What brand of engine oil is suitable for the Sylphy?
2 Answers
The original factory engine oil brand for the Sylphy is Shell. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Mobil or Great Wall. According to the Sylphy Classic 1.6L engine manual, older models recommend 5W30 oil, while the latest models recommend 0W20 oil. For the classic Sylphy engine during the new car phase, you can use 5W30 and some 0W20 oils, with the requirement that the oil viscosity should be between 8.8-9.3. The commercially available Shell Helix Ultra 0W-20 meets this condition. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity, with 5W representing the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C, with higher values indicating better ability to maintain viscosity under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the Sylphy's engine oil is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine for about 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling about three-quarters of the oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, repairs should be made; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check that the engine oil level is within the standard range.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I know exactly what oil works best for the Sylphy. I always recommend Nissan’s genuine oil or top-tier brands like Shell Helix and Mobil 1, with a viscosity of 0W-20 being ideal for the Sylphy—ensuring smooth cold starts and fuel efficiency. In winter, I lean toward the genuine oil for its superior sealing and resistance to carbon buildup; in summer, Shell’s synthetic oil is my go-to for its high cleaning performance and quieter engine operation. Changing the oil every 5,000 km is crucial, and don’t forget to check the filter during the swap. Using off-brand oils is risky—I’ve seen engines wear out faster with cheap alternatives, ultimately costing more. The Sylphy’s engine is precision-engineered, so sticking to modern-standard oils can extend its life by years and make maintenance hassle-free.
