What car oil should be changed? Complete Guide
Maintaining the car’s performance remains excellent requires special attention, especially in terms of oil changes. Car oil functions to lubricate, cool, and protect important components from wearing out quickly. However, not all oil in the car has the same function, so each type of oil has a different replacement time. Then, what car oil should be changed regularly? In this article, we will discuss what types of car oil should be replaced, and why each oil has an important role in maintaining the performance of your vehicle.
types of car oil and their functions
Basically, car oil is divided into several types based on their function in the vehicle. Here are some types of oil that have an important role in maintaining the durability of your car components:
- Machine oil: functions to lubricate engine components so as to minimize friction and heat generated by the movement of the engine.
- transmission oil: Specially used to lubricate the transmission parts, both manual and automatic transmissions.
- axle oil: needed to protect the axle components located on the car’s drive wheels.
- brake oil: Helps increase the pressure on the brake system for more efficient braking.
- Power steering oil: Useful in the steering system so that the steering wheel is easy to control.
- AC oil: Ensure cooling in the cabin remains maximum by maintaining the performance of the AC cooling system.
When should the car oil be changed?
Car oil changes cannot be done carelessly. Each type of oil has a certain period of time or distance that needs to be considered. Generally, the ideal time period of oil change is measured based on the distance traveled in kilometers or months.
Some of the factors that affect the oil change time are:
- road conditions: Cars that often cross traffic jams usually require faster oil changes.
- Vehicle age: Cars that have been operating for a long time may need oil changes more often.
- oil type: Some high quality oils have longer durability than regular oils.
Types of car oil that must be changed regularly
Here are some types of car oil that must be changed regularly along with the best estimated replacement time.
Oli#ATFP_CLOSE_TRANSLATE_SPAN# ENGINE
Engine oil is the type of oil that is most often changed because it plays a direct role in lubricating the engine. Engine oil change is generally carried out every 5,000-10,000 km or about every 6 months. This replacement also depends on the type of oil used: synthetic oil can last longer than mineral oil.
Cost Estimation: Engine oil generally ranges from IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per replacement, depending on the type and brand.
transmission oil
Transmission oil needs to be changed periodically to maintain the smooth shift of gears. In manual transmission, the oil should be changed every 20,000-25,000 km or about once a year. As for automatic transmission, replacement can be made every 40,000 km or every two years.
Cost Estimation: Transmission oil change can cost approx IDR 300,000 to IDR 800,000.
axle oil
Axle oil changes are often ignored, even though their role is important to keep the car drive wheels. This oil should be changed every 20,000 km or once a year, especially for cars with rear wheel drive.
Cost Estimation: about IDR 200,000 to IDR 400,000 per replacement.
brake oil
Brake oil does not have to be changed frequently, but still needs to be checked periodically. Ideally, replacement is made every 40,000 km or every two years. This is important to maintain the quality of the braking to remain responsive.
Cost Estimation: usually ranges from IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000.
Power steering oil
Power steering oil changes can be made every 40,000 km or every two years. This oil is important to facilitate steering control, especially at low speeds.
Cost Estimation: the cost of changing the power steering oil can reach IDR 250,000 to IDR 500,000.
AC Oil (Air Conditioner)
AC oil functions to maintain the performance of the cooling system in the car. This oil change is generally carried out every 50,000 km or about every two years.
Cost Estimation: about IDR 300,000 to IDR 600,000 per replacement.
Car Oil Change Time Comparison Table
| oil type | replacement period | Cost Estimation (Rupiah) |
|---|---|---|
| Machine oil | every 5,000-10,000 km / 6 months | IDR 200,000 – IDR 500,000 |
| transmission oil | Manual: 20,000 km / 1 year, automatic: 40,000 km / 2 years | IDR 300,000 – IDR 800,000 |
| axle oil | every 20,000 km / 1 year | IDR 200,000 – IDR 400,000 |
| brake oil | every 40,000 km / 2 years | IDR 150,000 – IDR 300,000 |
| Power steering oil | every 40,000 km / 2 years | IDR 250,000 – IDR 500,000 |
| AC oil | every 50,000 km / 2 years | IDR 300,000 – IDR 600,000 |
Conclusion
Oil change in a car is an important part of vehicle maintenance that should not be ignored. Each type of oil has a specific function that plays a role in maintaining driving performance and safety. Car owners should understand when is the right time to change each type of oil so that the vehicle remains in optimal condition and avoids unwanted damage.
With routine maintenance according to the recommendations above, your car will have a longer service life and excellent performance. For the record, the price or estimated cost of changing the oil may vary depending on the type of oil, brand, and the location of the workshop you choose.
