Just as it is said that just changing the engine oil after purchasing a vehicle has a significant impact on the lifespan and performance of the vehicle, constant maintenance is necessary even after purchasing the vehicle.
Although my car is an old car, I have regularly changed the engine oil in the meantime, which is why the engine is maintained in good condition compared to the same model and year. Therefore, I would like to ask you about the engine oil change cycle and the engine oil change cycle that you are curious about. I would like to cover what oil to choose, along with cost and inspection methods.
How to check engine oil
1. How to check by color
Basically, engine oil has a yellow color, but as sludge accumulates and deteriorates while driving, it takes on a color close to black.
However, in the case of diesel vehicles, engine oil discolors more quickly than gasoline vehicles, so you must check the replacement cycle according to viscosity and mileage.
2. How to check by smell
If foreign substances enter the engine oil, the oil emits a rot-like odor, the exhaust gas smells strongly, and the smoke makes your eyes feel stingy, it is time to change the oil.
3. Determine the remaining amount of engine oil
Open the bonnet, find and pull out the engine oil level gauge, wipe it with a tissue or a dry cloth, and check if it is close to F (FULL) and L (LOW). If it is below L (LOW), replace the engine oil.
Regular oil VS synthetic oil
1.General oil
It is a raw material made by refining crude oil. It is a commonly used oil and is cheaper than synthetic oil.
2.Synthetic oil
Synthetic oil is more stable against heat and chemical reactions than mineral oil and has a longer lifespan than mineral oil, but it is two to three times more expensive.
3. Engine oil change cycle
Everyone has different opinions on the exchange cycle. In the past, the engine oil had to be changed every 5,000 km, but now, due to technological advancements, the exchange cycle has been affected and the vehicle quality has improved, so the engine oil change cycle has increased significantly. It is true.
So, in general, it is recommended to change engine oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km per year, but sometimes the engine oil change cycle is shortened due to the driver’s driving habits or environment, so all vehicles should be replaced under the same conditions. Since it is difficult to tell the cycle, you will have to determine the replacement cycle yourself by referring to the harsh conditions of the car.
4. Automotive harsh conditions
· Frequent sudden acceleration and sudden stops
· When a lot of sand and dust flows into the engine
· When repeatedly driving short distances
· When driving in a place with heavy traffic
· When driving frequently on rough roads (sand gravel roads, snowy roads, unpaved roads)
· When driving frequently on mountain roads, uphill and downhill roads, etc.
· When used as a police car, taxi, commercial vehicle, tow truck, etc.
· In case of frequent high-speed driving (170 km/h)
· When driving with frequent stopping and starting
· When driving in salt, corrosive substances or cold areas
If you drive your car in these harsh conditions for a long time, you can see that the engine oil replacement cycle becomes shorter.
5. Engine oil replacement cost
Engine oil replacement costs vary widely depending on the type of oil. Mineral oil, which is used as general oil, is a raw material made by refining crude oil and costs around 60,000 to 70,000 won for gasoline vehicles, and 80,000 won for diesel vehicles. It ranges from KRW to 100,000 KRW.