What is the most suitable engine oil for the new ix35?
4 Answers
The original factory engine oil brand for the new ix35 is Beijing Hyundai's specialized engine oil. If you want to change the engine oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The recommended engine oil specifications for the new ix35 in the official manual are 5W-20 and 5W-30. Any engine oil model that meets these two specifications can be used. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under 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, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the value, the better it maintains viscosity under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in the new ix35 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 to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; apply engine oil to the oil 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, usually filling about three-quarters of the oil bottle; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If there are any leaks, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check if the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving my new ix35 for two years, always using 5W-30 full synthetic oil, and the engine runs exceptionally smooth. Hyundai's factory manual recommends this viscosity – it starts effortlessly even at -20°C in northern winters, and maintains stable water temperature during summer highway driving. I tried semi-synthetic oil before and noticed a clear half-liter increase in fuel consumption with louder engine noise. I recommend choosing oil with GF-6 certification to protect direct injection engines. During each maintenance, I make sure the mechanic adds about 4.7 liters – never overfill as it damages the catalytic converter. Remember not to exceed 8,000 km between oil changes, and change even sooner if you frequently take short trips.
When choosing engine oil for the new ix35, focus on two numbers: either 5W-20 or 5W-30 will work. I've compared Mobil and Shell's full synthetic oils, and there's not much difference in actual driving experience—the key is to use genuine products. Since I live in the south where temperatures are consistently high, 5W-30 is more suitable as it offers better high-temperature protection. If you frequently encounter city traffic jams, I recommend changing the oil every 7,000 kilometers to significantly reduce carbon buildup. Don't cheap out and use mineral oil—direct injection engines are particularly picky about oil, and using the wrong type can lead to piston ring sticking issues. Remember to check the dipstick during every maintenance service; the ideal oil level is in the middle.
I do all the maintenance for my ix35 myself, and using 5W-20 full synthetic oil is the most worry-free. The factory design specifies low-viscosity oil, which saves fuel and runs quietly. Last winter at -15°C, the engine started with a particularly crisp sound. When choosing oil, look for ACEA C2 or API SP certification, and don't trust the no-name brands recommended by repair shops. A fill of about 4.7 liters is just right—check the dipstick after driving for a few days. Long-term use of the right oil keeps the paint glossy and prevents blue smoke from the exhaust. If you frequently drive on highways, you can switch to 5W-30 for better protection.
