The short answer
Follow the car’s maintenance schedule, not the shop sticker. Most modern cars on full synthetic run 12,000–16,000 km (7,500–10,000 miles) or 12 months. Short trips, towing and dusty roads cut that roughly in half.
The 5,000 km rule is a leftover from mineral oil and 1990s engines. Your manual is the actual answer.
Step by step
- Find the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual or the manufacturer app.
- Note whether you fall under "severe service": short trips, cold starts, towing, dust, stop-and-go.
- Check whether the car has an oil life monitor and trust it if it does.
- Buy the exact oil spec listed (e.g. 0W-20, dexos or equivalent) and a matching filter.
- Log the date and odometer reading at every change.
- Check the level monthly with the dipstick; top up with the same grade.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| DIY full synthetic change | $35–$70 |
| Shop change | $70–$140 |
| Dealer change | $90–$180 |
| Oil filter | $8–$20 |
Common questions
Does oil go bad if I barely drive?
Yes — moisture and acids build up. Change once a year regardless of mileage.
Can I mix brands?
Yes, if the grade and spec match. Never mix grades to save a trip.
Is synthetic worth the money?
On any modern turbo or direct-injection engine, yes — and it is often required.