Engine oil is still one of the most decisive items for a car’s durability. It lubricates, cleans, cools, and protects. When the choice is wrong or the change is delayed, the damage doesn’t show up right away — but it comes.
With hybrids gaining space and different usage cycles, some rules have changed. Others remain the same. It’s worth separating what is essential from what has become myth.
Viscosity: what the numbers really mean
Codes like 5W-30 or 0W-20 indicate how the oil behaves when cold and when hot.
- The number before the “W” (winter) shows cold-flow performance. The lower it is, the better for starts at low temperatures. - The number after indicates viscosity at operating temperature. It needs to match the engine’s design.
Using a thicker viscosity “for more protection” usually has the opposite effect: it hinders quick lubrication and increases consumption. In modern engines — especially hybrids — following the manual’s exact specification is a basic rule.
Oil change intervals: time, mileage, and real-world use
The odometer reading is only part of the story. Usage matters more than the number.
- Heavy traffic, short trips, and many cold starts degrade oil faster. - Hybrids may run long periods with the engine off, but they also start and stop frequently. That counts as severe use.
Changing “a little before” the recommended limit is usually healthier than stretching it too far. Time also matters: oil ages even when the car is parked.
Oil filter: small, inexpensive, and decisive
The filter traps particles that the oil carries over time. If it becomes saturated, the system can go into bypass and circulate dirty oil.
Simple best practices: - Replace the filter at every oil change. - Avoid generic filters without clear specifications. - Check that the sealing ring was replaced and lubricated during installation.
Saving money on the filter often costs more because internal wear doesn’t make immediate noise.
Synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral: when it makes a difference
Current engines are designed for synthetic oils, which are more stable and heat-resistant.
- Mineral: common in older designs; requires more frequent changes. - Semi-synthetic: intermediate, less common today. - Synthetic: standard for modern, turbo, and hybrid engines.
It’s not a “luxury.” It’s compatibility. Using oil below the specified level accelerates degradation and can affect consumption and emissions.
Myths that still confuse
Some ideas persist in shops and conversation groups:
- “Dark oil is bad”: darkening is a sign that it’s cleaning. - “You can mix viscosities”: only in an emergency, and even then it’s not ideal. - “A car that’s barely driven doesn’t need an oil change”: it does, based on time. - “The thicker, the better”: not in modern engines.
Understanding the why helps avoid habit-based decisions.
Common mistakes that shorten engine life
Some missteps are repeated without notice:
- Driving below the minimum level or above the maximum. - Ignoring the specification standard (API, ACEA) beyond viscosity. - Overtightening the drain plug or filter, damaging threads. - Relying only on the dashboard warning and ignoring the maintenance plan.
In times of electrification, the internal combustion engine has become a supporting player in many cars — but it still needs leading-role care. The right oil, at the right time, remains one of the simplest and most important decisions.
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