How many kilometers should an oil change last?

Most modern cars using full-synthetic oil can typically go 10,000–15,000 km between oil changes, but your exact interval depends on your vehicle, the oil specification, and how you drive; in severe conditions, 5,000–8,000 km is safer, and time limits (6–12 months) still apply. The best practice is to follow your owner’s manual or your car’s oil-life monitor, which adjusts intervals based on real-world use.

What most automakers recommend today

Automakers have extended oil-change intervals over the last decade as engines and lubricants have improved. Many mainstream brands now pair full-synthetic oil with service intervals around 10,000–12,000 km, with some models and European “flexible service” systems stretching longer under ideal highway conditions. However, frequent short trips, stop‑and‑go traffic, towing, extreme temperatures, or dusty environments can require shorter intervals. Time matters too: even if you drive little, most manufacturers set a 12-month maximum (often 6 months for severe use).

Typical intervals by scenario

The following guidance summarizes common intervals based on vehicle type, oil, and usage. Always confirm your specific model’s requirements in the owner’s manual.

• Newer gasoline cars (full-synthetic oil): 10,000–15,000 km (or up to 12 months), depending on manufacturer and driving mix.
• Vehicles with an oil-life monitor (OLM): Follow the dashboard indicator; typical ranges are 8,000–16,000 km, adjusting for driving conditions automatically.
• Severe service (short trips, heavy traffic, towing, extreme heat/cold, dusty roads): 5,000–8,000 km or about every 6 months.
• Older engines or those using conventional oil: 5,000–7,500 km, with a 6–12 month time cap.
• European flexible/long-life service (with approved “LongLife” oils, steady highway use): commonly 15,000–20,000 km; some systems can extend further under ideal conditions but will shorten in city or harsh use.
• Turbocharged/direct-injection performance engines: often 7,500–10,000 km due to higher heat and potential fuel dilution; follow the exact spec and OLM.
• Light-duty diesel pickups/SUVs: roughly 8,000–16,000 km; towing or frequent idling may require shorter intervals and diesel-specific oil (e.g., ACEA, API CK-4/FA-4 as applicable).
• Hybrids: intervals vary widely; many rely on OLMs because engine run-time is intermittent—do not exceed time limits even with low kilometers.

These ranges are general guidelines. Your vehicle’s service schedule and oil specification remain the final word for both engine health and warranty compliance.

Factors that shorten oil life

How and where you drive can degrade oil more quickly than distance alone. If you do much of the following, consider the “severe service” interval or rely on your OLM’s guidance.

• Frequent short trips where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature.
• Stop‑and‑go or extended idling in urban traffic.
• Towing, hauling heavy loads, or mountainous driving.
• Extreme heat or cold, or very dusty/sandy conditions.
• High-performance/turbocharged driving, or mostly high-RPM operation.
• Known fuel dilution risk in some direct-injection engines (check technical service guidance).

If several of these apply, err on the shorter end of the interval spectrum and monitor oil-life percentages or condition more closely.

Time matters, even if you don’t drive much

Oil degrades with time due to condensation, fuel dilution, and acidity from combustion byproducts. Most manufacturers specify a maximum of 12 months between changes for normal service and about 6 months for severe service, regardless of kilometers driven. Low-mileage cars that mostly take short trips often need more frequent changes than their odometer suggests.

How to find your exact interval

The most reliable way to set an oil-change schedule is to combine manufacturer guidance with the correct oil specification for your engine.

• Check the owner’s manual for normal and severe service intervals and any time limits.
• Use the right oil grade and specification (e.g., API SP/ILSAC GF-6, dexos1 Gen 3, VW 504 00/507 00, BMW LL‑01/LL‑17, Mercedes 229.x as required).
• Follow the oil-life monitor if equipped; it accounts for temperature, load, and drive cycles.
• Keep service records; some warranties require proof of maintenance at the specified intervals.

