Does a Car That’s Rarely Driven Still Need Regular Oil Changes?

As recommended by most car manufacturers, engine oil should be changed based on two conditions: the number of kilometers driven and the duration of time elapsed.

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Question:

I bought a car but rarely use it because my family rarely travels far, and my daily commute is only a few kilometers away. In the past six months, I’ve only driven about 3,000 km. Do I still need to change the engine oil periodically as recommended by the manufacturer?

Tran Ha (Hanoi)

Illustrative photo

Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, Technical Director of HZ Auto Center, Lai Xa, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, advises:

According to the recommendations of most car manufacturers, engine oil should be changed based on two conditions. One is the number of kilometers driven, and the other is the period of time. Typically, it’s 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.

In the case of cars that are driven infrequently, it’s still advisable to change the oil on schedule based on the month because once the engine oil is removed from the can and put into use, it will deteriorate and degrade if left for too long.

The reason is that engine oil contains various additives with different functions, such as preventing chemical corrosion, lubricating, cooling, preventing sludge, preventing foaming, and preventing oxidation. The high temperature and high humidity environment causes these additives to be depleted and lose quality over time. Therefore, engine oil needs to be replaced periodically even if the car is used infrequently.

According to Giao Thong Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

Even if a car is not frequently used, its oil should still be changed regularly. Oil can degrade over time, and contaminants can build up, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule to ensure the engine stays healthy and performs optimally.

The oil change interval for a rarely driven car may be longer than that of a regularly driven car, but it still needs to be done. It is generally recommended to change the oil at least once a year, or every 5000 miles, whichever comes first. This helps to prevent engine issues and maintain performance.

Oil plays a critical role in lubricating and cooling the engine’s components. Over time, oil can break down and become less effective, leaving deposits and sludge that can damage the engine. Regular oil changes help to remove contaminants and ensure the engine is protected and maintained, even if the car is not driven frequently.

Storing a rarely driven car should include proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes, to ensure the vehicle remains in good condition. Additionally, it is recommended to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation, and to occasionally run the engine to keep it healthy and maintain battery life.

Synthetic oil can provide extended protection and performance compared to conventional oil. However, it is still important to change the oil regularly, even in a rarely driven car. Synthetic oil can last longer, but it is generally recommended to change it at least once a year to ensure optimal engine health and performance.
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