors into account to find the ideal interval for your particular circumstance. If you're unsure, check your owner's manual or ask an auto repair shop for advice. They can give you recommendations based on your car and the road conditions.
How often should you change your oil in KM?
It is typically advised to change conventional oil every 4,828 to 8,047 kilometres, which is approximately similar to every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. On the other hand, synthetic oils of high grade can frequently go longer between changes. This may equate to changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12,070 to 16,093 kilometres.
Drivers can also consider having their oils changed as part of routine winter car maintenance. This is essential since the thickening of your engine oil in cold weather makes it more challenging to start your car.
Additionally, car maintenance for road trips is essential. Being on the road opens you up to anything. Furthermore, even if you have a reliable auto insurance policy, you can still find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar location at the side of the road.
Do oil changes really extend the longevity of your vehicle? Many Canadian drivers question, How long do cars last in Canada? before purchasing a brand-new vehicle. An automobile typically travels 322,000 kilometres in its lifetime. Cars have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, most can last even longer.
Further, a number of factors will influence how long your car will last. For instance, the best way to extend the longevity and maintain an efficient fuel economy of your car is to do routine maintenance checks, which should involve changing the oil periodically. Additionally, it's a good idea to regularly check your brakes for wear and make sure that the tires are in excellent condition, especially during the chilly Canadian winters.
Is it OK to change oil once a year?
The ideal oil change frequency should consider your vehicle, the type of oil you use, your driving habits, and the manufacturer's recommendations. That said, for most drivers, once a year is too little. Here are some scenarios where changing your oil once a year may be reasonable:
Low mileage
Changing your oil once a year can be a viable strategy to preserve oil quality if you drive relatively few kilometres every year. That said, it's usually recommended that motorists change their oil every 5,000 kilometres. As such, if you're only driving your car a short distance throughout the year, you may be able to get away with it, so long as it is below 5,000 kilometres.
Synthetic oil use
Using high-quality synthetic oil will help it maintain its qualities for a longer period of time and generally have superior resistance to disintegration. Even though certain synthetic oils are made for longer drain intervals.
Consistent maintenance
Changing the oil once a year may be more practical if you keep your car perfectly maintained and adhere to other advised maintenance procedures, like routine inspections and fluid checks, but it’s still not recommended.
Is it OK to change oil every 2 years?
No, regardless of mileage, it's not advised to change your engine oil only every two years. This practice may be hazardous to your vehicle for a number of reasons:
Oil breakdown
Engine oil degrades over time as a result of exposure to moisture, heat, and impurities. If the oil is not changed frequently, it may stop efficiently lubricating and shielding the engine's parts. This may result in more wear, tension, and possible internal engine damage.
Oil contamination
Over time, pollutants, including dust, grime, and metal fragments, can build up in engine oil. These impurities may accumulate and lead to the formation of grime in the engine, which will decrease performance and may even result in damage.
Moisture accumulation
Oil can accumulate moisture over time, particularly in cars that aren't driven regularly or in humid environments. This moisture may cause internal engine rusting, shortening the engine's life.
Reduced engine performance
As engine oil ages, it loses the ability to cool, clean, and lessen friction between moving parts, which are some of its main roles. Engine fuel efficiency and performance may suffer as a result.
Costly repairs
Ignoring routine maintenance and postponing oil changes can lead to expensive engine repairs or even a complete engine breakdown. Routine oil changes are considerably less expensive than replacing or fixing an engine.
How long does an oil change take?
So, how long does an oil change take? Generally speaking, your oil change shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes to one hour to complete from start to finish. That said, there may be times when you have to wait longer than the typical 30 to 60 minutes to get your oil changed. Here's a closer look at the potential causes of this:
Oil draining delays
It can take longer to drain than usual if your old oil is particularly oily or thick. No matter what, oil draining is necessary in order to refill the engine with freshly changed oil.
Oil filter removal and replacement
In addition to changing the car's oil, the oil filter must be taken out and replaced. The replacement filter must be placed carefully in order to prevent leaks and ensure efficient purification.
Oil refill
Refilling the oil requires precision pouring of the proper type and quantity of new oil. Rushing through this oil change procedure raises the possibility of overflowing or underfilling the engine's oil level reservoir, which could cause problems in the future.
Inspection
Many oil changes include a brief vehicle examination. Although it may take longer, this is done to check for leaks, worn components, and other potential problems.
Quality assurance
Professional service providers take their time to ensure that every phase is completed correctly. Speeding through the process escalates the chances of mistakes and subsequent problems.
Can I change my own oil?
Yes, you can perform your own oil changes, and there are a number of reasons why you might want to:
Reasons to perform your own oil change
In this section, we will explore the reasons for performing your own oil change.
Cost savings
Performing your own oil change saves money over having it done at a dealership or service facility. Saving money on labour expenses and possibly reducing the price of both the filter and the oil is possible.
Convenience
You don't need to schedule an appointment or wait at a service center; you may change your oil whenever it's most convenient for you.
Reasons not to change your own oil
However, here are some reasons why you might want to avoid doing your own oil change:
Lack of tools and space
To change your own oil, you need particular tools and room, including a jack, jack stands, and an appropriate work area. These resources are not accessible to everyone.
Improper disposal
It's essential to dispose of spent oil and oil filters in an environmentally friendly manner. Some people would rather have experts handle this matter.
Warranty issues
If your car is still covered by a warranty, changing the oil yourself can have an impact on that guarantee. Certain warranties mandate that oil changes be carried out by licensed service facilities.
Error potential
If you're inexperienced, there's a chance that you'll make mistakes throughout the oil change procedure, which could result in leaks, excessively tightened parts, or incorrect oil levels.
How much is an oil change?
It's essential that when purchasing a vehicle, you factor in ongoing costs for service, as these types of obligations can add up over time. Getting an oil change is one of those preventative auto maintenance tasks that all motorists must consistently pay for if they want to continue driving reliable vehicles.
So, how much is an oil change? Well, it really depends on a couple of factors, including the type of oil you choose for your car and where you choose to have your car serviced. For example, most drivers in Canada can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $75 for a standard oil change.
In contrast, if you opt for synthetic oil over conventional oil, you can expect to pay anywhere between $65 and $135. This is because synthetic oil is designed to provide greater performance and protection for modern engines in luxury vehicles and sports cars.
Do I need maintenance records to purchase car insurance?
The majority of the time, you can renew your car insurance without submitting maintenance records. Auto insurance providers usually take your driving history, the type and model of your automobile, where you reside, and various risk factors into account when analyzing and calculating insurance plans. Maintenance is not required for insurance, though it may be required for warranty or extended warranty plans.
Contact BrokerLink today
BrokerLink is your leading one-stop shop for all automotive and auto-related solutions. If you have any questions about the different types of auto insurance we offer or the frequently asked question, what documents do I need for car insurance? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team at any moment through email, live chat, or phone. Walk-in customers are welcome at any of our offices as well!
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