Oil changes: how often, really?

The 3,000 km rule is outdated

For decades, shops recommended an oil change every 3,000 km. With the mineral oils of the 1980s and 1990s, that made sense. Today, with synthetic oils and modern engines, that advice is largely obsolete, and needlessly expensive.

How often, depending on my oil?

How often you change your oil depends mainly on the type of oil and how you drive.

• ✓Conventional mineral oil: every 5,000 to 7,500 km
• ✓Synthetic blend: every 7,500 to 10,000 km
• ✓Full synthetic oil: every 10,000 to 15,000 km (up to 20,000 km for some engines)
• ✓Always refer to the owner's manual: it is the official source

"Severe" driving conditions

If you drive mostly in the city, take many short trips (the engine never reaches operating temperature), tow often or drive on gravel roads, your engine works harder and the oil breaks down faster. In those cases, divide the recommended interval by 1.5.

• ✓Trips of less than 8 km (the engine stays cold)
• ✓Driving in very cold weather (below -20 °C)
• ✓Frequent towing or heavy loads
• ✓Driving on construction or gravel roads

How to check the oil level yourself

Between oil changes, check your oil level every 2 to 3 months or before a long trip. Park on level ground, turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back in, then pull it out again. The level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks.