The article presents the method of controlled modification of engine oil, as well as the results of operational studies to assess the service life of heavy-duty vehicle engines. The method of controlled modification of engine oil includes a system of five levels of information helping to assess the technical condition of engines of heavy-duty vehicles, including mining dump trucks. The first level of the methodology includes the use of subjective methods for determining the technical condition of engines by its external manifestations. The second level of the methodology includes the use of simple instrumental methods and means of obtaining diagnostic information about the technical condition of the engine and its subsystems. The third level of the technique involves the use of a drip test of engine oil. The fourth level of the methodology includes the chemical analysis of engine oil samples. The fifth level of the technique involves spectral analysis of engine oil to determine the presence of metals.