5 things to know when changing oil for your car

Regularly checking and changing the oil in your car is very important to protect the engine. Users often face many problems such as when to change, what type of oil to use, how often to check…

When should I change the oil?

The oil change interval is specified in the Maintenance and Operation section of the Owner's Manual. Do not base your decision on experience or the advice of your oil change service personnel.

Many cars, trucks, and SUVs now come with an on-screen notification feature that tells you when you need an oil change. The system measures mileage and engine torque to determine when it’s time to change the oil.

Note: change the oil in the vehicle immediately upon receiving the warning.

How often should the oil be checked?

We need to check the oil level of the car at least once a month and repair it immediately if the oil tank shows signs of leakage. The steps to check the oil level are in the Owner's Manual, usually using the dipstick method.

In the dipstick test, park the car on a level surface, turn off the engine, insert the dipstick into the oil tube and press it down as far as it will go. Then pull the dipstick up and quickly observe the oil stains on both sides.

Each type of stick has a different way of measuring the amount of oil such as 2 holes, the letters L (Low) and H (High), from Min and Max or more simply a diagonal line on the body. If the oil mark is between the 2 ends or within the diagonal line, the car still has enough oil. If the oil mark is below the last end, the car needs to change the oil immediately.

Also note the color of the oil. If the oil is black or brown, everything is normal. If the oil is a light milky white color, the coolant has leaked into the engine. If there are metal particles, the engine is damaged and needs to be taken to a workshop for inspection and repair.

How often should the oil be changed?

Thanks to technical advances, car manufacturers have extended the oil change interval to 12,000-16,000 km or 6 to 12 months, saving up to 5.5 million VND. However, because the oil will dry out over time, users still need to change it periodically twice a year to ensure engine performance and longevity.

Choose the right oil for your vehicle

The type of oil that is good for your car will be clearly stated in the Handbook. For newer models, the amount of oil needed will be printed on the filler cap. If not, users should ask the manufacturer carefully to better control the cost of oil refilling.

The question is whether classic cars need special oils. The answer is “no” if the car is still running well. If you are not sure which oil to use and do not have a manual, you can ask your oil dealer or ask for help from online groups.

Does my car need synthetic oil?

“The cost of synthetic oil will be 3 or 4 times more expensive than regular oil, so it should only be used when required by the manufacturer,” said Mr. D.Q. Hai, owner of an auto salon in Quy Nhon city.

Synthetic oils are designed to avoid breakdown, resulting in longer service life and better heat resistance, helping to increase engine life and performance.

If your vehicle is used for heavy towing, heavy hauling, or in areas with extremely hot summers, synthetic oil may not be able to warm up the engine enough to burn off the sludge and oil.

However, even though it can last longer than regular oil, users should still change it periodically according to the manufacturer's instructions. The change time is usually 6 months for vehicles that do not travel much or carry heavy loads.