Following the manual and using an approved oil ensures both engine longevity and warranty protection, especially on newer and turbocharged engines.

Kilometer–mile conversions at a glance

For reference: 5,000 miles ≈ 8,000 km; 7,500 miles ≈ 12,000 km; 10,000 miles ≈ 16,000 km. If your manual lists miles, convert accordingly and respect any time-based limits.

Summary

Expect 10,000–15,000 km between oil changes for many modern cars on full-synthetic oil, shorter (5,000–8,000 km) for severe use, and always within 6–12 months. Use the correct oil spec, check your owner’s manual, and follow your oil-life monitor for the most precise interval tailored to your driving.

Is it okay to change oil every 10,000 km?

If you’re a city driver who does a lot of stop and go, running small errands over shorter distances, then your recommended kilometres might be around 7,500 km. If your driving mostly consists of highway driving and long distances, you might be around the 10,000 km mark.

How many miles can I go past due for an oil change?

However, engine technology has improved greatly over the years. Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.

How often do you actually need an oil change?

You actually need an oil change based on the interval recommended in your car’s owner’s manual, typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles for conventional oil or 10,000 to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil, and at least once a year, even if you don’t drive much. Modern vehicles also have oil-life monitoring systems that use driving conditions to tell you when an oil change is due. 
Factors influencing your oil change interval:

• Car Manufacturer Recommendations: Opens in new tabAlways check your owner’s manual for the most accurate oil change intervals and recommendations for your specific vehicle. 
• Oil Type: Opens in new tabSynthetic oils last longer than conventional oils, allowing for extended mileage intervals. 
• Oil Life Monitoring System: Opens in new tabMany modern cars have a dashboard light or system that tracks your driving to determine when an oil change is needed. 
• Driving Conditions: Opens in new tabFactors like driving temperature, engine revolutions, and overall driving conditions are tracked by your car’s computer to help determine the optimal time for an oil change. 
• Time: Opens in new tabEven if you don’t drive much, engine oil degrades over time, so you should change your oil at least once a year. 

What the old 3,000-mile rule was for: 

• Older vehicles, older engine technology, and older oil formulations required more frequent oil changes to prevent premature wear.

How to determine your interval:

1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle. 
2. Pay attention to your car’s oil life monitor: The dashboard indicator will alert you when service is needed. 
3. Consider your driving habits: If you frequently drive in extreme conditions or short distances, your interval may need to be shorter than the recommended maximum. 

How long does a full synthetic oil change last?

A full synthetic oil change typically lasts 7,500 to 15,000 miles, or 10,000 to 12,000 miles on average, but the ideal interval depends on your vehicle, driving style, and the specific oil used. You should also change the oil at least once a year, or more frequently for heavy-duty use like short trips or delivery driving, and always consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations. 
Factors influencing oil change intervals:

• Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations: Opens in new tabYour owner’s manual is the most important guide, as recommendations vary significantly by make and model. 
• Driving Style: Opens in new tabAggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy towing can put more stress on the oil, requiring earlier changes. 
• Oil-Life Monitoring Systems (OLMS): Opens in new tabMany modern cars have OLMS that track oil life based on driving conditions and recommend a change. 
• Oil Quality: Opens in new tabSome premium synthetic oils are designed for even longer intervals (e.g., 20,000 miles), so always check the product label and your manual. 

When to follow the time interval: 

• If you don’t drive much or consistently hit the mileage limit, you should change your oil based on the time interval (e.g., every six months or one year) to prevent oil degradation.
• If you do a lot of short trips, the oil may not get hot enough to burn off moisture, so a timely oil change (or a long highway drive) is recommended.

General Guidelines:

• Look at your owner’s manual: This is the most accurate source of information for your specific vehicle. 
• Follow your car’s oil-life monitor: It’s designed to account for your driving habits. 
• Don’t exceed the time limit: Even if you’re under the mileage, change the oil at least once a year.