Do I really need to change synthetic oil every 6 months?
The short answer is: it depends. While the traditional recommendation has been to change synthetic oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles, many modern vehicles and oils can go much longer between changes. The optimal oil change interval for your vehicle will depend on factors like your driving conditions, oil quality, and manufacturer recommendations.
Understanding Oil Change Intervals
Traditionally, the recommended oil change interval has been every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or every 6 months. This was based on the performance of conventional mineral-based oils, which can break down more quickly over time. However, with the advent of synthetic oils, the recommended intervals have increased significantly.
Synthetic oils are engineered to be more resistant to breakdown and can often last much longer than conventional oils before needing to be changed. Many automakers now recommend oil change intervals of 7,500 miles or more for vehicles using synthetic oil.
Factors That Affect Oil Change Needs
Several factors can influence how often you need to change your synthetic oil:
- Driving Conditions: If you do a lot of towing, hauling, or driving in extreme temperatures, your oil may break down faster and need changing more frequently.
- Oil Quality: Higher-quality synthetic oils tend to last longer before needing replacement.
- Vehicle Age and Mileage: Older vehicles with higher mileage may require more frequent oil changes as the engine wears down.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the oil change interval specified in your owner's manual, as this is tailored to your specific vehicle.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the optimal oil change interval for your vehicle is to consult your owner's manual and monitor your oil condition over time. Many modern cars also have oil life monitoring systems that can provide guidance on when to change the oil.
Is it necessary to service a car every 6 months?
However, if you don't put many miles on your car, most automakers recommend an oil change service every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder hasn't come on. Older cars have service intervals based on mileage.
Does oil really go bad after 6 months?
Yes. It should be changed no later than 6 months or after the amount of miles the manufacturer recommends, whichever comes first. Unopened it can last up to 5 years. At some point, the additives that help keep the engine clean and prevent oxidation (rust) of the metals begin to separate from the oil.
What's the longest I can go without an oil change?
5,000 to 7,500 miles
It used to be that an oil change was needed every 3,000 miles. However, engine technology has improved greatly over the years. Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change.
Can you go 10,000 miles with synthetic oil?
In general, though, modern cars can manage 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your vehicle calls for a blended or full synthetic oil, you can push that to 10,000 miles.
What happens if I go 6 months without an oil change?
When your oil isn't changed regularly the pistons will start to cut into the piston chamber creating metal shavings. The metal shavings will start to spread into the other chambers causing more damage ultimately ceasing the entire engine.
Does full synthetic oil need to be changed every 6 months?
“While synthetic generally holds up better and can serve for more miles, it is equally important to not extend oil changes beyond the time interval recommended by the manufacturer, typically six months or a year if it is a motor that is not driven many miles or on many short trips.”
Does synthetic engine oil have a shelf life?
Answer. ExxonMobil recommends a five-year maximum shelf life for engine oils, including Mobil 1™ synthetic motor oil.
Is it bad to change synthetic oil too often?
If you're changing your oil more frequently than necessary, it won't help your car. It doesn't harm it either, but you're wasting money, time and resources. Keep in mind, too, that throwing away oil that's still usable puts a strain on the environment.
How often should you change fully synthetic engine oil?
The duration a car can run on full synthetic oil without an oil change can vary based on several factors, including the manufacturer's recommendations, driving conditions, and the type of engine. Generally, full synthetic oil can last between 7500 to 15000 miles (approximately 6 to 12 months) before needing a change.
How long will synthetic oil last in a stored car?
Even in a car that's rarely driven, oil doesn't enjoy an infinite lifespan. The rule of thumb is about six months—despite oil's typical shelf life of five years.
