How to Choose Engine Oil for Car Maintenance?
2 Answers
Here are the methods for selecting engine oil for car maintenance: 1. Choose engine oil from well-known brands or manufacturers: Examples include Shell, Mobil, Castrol, Caltex, Total, BP, Valvoline, Fuchs, GS, and domestic brands like Kunlun, Great Wall, and Longpan. 2. Select by category: Engine oil is divided into gasoline engine oil and diesel engine oil. For ordinary household cars, choose gasoline engine oil, which is marked with an 'S' at the API grade on the outer packaging box. Diesel engine oil is used for diesel vehicles such as pickup trucks and trucks, marked with a 'C' at the API grade on the outer packaging box. 3. API grade of engine oil: Taking gasoline engine oil as an example, the common grades on the market are SG, SJ, SL, SM, and SN. SG and SJ grades are of lower quality and are purely mineral oils, suitable for transport vans or older vehicles with long service life. SL-grade engine oil is mostly mineral oil, but some brands offer semi-synthetic SL-grade oil. For household cars used for more than 5 years, SL-grade oil is recommended. 4. Choose engine oil according to the season: The most common types on the market are 5W-30, 5W-40, and 10W-40. In winter, it is best to use 5W-30 oil, and in northern regions, even 0W oil can be used. 5W-40 oil can be used year-round in most areas, while 10W-40 is recommended for summer use.
I've been driving for almost fifteen years and have gained a lot of experience in choosing car maintenance oil. The key is to first check the owner's manual, which specifies the recommended oil viscosity and type—never make random changes. I personally use semi-synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-30, and it runs very smoothly. Environmental factors also matter; for example, since I live in the north where winters are cold, I use thinner oil to prevent startup issues. Driving habits also play a role—if you frequently take long trips or accelerate aggressively, I recommend using full synthetic oil to better protect the engine and extend its lifespan. Regularly check the oil level, about once a month, by wiping the dipstick clean with a paper towel to check the color; if it turns black, it's time for a change. Remember to buy oil from authorized dealerships or reputable repair shops—don’t skimp on small savings that could lead to bigger expenses.
