How often should you change your engine oil?

Kilometres and time

Manufacturers state an interval in kilometres and in months. A fixed interval is often 15,000 km or one year; a flexible (longlife) interval can run up to 30,000 km or two years. The time limit applies even if you drive little: oil absorbs moisture, oxidises and loses its protective additives while the car is parked.

Why short trips shorten the interval

A cold engine only really warms up after fifteen to twenty minutes. On short trips moisture condenses in the sump and unburnt fuel gets into the oil; both only evaporate when the engine is warm. If it stays cold, the oil thins and degrades faster than the service book assumes.

Manufacturers call this “severe conditions”: many short trips, traffic jams, towing or dusty roads. A shorter interval applies — in practice often every year, regardless of mileage.

How do you know it's time?

• The service indicator shows a message or the date on the sticker has passed.
• The oil level drops or rises noticeably between services (rising can happen on diesels from fuel in the oil).
• You mostly drive short distances and the last change was over a year ago.

Colour says little: diesel oil turns black within a few hundred kilometres, and clean-looking oil can still be worn out.

Frequently asked questions

Isn't a yearly oil change too often if I drive little?

No. Low mileage and short trips are exactly when oil ages from moisture and fuel. Once a year is the safe choice for most cars.

Does the oil filter need replacing every time?

Yes. A full filter lets dirt through or goes into bypass; new oil through an old filter is only half the job.

Can I stick to the service book interval?

Yes, if you mainly drive long distances. With many short trips we advise a shorter interval.

Work out what an oil change costs for your car in the service calculator or read more about the oil change in Tilburg.