Oil Change Rule: Is 5,000 km Still Necessary?
For decades, one of the most repeated pieces of automotive advice has been to change engine oil every 5,000 kilometers (or 3,000 miles in older recommendations).
Many car owners follow this guideline religiously, believing it ensures engine longevity and peak performance.
Others question whether changing the oil so frequently is truly necessary, suggesting that it may be an unnecessary expense, particularly with modern engines and synthetic oils. So, is changing the oil every 5,000 km a must, or is it an unjustified extravagance?
Historically, the recommendation for frequent oil changes made sense. Engines from previous generations were less efficient, oils were not as advanced, and engines suffered more from wear and deposits.
Over time, contaminants and metal particles accumulated in the oil, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing engine damage. Therefore, changing the oil every few thousand kilometers was a practical way to protect the engine.
Modern engines and oils, however, have changed the picture significantly.
Synthetic oils, for example, are engineered to resist breakdown, maintain viscosity over a wider temperature range, and provide superior lubrication for longer periods. Many contemporary vehicles also feature advanced filtration systems that remove contaminants more effectively.
Manufacturers often recommend oil changes at longer intervals — sometimes 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers — depending on driving conditions, oil type, and engine design. Adhering strictly to a 5,000 km interval may be unnecessary for most modern cars and can lead to extra cost without meaningful benefits.
Despite this, there are cases where frequent oil changes remain justified. Vehicles that operate under severe conditions — such as stop-and-go city traffic, extreme temperatures, towing heavy loads, or frequent short trips — may experience faster oil degradation. In these scenarios, following the 5,000 km recommendation provides additional protection against wear and ensures reliable engine performance.