What grade of engine oil does the Orlando use?
2 Answers
The original factory engine oil for the Orlando is 5W30. If you want to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose from brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. 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. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the number, the better the oil maintains its viscosity index under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the Orlando'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 and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; use a special 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 oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, usually filling up to three-quarters of the bottle; start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter, and repair if necessary; after stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.
My Orlando has been running for over two years, and I always insist on using 5W-30 full synthetic oil for every maintenance. I remember once on a business trip to Harbin where the temperature dropped to -20°C, the cold start was exceptionally smooth, which shows the importance of low-temperature fluidity. The 5W rating means it maintains lubrication even at -30°C, while the high-temperature 30 viscosity protects the turbocharger. However, the most crucial factor is consulting the vehicle manual—I specifically checked page 178, which states 'Recommended use of Dexos1-certified 5W-30.' At the dealership, I’ve seen owners mistakenly use 10W-40, resulting in noticeably louder engine noise and an increase in fuel consumption by 0.8 liters. The oil cap even has '5W-30' engraved in small print. It’s perfectly adequate for daily city commutes, but if you frequently drive on mountain roads, upgrading to 0W-30 offers better protection.
