When you should change the engine oil

The indication on the dashboard is not the only indicator for changing engine oil. There are several additional signs that we must pay attention to such as appearance and texture. The first thing to check is the oil itself; if it is opaque and granular, it is saturated with contaminants and must be changed.

What are the additional criteria taken into consideration when establishing the frequency of the oil change:

Manufacturers' recommendations.
Oil specifications.
The driving style (flexible, fast, sporty).
The type of route
Mileage
External condition
- In hot climates, oil oxidation tends to increase
- In a dusty and/or humid atmosphere, the oil accumulates contaminants (such as fine abrasive particles or water).

Most current engines require synthetic or synthetic blend oils. Older models that use conventional engine oil may require more frequent oil changes. Your driving habits are also very important. If you regularly make short trips with lots of stops, if you tow or carry heavy loads, or if you drive in extremely hot, cold, or dusty places, you may need to change the oil more often.

Many cars today feature sensors that monitor the life of engine oil and automatically recommend when it should be changed.

If you're driving an older car, the owner's manual probably suggests two different oil change intervals, one for typical driving conditions and one for severe conditions. If your car is new, it's important to follow the maintenance schedule to the letter. Otherwise, you risk having your warranty voided.

In addition to these signs, you can consult the instruction manual at any time to ensure the oil change period, as this may vary depending on the brand and model. If you do not have the manual or still have doubts about which is the right lubricant for your vehicle, you can consult our TotalEnergies Oils Guide.