It is never too late to start documenting everyday moments and vehicle upkeep.
Today, I am logging the routine engine oil service for my car—a trusted companion that carries me across the country to client sites day in and day out.
With frequent nationwide trips, keeping the car in top mechanical shape is essential. In the first half of this year alone, the car went through two oil changes as mileage accumulated rapidly.
January: First Oil Change of the Year (~234,000 km)
On January 9th, as the odometer crossed 234,000 km, I scheduled the first oil change of the year.
(Photo: MANN filter boxes prepared in advance)
Before heading to the garage, I ordered the oil filter and engine air filter online. I chose MANN-FILTER for filtration reliability, paired withZIC engine oil, which has been my go-to choice for years.💡 Note on Filters While MANN filters offer dependable quality, I plan to test other cost-effective OEM alternatives on upcoming services to compare value.
With parts in the trunk, I headed to a pre-booked Gongimnara shop.
(Photo: Mechanic performing the service)
Gongimnara operates on a labor-only model: you supply your own preferred parts and pay standardized, transparent labor fees. For drivers who prefer picking their own fluids and parts while keeping maintenance costs predictable, it is an efficient solution.
(Photo: Kixx oil on display in the store)
For reference, when I looked around the store, there was an oil that matched my car’s specifications. When I checked, it was a Kixx product. If you are busy and cannot prepare oil in advance, you may want to use the oil available at the store right away.
(Photo: 2nd floor lounge where we rested comfortably while waiting for maintenance)
I left my car and went up to the lounge on the second floor. The waiting area was well-maintained and comfortable, so I was able to rest comfortably until the maintenance was completed.
**💡 Mechanic’s thorough check and advice After completing the maintenance, the mechanic informed me thatthe drain bolt side of the oil filter cap was worn **. He said that if you continue to ride like this and do not replace the O-ring in time, the O-ring may eventually wear out and cause engine oil leakage.**It is recommended that the entire oil filter cap be replaced the next time. I could have easily missed it, but I was very fortunate to be able to clearly check for hidden factors of deteriorating physical condition with the eagle eye of an expert.
In July, replacement cycle and parts repair returned (246,203km)
As I was diligently going about my business with my business partner, it was already July 10th! The mileage has increased to about 12,000 km.
(Photo: Instrument panel proof shot showing 246,203km mileage)
When I saw 246,203km stamped on the dashboard, it was time to replace it again after 6 months. When replacing this July, I did not forget the advice from the mechanic last January and prepared the parts in advance!
(Photo: New oil filter cap purchased in advance from Naver for about 60,000 won)
I purchased an oil filter cap through Naver for about 60,000 won. When changing the engine oil this time, I also took this part and replaced it with a new one! I feel reassured that I can ride safely without worrying about oil leaks.
(Photo: ZIC engine oil was still selected during replacement in July)
For this July replacement, we used **ZIC engine oil **just like last January. After emptying out the old oil and replacing it with new ZIC oil,the engine became noticeably quieter and the car felt much smoother. The drive to my next client felt much more refreshing! I am so satisfied with this smooth driving feeling that I will probably replace it with ZIC without hesitation the next time I change engine oil.
finish
The mileage has exceeded 240,000 kilometers and its age is accumulating, but it is still running strong due to the meticulous management of consumables. There is a sense of pride in taking care of my partner at work, and it kills two birds with one stone as it not only reduces maintenance costs but also prevents accidents or breakdowns (oil leaks, etc.).
If you are someone who uses your car as a reliable business partner every day, I highly recommend that you try to manage the condition of your car economically and reliably with the combination of ‘direct purchase of parts + free labor’ like me!