How Many KM to Change Car Oil? This is the Right Time

Understanding the importance of regular oil changes in vehicles is key to preventing potential damage to the engine. You need to know when the right time is, how many kilometers are ideal, and the signs that indicate an oil change is necessary.

Indeed, if you force the use of oil for an excessive period, it can lead to overheating and internal engine damage. This awareness is the first step in optimally maintaining your vehicle, keeping engine performance, and extending the vehicle's lifespan.

Therefore, in this article, we will provide complete information on when you should change your car's oil, the signs that indicate an oil change is needed, and also some tips.

Change Car Oil When Reaching the Following Kilometers

Regularly changing car oil is important for maintaining engine health. Ideally, you should change the oil every 10,000 km or every 6 months, whichever comes first. However, if the car often travels on difficult roads such as off-road or in traffic jams, it is advisable to accelerate the oil change schedule.

It is also important to pay attention to the type of oil used. Full synthetic oil can last up to 10,000 km, while mineral-blended oil should be changed every 5,000 km. If the car is used in extreme conditions such as uphill or in heavy traffic, it is recommended to check the oil condition more frequently and consider changing it sooner.

Always pay attention to the signs that the car oil needs to be changed, such as changes in color or viscosity. By keeping to the oil change schedule and monitoring the car's condition, you can ensure that the car's engine continues to run well and avoid problems that may arise from ineffective oil.

Signs That Car Oil Needs to Be Changed

Surely, you already know the optimal kilometer distance for changing car oil. Now, let's recognize the signs that indicate it's time to change the car oil, including:

1. Decreased Oil Quality

One way to determine the right time to change car oil is based on the quality or condition of the oil.

New car oil will have a smooth, sticky texture and a clear color. Meanwhile, oil in a machine that has been used for a long time will usually change color to a murky black brown.

This color change in the engine oil is due to the oil's function to clean the surface of the cylinder walls.

The cylinder walls are prone to crust and carbon due to oxidation processes. Therefore, the oil can change color to black.

Oil that has turned black can be a sign that it is time to change the engine oil if it has indeed been used for a long time in heavy traffic or uphill conditions. However, if the oil has just been used, then this cannot be the only indicator.

2. Heavy Engine Acceleration

This is one of the main indicators that can show that it is time to change the engine oil. When the oil quality decreases, there will be increased friction between the engine parts.

This will make the engine performance feel heavier because the engine is forced to work under poor conditions.

You will notice a change in engine performance, especially when you press the gas pedal. Even though the gas pedal is pressed, the acceleration feels slower.

3. Increased Engine Vibration

When the engine is idling, you can hear a very heavy vibration in the car's engine.

The car engine vibrating is a sign that the oil is having problems. This vibration will feel and sound louder than when your car's engine oil has been changed. Therefore, you should be more sensitive to the sounds of vibration in the car engine when it is idling.

4. Very Rough Engine Noise

To detect whether the engine noise is rougher, you can do this when the car is just started. You can listen to the car engine's sound to see if it is rougher or not.

Oil that is nearing the time for replacement will cause higher vibrations with a rough or noisy sound. This sound will be very different compared to when the engine oil was first changed.

Tips for Changing Car Oil Yourself at Home

Above, we have learned when the right time is to change car oil. In fact, changing car oil can be done by yourself at home. So, you don't need to take it to a workshop.

1. Add Engine Oil If the Level Is Below the Limit

In addition to changing the car engine oil, the car engine oil also needs to be added if the surface is below the standard vehicle level.

To ensure the right time to add engine oil, you should check the oil surface when the vehicle's engine is still cold.

Do not check the oil when the engine is still hot because the oil surface will rise due to expansion.

If the car engine oil is below the standard limit, then the oil must be added. However, the addition should not exceed the maximum limit set. Excessive addition will cause the engine speed to slow down and the engine performance to decrease.

2. Drain Car Engine Oil at 50 Thousand Kilometers

When the car engine oil is changed in the usual way, not all of the old oil will be drained when the bolt is opened. The amount of oil that will come out when the bolt is opened is only about three to four liters.

Meanwhile, if the oil is drained, the amount of oil that comes out can reach 10 to 12 liters. Oil draining should be done every 50 thousand kilometers before adding new oil.

Changing car oil must be done regularly to prevent further engine damage. Understand that there are three types of car oil that must be changed regularly.

A car has 3 types of oil, namely transmission oil (gear), engine oil, and differential oil that must be changed regularly. The oil that should be changed quickly is the engine oil, followed by transmission oil, and lastly differential oil.

That is the information regarding car oil changes. In this article, we have discussed when the right time to change oil is, observed the signs that indicate the need for a change, and provided practical tips that can be done at home.

By understanding and following these guidelines, you not only keep your car's engine performance optimal but also extend the overall lifespan of the vehicle. Thus, maintaining a vehicle is not just an obligation but also a long-term investment for safe and efficient mobility.

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