On many car forums, many drivers tell each other that family cars should only use oil to replace after 5,000 km, while total synthetic oil with a cycle of 10,000 km is prone to accretion and damage to the engine. However, according to technical experts from the Ninety Eight Auto Auto Repair, Maintenance and Care Center (Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City), this understanding is not complete about the properties of oil and the cause of accretion formation in the engine.
First, it is necessary to distinguish between semi-synthetic oil and total synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oil is a combination of mineral-based oil and synthetic-based oil to balance costs and engine protection.
This type of oil is usually more accessible and still has many advantages of synthetic oil. However, the ratio of synthetic base oil in semi-synthetic oil is not fixed but depends on the formula of each product.
Meanwhile, total synthetic oil is mainly developed from synthetic base oil, combined with additive systems to increase antioxidant capacity, limit viscosity degradation, reduce abrasion and control dirt during engine operation.
Residue control depends on both the quality of the base oil and the additive system, not simply because the oil is called 10,000 km or 5,000 km type.
Ninety Eight Auto notes that the terms 5,000 km or 10,000 km oil are not standards applicable to all types of vehicles. The oil change cycle needs to be based first of all on the car manufacturer's recommendations, engine type, oil type used and actual operating conditions.
In which, the SAE viscosity level such as 0W-20, 5W-30 or 5W-40 mainly reflects the viscosity characteristics of oil in different temperature conditions, not a direct measure to conclude which oil is of higher quality. Users also need to pay attention to technical standards such as API, ACEA or specific standards required by car manufacturers.
In fact, sludge and mud in the engine can form due to oil oxidation and degradation during use, high operating temperatures, oil contamination with fuel or moisture, burnt products leaking through the chimney, along with dust and impurities accumulated in the lubrication system.
If the oil is used for too long than recommended, the ability to control these substances may also be reduced.
Operating conditions also significantly affect oil lifespan. Cars often travel short distances, get stuck, stop and park continuously, drive unloaded for long periods or operate in dusty environments, high temperatures can cause oil to degrade faster than normal operating conditions. In this case, manufacturers may request to shorten the maintenance cycle.
Therefore, the opinion that using total synthetic oil with a cycle of 10,000 km easily causes engine debris is inaccurate. Many types of synthetic oils are designed with antioxidant and debris control capabilities. However, this does not mean that every car should extend the oil change time to 10,000 km.
For car users, the appropriate choice is to use oil that meets the standards and viscosity level required by the car manufacturer, and replace the oil according to the maintenance schedule.
If the car operates frequently in harsh conditions, it is necessary to follow a shortened maintenance schedule if the manufacturer has regulations.
Replacing the right type of oil and at the right time is an important factor to help the engine operate sustainably, instead of just relying on the concept that 5,000 km of oil is better than 10,000 km of oil.
