How often should I change the oil?
The right number is in your owner's manual, which usually gives two: one for normal and one for severe conditions. Extreme heat, dust, traffic and short trips all count as severe, so for most drivers in the Gulf and Egypt the best fit is every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil lasts longer, and the manual may allow 10,000 km on highways. If you don't drive much, change it when the time is up even if you haven't reached the km, because oil ages over time.
The 10,000, 40,000 and 100,000 km services
This is what these services usually include on most cars. Dealers may add items for your model.
10,000 km service
Oil and filter change, new engine air filter and cabin filter, tyre rotation and pressure check, and a check of the brakes, battery and fluids.
40,000 km service
Everything in the 10,000 km service, plus new coolant and spark plugs, a brake pad check (replace if worn) and a tyre check, since many tyres need replacing around 40,000 km or 4 years in the heat.
100,000 km service
The biggest service in a car's first life: the timing belt if your car has one, transmission fluid (often due from 60,000 km), spark plugs, coolant, and a check of the shocks, suspension arms and engine mounts. Ask for the price in advance; it costs more than a regular service.
Before a road trip
Before any long drive, especially in summer, check these six:
- Tyres and the spare: pressure when cold, tread and cracks.
- Oil: the level, and is a change due soon?
- Coolant: the level and hoses. Highway heat is its hardest test.
- A/C: does it cool well? Fix it before you need it mid-trip.
- Wipers and washer fluid: dust and sand can block your view suddenly.
- Documents: registration, licence and insurance valid for the whole trip.
