Oil change: intervals, costs and useful information
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Why is engine oil important?
Engine oil, also known as motor oil, is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. It lubricates the parts of the motor and acts as a protective film, reducing friction levels, preventing engine wear and overheating, and minimising power losses. It is also critical for preventing corrosion and other chemical reactions from occuring. Additionally, a good lubricant will flush impurities and deposits out of the engine.
Without the right oil, the engine components would not be protected from extreme thermal and mechanical stress, and damage would occur as a result of increased friction. The motor may eventually break down completely.
Types of motor oil
There are different types of formulas for motor oil, including synthetic, mineral, and semi-synthetic oils. Mineral oil is conventional crude oil that is extracted from the earth, whereas synthetic oil is artificially modified for improved performance. Synthetic products last much longer than mineral ones but they’re also more expensive to replace. Semi-synthetic oil combines the properties of both types to provide greater efficiency at a lower price. Some types will be more suitable than others depending on the age and type of vehicle.
More importantly, these lubricants vary in terms of viscosity. Each product has a standardised SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) rating which indicates how well the oil flows at hot and cold temperatures. For example, you may see a container labelled ‘SAE 5W-30 engine oil’. Here, ‘5W’ refers to the oil’s viscosity in cold temperatures (W for winter), and ‘30’ refers to the oil’s hot viscosity rating. The lower the number is, the lower the viscosity at hot or cold temperatures and the easier it will flow. The higher it is, the thicker the oil, meaning that it will have a higher film strength. It’s critical that you choose an oil with the correct viscosity ratings which are specified in the vehicle manual. An oil that is too thick will slow down the components and put more stress on the engine, whereas an oil that is too thin may not protect the moving parts effectively.
How often should I change the oil in my car?
Unfortunately, your engine oil breaks down over time, becoming less effective at lubricating components and preventing corrosion. At a certain point, you may start to see engine sludge forming, which can cause engine blockages. In the past, mechanics typically recommended a car oil change as often as every 3,000 miles or 3 months. However, both oil formulas and automotive technologies have come a long way. Depending on the operating conditions and the age of the vehicle, some recommended oil change intervals have been extended to up to every 10,000 miles or 12 months. It is worth checking the recommendations in your owner’s manual as well as those from the oil manufacturer.
However, it is still wise to check the condition of the oil every so often, particularly before a long journey. You can do so using the dipstick in the engine compartment, if your vehicle has one. Simply pull it out and take a look at the quality of the oil. If you spot what looks like metal chunks, this is an indicator of internal engine damage. If the oil looks sludgy or almost black, it is probably time for a change. Frothy or cloudy liquid indicates that the lubricant has been contaminated as a result of a coolant leak.
How much is an oil change in the UK?
In the UK, the oil and the oil filter are normally replaced at the same time when you take your car to a professional mechanic. In this case, the cost for an engine oil change can range from £25 to £200. If you decide to do it yourself at home, you can significantly reduce the costs. Once you’ve learned how to do it once, it can be quite a straightforward task. You can find a wide variety of cheap car engine oil and filtration products online.
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