How often do you need to change engine oil 5000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first

 the recommended engine oil change interval depends on the type of oil used and your driving conditions.

Conventional (mineral) oil: every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Synthetic oil: typically every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

If you mostly do:

Short trips,

Stop-start city driving,

Heavy traffic,

Very hot weather,

it's better to change the oil closer to 5,000–7,500 km, even if you're using synthetic oil.

If you're unsure what oil is currently in your car, changing it every 5,000 km is a safe approach.

"Whichever comes first" means you should change the oil when either the distance or the time limit is reached—not wait until both happen.

For example:

If you drive 5,000 km in 3 months, change the oil at 3 months because you've reached the kilometre limit.

If you only drive 2,000 km in 6 months, you should still change the oil at 6 months because the oil ages over time.

This is because engine oil doesn't only wear out from driving. It also degrades with age due to:

Oxidation from exposure to air.

Moisture (condensation) building up, especially if the car is driven on short trips.

Fuel contamination.

Additives in the oil gradually breaking down.

So even if you don't drive much, old oil can protect your engine less effectively.