Monthly Maintenance: How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil with Low Mileage Driving?
Driving a car with low mileage, such as only 2000 km in a year, can lead to questions about the necessity of regular engine oil changes. Despite the minimal mileage, it's essential to maintain your engine's health through proper oil management. This article delves into the recommended time periods for engine oil changes and the factors that influence the decision-making process.
General Recommendations and Guidelines
It's important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for engine oil changes, even with low mileage. Typically, the recommended interval is every 6 to 12 months, regardless of the distance driven. This is because the degradation of engine oil due to factors such as moisture, contaminants, and long-term storage is a critical consideration. Remember, your engine's overall health is highly dependent on the quality of the oil it utilizes.
Key Points to Consider
1. Time Interval
Even if your car has low mileage, changing the oil at least once a year is recommended. Dissolved contaminants and moisture can accumulate over time, even without extensive driving. This can degrade the oil's effectiveness and lead to potential engine damage if left unchanged for extended periods.
2. Type of Oil
If you use synthetic oil, it might last longer compared to conventional oil. However, the general recommendation still applies. Synthetic oils are designed to provide superior protection and can last longer under specific conditions, but regular changes are still recommended to maintain optimal performance.
3. Driving Conditions
The frequency of oil changes can be influenced by the driving conditions. Frequent short-distance driving, stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, and harsh environmental conditions can necessitate more frequent oil changes. Regular, long-distance driving helps to maintain the temperature, which can help to reduce oil degradation.
Always check your vehicle's owner manual for specific recommendations regarding oil change intervals. Most manuals will provide guidelines based on the engine's characteristics and driving habits.
Case Study: My BMW Cabriolet
My BMW cabriolet, which is primarily used as a summer toy, has only covered approximately 3000 miles in the past four years. Yet, the vehicle's onboard system recently informed me that the last oil change was in 2020 during the COVID lockdown—four years ago! Though I haven't driven it extensively, I occasionally take the car for a run to get the engine up to temperature.
Plan to change the engine oil this year as I will be taking the car to a motoring festival in the Isle of Man and subsequently touring Yorkshire. The increased driving will ensure that the oil is changed before continued use.
Conclusion
While it's tempting to delay oil changes due to low mileage, it is crucial to maintain your engine's health through regular oil changes. Changing the oil annually, regardless of mileage, is a standard practice advocated by many experts. The benefits of doing so outweigh the minor inconvenience of the oil change.
Remember, your engine is a valuable asset that relies on proper lubrication to function optimally. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is essential to extending the life and performance of your vehicle.