A guide on car service intervals

​

With improved engine and oil technology resulting in increased service intervals, many drivers feel a false sense of security when it comes to the life of the engine oil.

​

Today’s engines, if properly maintained, can achieve as much as 500,000 kilometers without major overhauls. That equates to more than twice the distance that can be traveled when compared to a poorly maintained car.

​

Did you know?

​

Different driving habits and conditions can greatly affect the life of your engine oil and consequently the life of your engine. If you regularly travel less than 20 kilometers each trip, your driving habits require you to change your oil more regularly than you think.

​

• It takes about 15 to 20 kilometers from a cold start to fully warm up the engine oil and reduce the rate of oil contamination.

• These short trips cause engine oils to become saturated with contaminants. While the oil is cold, it absorbs the contaminants from combustion much more readily than when the oil is hot. These contaminants degrade the oil and the oils performance.

• Car trips less than 20 kilometers typically increase fuel dilution and result in the thinning of engine oil. Fuel enters the oil on cold start-up and is not vaporized out because the engine oil has not had time to reach normal operating temperature.

• If you often take short trips to work, the train station, school, or the shopping centre, your vehicle faces increased risk of engine wear and damage compared to those that travel longer distances. Approximately 80% of vehicles fall in to this category.

• Generally, a vehicle that often travels less than 20 kilometers per trip should have an oil change every six months even if that is only 5000 to 7500 kilometers since the last oil change.

 

       The rate of contamination of the oil rises as the oil level drops, which accelerates oil           degradation and reduces oil protection. So do not let the oil run low, check the level         and top it up if low.

       Remember: Topping up an engine low on oil is not the same as having an oil change.

​

• Many modern engines have reduced oil sump capacities causing the oil to be placed under greater stress because of the reasons described above. This makes combating acid formation and oil sludge more difficult. Frequent oil changes are an effective way to minimize the negative effects on your engine associated with oil stress.

• Vehicles that have high idle time, in particular light commercial vehicles, need to take idling into account in terms of oil service intervals. Delivery vehicles, couriers, etc. are typical of such service where engines run all day long, even when the vehicle is stationary. It is good practice to halve the oil service interval, km and time because engine hours will be high.

 

To protect your investment, take the time to check your vehicle’s manual or talk to your service adviser to identify what your driving habits and conditions are and how they may affect your oil – even between regular service periods.

 

By doing this, you will maximize the life of your engine, improve vehicle reliability and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in car repair fees.