How to Choose the Right Engine Oil Type?
3 Answers
Engine oil type selection should be based on the specific vehicle model and manufacturer's recommended standards. You can refer to the vehicle maintenance manual, which will indicate the recommended engine oil type. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is an essential lubricant that ensures the normal operation of the engine. Its functions include lubricating metal components, reducing friction between parts, dissipating the immense heat generated during engine operation, as well as providing sealing, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, shock absorption, and cleaning effects. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, imparting new characteristics and serving as a crucial component of the lubricant.
I'm particularly concerned about slow engine starts in winter, so I pay extra attention to the low-temperature fluidity when choosing motor oil. Take my own car as an example: at -10°C in winter, I always use 0W-20 oil—it starts as smoothly as a hot knife cutting through butter. But for summer road trips, I switch to 5W-30 for better high-temperature protection. A mechanic once taught me a trick: the SAE rating stamped on the oil cap or manual is the golden rule. For instance, forcing 10W-40 oil into a car labeled for 5W-30 might spike fuel consumption and damage the engine. As for full synthetic vs. mineral oil, I believe turbocharged engines or those aiming for 10,000-km oil changes must go full synthetic, while older Japanese naturally aspirated cars can get by just fine with semi-synthetic for cost-effectiveness.
When I first bought a car, I was also confused by engine oil specifications. Now I mainly focus on three points. First is the car's age - my decade-old Fit now uses 5W-40; the higher viscosity helps fill engine wear gaps, while new cars actually save fuel with 20-viscosity oil. Next is driving style - if you frequently rev to 4,000-5,000 RPM on mountain roads, choose oil with good high-temperature stability, like those with ACEA C3 certification. Finally, consider your budget - while full synthetic is great, my Wuling Hongguang runs just fine on mineral oil, as long as it's changed on schedule. Never believe in so-called universal oils - last time I used mismatched cheap oil, the engine noise sounded like banging on a metal washbasin.
