Can Turbocharged Engine Oil Be Used in Naturally Aspirated Engines?
2 Answers
Turbocharged engine oil can be used in naturally aspirated engines. Full Synthetic Oil: Full synthetic oil is of higher quality, and its usage can bring noticeable improvements in the following aspects: smoother cold starts, better fuel efficiency, longer oil change intervals (approximately 1.5 times or more compared to conventional lubricants), extended engine lifespan, reduced maintenance frequency, and cleaner engine cylinders due to its superior detergency. Semi-Synthetic Oil: Semi-synthetic oil is formulated using semi-synthetic base oil, specifically Group III base oil refined through hydrocracking technology. It is a blend of mineral oil and full synthetic oil in a 4:6 ratio. The purity of semi-synthetic oil is very close to that of full synthetic oil, but its cost is slightly higher than mineral oil, making it an ideal transitional product from mineral oil to synthetic oil.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have seen too many cases of improper oil usage. Turbocharged engine oil can indeed be used in naturally aspirated vehicles, but it's advisable not to exceed the maximum oil change interval specified in the manual. Turbo oil contains more anti-wear additives and detergents - using it in regular NA engines is like giving them supplements, which can actually lead to excessive deposit buildup. However, if you're in a hurry and only turbo oil is available at the shop, temporarily using it for 3,000-5,000 km won't cause major issues. The real danger is doing the opposite - using NA oil in turbocharged cars. The inadequate high-temperature protection can cause bearing failure in no time. Recently I handled such a case where the owner had to spend 7,000 yuan replacing turbo bearings.
