I was at the mechanic workshop last week to fix my power steering belt that cut off when I just decided to Guage the car's oil level only to see that the rod did not touch any oil.

I eventually got 4liter oil asked the mechanic to change it. What was left of the previous one was less than a litre. The engine would have gone for good.

So, how often should a car meant for private use be changed?

Note that I was thinking my oil was changed recently though no longer sure of the time.

You may or may not have a dodged a bullet there.
Good practice dictates you should check your oil at least once a week. Some even check it every morning which is better.

What's your car model and year?
How long have you owned it and what type of oil have you been using?

It would depend on the mileage covered.
Many car manufacturers specify which oil to use and interval of change, and generally recommend an oil change every 8 to 12 thousand kilometres covered but it my be a hard task to follow.
Newer cars have software that notify owners when an oil change is due.
Here in 9ja, if you drive a pre '06 car and use the traditional 20W50 oil, I'll advice an oil change every 2 to 3 months depending on the use of the car.

David50:
You may or may not have a dodged a bullet there.
Good practice dictates you should check your oil at least once a week. Some even check it every morning which is better.

What's your car model and year?
How long have you owned it and what type of oil have you been using?

I use quartz total oil, Mazda 626, five years now

Dada4me:


I use quartz total oil, Mazda 626, five years now

I would recommend changing every 3000km (not miles).

Also, looks like u either have a serious leak or a serious oil burn problem. Both may require serious attention.

I changed my oil 4th week of Jan.i drive almost 2 to 3hrs daily.i had some oil leaks which I fixed...lo and behold.byladt month. My oil na black charcoal. I racedwith mobil 1 straight to my mechanic.no time

Day169:
It would depend on the mileage covered.
Many car manufacturers specify which oil to use and interval of change, and generally recommend an oil change every 8 to 12 thousand kilometres covered but it my be a hard task to follow.
Newer cars have software that notify owners when an oil change is due.
Here in 9ja, if you drive a pre '06 car and use the traditional 20W50 oil, I'll advice an oil change every 2 to 3 months depending on the use of the car.

Can Engine oil be allowed to get to 4 Months before change since I barely cover 2500km for four months. I use Total Quartz 5000 (20W50) to service my Toyota camry 2001. I don't have oil leak

David50:


I would recommend changing every 3000km (not miles).

Also, looks like u either have a serious leak or a serious oil burn problem. Both may require serious attention.

You're right, there's oil leak, though just discovering it and it's minor.

Thank you for your insightful engagement

Musty4ahmed1:
Can Engine oil be allowed to get to 4 Months before change since I barely cover 2500km for four months. I use Total Quartz 5000 (20W50) to service my Toyota camry 2001. I don't have oil leak

Yes it can..
The time limit is usually 6 months, but more importantly you should check the oil level periodically with the dipstick.

Day169:

Yes it can..
The time limit is usually 6 months, but more importantly you should check the oil level periodically with the dipstick.

OK Thank you!