Oil Change: How Often and Which Oil for Your Car? [2025]

Changing your engine oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks for your car. Yet, many car owners wonder: how often should I actually change the oil? And which type of engine oil is best for my car? Answering these questions correctly can make the difference between an engine that lasts 300,000 kilometers and one that breaks down after just 150,000 kilometers. In this comprehensive guide, we answer all your questions about changing your engine oil and provide practical advice for 2025.

Why Is Changing Engine Oil So Important?

Motor oil plays several critical roles in your car. Understanding these roles makes it clear why regular oil changes are essential for your engine's longevity.

The four main functions of motor oil:

• Lubrication: Motor oil prevents the moving metal parts in your engine from rubbing against each other. In modern engines, pistons move at speeds of up to 20 meters per second – without proper lubrication, your engine would seize up within minutes.
• Cooling: Oil absorbs heat from the hottest parts of the engine (such as pistons and connecting rods) and dissipates it. Up to 40% of engine cooling is achieved through engine oil.
• Cleaning: Engine oil contains additives that trap combustion residues, metal particles and other contaminants and hold them in suspension, transporting them to the oil filter
• Seal: An oil film between pistons and cylinder walls provides additional compression, which improves engine performance and reduces fuel consumption

Over time, motor oil degrades. Heat, contaminants, and oxidation break down the molecular structure, causing the oil to lose its lubricating properties. Old oil becomes thicker (due to contamination) or thinner (due to molecular breakdown), either of which is bad for your engine. This is why regular oil changes are essential for a good engine. minor maintenance is so crucial.

How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil?

The frequency of engine oil changes depends on several factors. There's no universal answer, but there are clear guidelines.

Standard oil change intervals in 2025:

• Modern cars (after 2010): Every 15,000-20,000 kilometers or every year, whichever comes first
• Older cars (before 2010): Every 10,000-15,000 kilometers or every year
• Sporty driving style or heavy load: Every 7,500-10,000 kilometers
• Mainly short trips (city traffic): Every 10,000 kilometers or every year
• LPG cars: Often shorter intervals (every 7,500-10,000 km) due to higher combustion temperatures

Why change the oil annually, even if you don't drive many kilometers?

Even if you only drive 5,000 kilometers a year, the oil should be changed at least annually. This is because motor oil degrades even when the car is stationary. Moisture accumulates in the oil, additives break down, and oxidation damages the molecular structure. A car that primarily makes short trips (under 10 kilometers) requires even more frequent maintenance because the engine doesn't reach operating temperature and condensation builds up in the oil system.

Always check your maintenance booklet

Every car manufacturer specifies a recommended maintenance interval in its service manual. Some modern cars even have an "intelligent oil life monitoring system" that calculates when an oil change is needed based on driving behavior, engine temperature, and the number of starts. To maintain your warranty, it's important to follow these manufacturer recommendations.

What Type of Motor Oil Does Your Car Need?

Choosing the right motor oil is just as important as changing it on time. Motor oil comes in different types and specifications, and using the wrong oil can cause engine damage.

Three main types of motor oil:

1. Mineral oil

Mineral oil is refined directly from crude oil and is the most basic form of motor oil. It is primarily used in older cars and machinery.

• Advantages: Cheapest option (€30-€45 per change)
• Disadvantages: Breaks down faster, performs poorly in extreme temperatures, requires shorter replacement intervals
• Suitable for: Older cars (before 2000), classics, low-tax machines

2. Semi-synthetic oil

Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral and synthetic oil, usually in a ratio of 70/30 to 80/20 mineral/synthetic.

• Advantages: Better protection than mineral oil, good value for money (€50-€75 per change)
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for modern high-performance engines or extreme conditions
• Suitable for: Cars from 2000-2010, normal driving conditions, budget-conscious owners

3. Fully synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is chemically formulated in a laboratory for optimal performance. This is the highest quality motor oil available.

• Advantages: Best protection, longer life, excellent performance at extreme temperatures, lower friction (better fuel consumption), less pollution
• Disadvantages: Most expensive option (€80-€140 per refresh)
• Suitable for: Modern cars (after 2010), turbo engines, high-performance cars, diesels with particulate filters, extreme climates

For most modern cars, fully synthetic oil is not only recommended but required. At Faay Auto Groep, we only use motor oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications for your car.

Understanding Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-40, and Other Codes

Every bottle of motor oil has a code such as "5W-30" or "10W-40." This code indicates the oil's viscosity (thickness) at different temperatures.

What do the numbers mean?

• First digit + W: The "W" stands for Winter. This number indicates how thin the oil remains at cold temperatures. The lower the number, the better the oil flows in cold weather (5W flows better than 10W at -20°C).
• Second digit: This indicates the viscosity at operating temperature (100°C). A higher number means thicker oil at high temperatures (40 is thicker than 30).

Common viscosities and applications:

• 0W-20 / 0W-30: Modern economical engines, hybrids, new Toyota/Honda/Mazda models
• 5W-30: Most commonly used viscosity, suitable for most modern cars (VW, BMW, Mercedes, Ford)
• 5W-40: Diesel engines, older European cars, cars with higher mileage
• 10W-40: Older gasoline cars, hot climates, cars with high mileage
• 15W-50: Very old cars, classics, extremely hot climates

Can I use a different viscosity?

Always use the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Modern engines are designed with very tight tolerances, and the wrong oil can lead to increased wear, poorer performance, and, in extreme cases, engine damage. For older cars with more than 200,000 kilometers, a slightly thicker oil (e.g., 5W-40 instead of 5W-30) can sometimes be beneficial to reduce oil consumption, but always consult a specialist first.

