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Long Life engine oils are controversial among drivers. Some users consider them a marketing ploy to justify excessively long oil change intervals. However, as Adam Klimek, expert and ambassador for TotalEnergies, points out, extended intervals between oil changes are not a matter of the oil manufacturer's declaration, but the result of rigorous testing and clearly defined operating conditions.
Long Life under the microscope of laboratories and engine manufacturers
TotalEnergies, together with engine manufacturers, has been conducting extensive oil testing for years, both in laboratory conditions and in real-world use. A significant part of this research concerns the Long Life mode and the oil's ability to maintain the required parameters over an extended period of use.
An example of a product designed for such conditions is TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo Xtra Long Life 0W-20. This oil has been tested not only by the independent organization ACEA (C5, C6), but also by engine manufacturers such as Ford (WSS-M2C-956-A1), Porsche (C20), and Volkswagen (VW 508.00, VW 509.00). In each case, it met the stringent requirements for Long Life operation.
In practice, this means, among other things, compliance with standards that allow for replacement intervals of up to 30,000 km or 2 years under standard conditions of use. The above-mentioned manufacturer approvals confirm the stability of this oil's parameters over a long period of use. Regardless of its full “compatibility” with Long Life mode requirements, TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo Xtra Long Life 0W-20 provides excellent wear protection, high durability, and exceptional fuel economy.
Not just oil – operating conditions are key
However, Adam Klimek draws attention to an aspect that is often overlooked in everyday discussions about Long Life mode: the actual load on the engine. In his opinion, one of the best indicators of this load is fuel consumption.
If the vehicle's fuel consumption is close to the catalog values, it means that the engine is operating under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. In this case, you can safely follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals, including extended ones.
However, the situation changes when the actual fuel consumption is significantly higher than the declared value. Increased fuel consumption means more contaminants entering the oil, and thus faster deterioration of its protective properties. This applies, among other things, to driving with heavy loads, at high speeds on highways, in the mountains, when towing a trailer, and also during intensive urban use over short distances.
Under such conditions, even when using Long Life oil, the replacement interval should be shortened accordingly.
Conclusion: Long Life works, but not in isolation from reality
Long Life oils are not a myth or a marketing simplification. They are products designed and tested to work at extended intervals, provided that the engine is operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The key to making the right decision about oil changes remains an analysis of driving style and the actual conditions of vehicle use.
See video materials
The topic of oil myths is also addressed in the form of video materials available on the TotalEnergies YouTube channel:
