What grade of engine oil should be used for the 1.6T Hyundai Tucson?
3 Answers
The 1.6T Hyundai Tucson should use 5W40 grade engine oil, as the viscosity of the oil directly affects fuel economy and performance in cold weather. Lower viscosity oil can save fuel and performs better in cold weather. Higher viscosity oil is suitable for hot weather and provides better lubrication. This data is sourced from the official website, and owners of the 1.6T Tucson can also refer to the vehicle maintenance guide to determine the required oil type. Typically, engine oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first. For new cars, it is recommended to change the oil after driving 3,000 kilometers, as new components require better lubrication. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so it is important to pay attention to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-40, 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. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher value indicates better viscosity retention at high temperatures, meaning better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. Engine oil primarily provides lubrication. Additionally, factors such as driving conditions and habits may require adjustments to the oil change interval, either extending or shortening it. Engine oil is an essential part of car maintenance, so it is crucial to monitor the vehicle's condition regularly. If the oil level is too low, it should be topped up promptly to avoid oil burning. Other functions of engine oil include: Transferring heat back to the oil tank and dissipating it into the air to help the radiator cool the engine. Circulating carbon deposits, sludge, and metal wear particles back to the oil tank, cleaning the engine components through the flow of the oil. When selecting engine oil, consider the following: Choose oil based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, and lower-grade oil should not be used in high-performance engines. Multi-grade oil is recommended due to its fuel efficiency, long lifespan, and high performance, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker and have lower oil pressure compared to conventional oil, which is normal.
I drive this 1.6T all-new Tucson, and engine oil selection is quite particular. Hyundai officially recommends 5W-30 grade oil, and turbocharged engines must use full synthetic oil. My car has run 80,000 kilometers in five years, always using Shell or Mobil 5W-30 full synthetic, and the engine runs exceptionally quiet. Even in northern winters at -20°C, it starts right up, and during summer road trips, the oil temperature remains stable. Remember to choose oils with API SP or ACEA C2/C3 certification to protect the GPF particulate filter. Don't cheap out with mineral oil—turbo engines run at high RPMs, and conventional oil can't handle the heat. At every service, I have the mechanic fully drain the old oil and refill with about 4.5 liters, which is optimal.
Having repaired Hyundai vehicles for over a decade, I know the Tucson 1.6T's engine oil requirements best. This model's factory specification calls for 5W-30 full synthetic oil. Using higher viscosity increases fuel consumption, while lower viscosity can't properly protect the turbo. Last year, I encountered an owner using 0W-40 oil whose engine warning light came on. I recommend choosing oils with ILSAC GF-6A certification, like Idemitsu or SK's specialized formulations. Avoid 20-grade viscosity in high-temperature summer regions as the oil film may rupture during highway driving. Change oil every 8,000 km - turbocharged engines tend to accumulate more sludge. The new low-SAPS oils are better for catalytic converters, and Tucson using these will easily pass emission tests.