Oil Specifications: ACEA, API and Manufacturer Approvals

In addition to viscosity, engine oil must also meet specific quality standards and manufacturer approvals.

ACEA (European) specifications:

• A/B: Petrol (A) and diesel (B) passenger cars, for example A3/B4
• C: Engines with catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (C2, C3, C4) – “Low SAPS” oil with reduced ash, phosphorus and sulphur
• E: Heavy commercial vehicles and trucks

Manufacturer Approvals:

Many car brands have their own oil specifications:

• VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat: VW 504.00/507.00 (petrol/diesel), VW 508.00/509.00 (latest Long Life)
• BMW: BMW Longlife-04, BMW Longlife-12 FE
• Mercedes: MB 229.51, MB 229.52
• Opel/Vauxhall: GM dexos2
• PSA (Peugeot/Citroën): PSA B71 2290

For cars under warranty, it is essential to use oil with the correct manufacturer's approval. major maintenance service We always check which specification your car needs.

How much does a motor oil change cost in 2025?

The cost of an oil change varies depending on the type of oil, the amount needed, and the make of car.

Average costs in 2025:

• Small car (3-4 liters of oil): €80-€120 with labor
• Middle class (4-5 liters): €100-€150 with labor
• Larger car/SUV (5-7 liters): €130-€200 with labor
• Premium brands (BMW/Mercedes): €150-€250 with labor
• Sports cars/performance: €200-€350 with labor

What is included?

A professional oil change includes:

• Draining old oil
• Replacing the oil filter
• New engine oil according to manufacturer's specifications
• Replacing the drain plug sealing ring
• Check oil level and leaks
• Reset maintenance light
• Disposal of old oil (environmental tax)

At Faay Auto Groep, we offer complete oil changes from €95, including labor and filter, using high-quality engine oil that meets manufacturer specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different brands of motor oil?

Yes, you can mix different brands of motor oil of the same specification without any problems. Motor oil of the same type (for example, 5W-30 fully synthetic) is compatible, regardless of the brand. It is important that the viscosity and specifications (ACEA, API) match. However, during an oil change, it is recommended to flush completely and use a single type of oil for optimal performance. At Faay Auto Groep, we use consistent, high-quality brands for the best results.

What happens if I wait too long to change the oil?

If you wait too long to change your oil, the oil degrades and loses its protective properties. This leads to increased friction, overheating, sludge buildup, and ultimately engine damage. Symptoms include ticking noises, increased fuel consumption, exhaust smoke, and the check engine light coming on. In extreme cases, the engine can seize, leading to repair costs of €3,000 to €8,000 or even a complete engine replacement. Regular maintenance is much cheaper than repairs.

Is expensive synthetic oil really necessary for my car?

For most modern cars (built after 2010), synthetic oil is not only recommended but required. Modern engines have tighter tolerances, higher compression, turbochargers, and advanced emissions systems that require the superior properties of synthetic oil. Using cheaper mineral or semi-synthetic oil in an engine that requires synthetic oil can lead to increased wear and potentially void your warranty. The additional cost of synthetic oil (€30-€50 per service) is a small investment compared to the benefits and avoided repair costs.

Can I change the engine oil myself or do I need to go to a garage?

Technically, you can change the engine oil yourself if you have the right tools (lift or ramps, oil filter wrench, drain pan) and the necessary knowledge. However, you must also dispose of the used oil in an environmentally friendly manner (at a recycling center) and complete the maintenance log correctly. For cars under warranty, self-maintenance can void the warranty if not properly documented. A professional garage has access to manufacturer data, uses the correct oil and filter, correctly resets the maintenance system, and often offers a warranty on the work. The time savings and peace of mind make professional maintenance worthwhile.

My car is using oil between changes, is that normal?

Some oil consumption is normal, especially in older cars, turbocharged engines, or with sporty driving. Manufacturers often accept a consumption of 0.5 to 1 liter per 1,000 kilometers as "normal." However, if your car regularly consumes more than 1 liter per 1,000 km, this could indicate problems such as worn piston rings, valve seals, or leaks. Watch out for blue smoke from the exhaust (oil being burned) or oil stains under the car. Check the oil level at least monthly and top up with the correct oil. Excessive oil consumption is a engine diagnosis advisable to identify the cause.

What is the difference between “Long Life” and normal service intervals?

Some car manufacturers (particularly the VAG group: VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat) offer "Long Life" service, with oil change intervals of up to 30,000 km or 2 years. This requires special Long Life oil and an advanced oil quality monitoring system in the car. Long Life service may be suitable for cars primarily used for long highway journeys. For cars frequently making short trips, driving in city traffic, or experiencing harsh conditions, a fixed service interval (every year/15,000 km) is often more sensible. Long Life service saves on maintenance costs in the short term but can lead to more engine damage in the long run, especially in older cars.

Conclusion: Invest in Regular Oil Changes

Changing your engine oil is the most fundamental form of car maintenance and directly responsible for your engine's longevity. By using the correct oil (according to manufacturer specifications), changing it at the correct intervals (annually or every 15,000 km for modern cars), and always choosing high-quality oil and filters, you ensure your engine continues to perform optimally for hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Don't skimp on oil quality – the additional cost of good synthetic oil is minimal compared to the cost of engine damage. And don't postpone oil changes to save money; old oil ultimately costs much more in repairs than timely maintenance.

Time for an oil change? Schedule an appointment now at Faay Auto Groep. Our mechanics use only motor oil that meets manufacturer specifications and work quickly and efficiently. Call 030 601 99 15 for advice on the right oil for your car or book your maintenance appointment online. We're ready to assist you in Nieuwegein!