What kind of engine oil does the Kicks use?
3 Answers
The official manual of the Kicks recommends the use of 0W-20 engine oil. Any engine oil that meets this specification can be used. For later maintenance, you can choose 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, 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. A higher value means the oil can maintain its viscosity index better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high temperatures. The method for changing the engine oil in the Kicks is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Loosen the oil drain plug with a wrench and use an oil pan to catch the old oil until no more oil flows out. Start the engine for about 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain; Remove the oil filter with a special wrench; Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, usually filling about 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. If there are leaks, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check that the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I drive a 2020 Nissan Kicks, and the owner's manual clearly recommends using 0W-20 full synthetic oil. This type of oil ensures quick starts in low temperatures, reduces engine wear, and improves fuel efficiency. For city driving, my average fuel consumption stays around 7L/100km. Using the wrong oil, such as 5W-30, might increase friction and shorten engine life. It's advisable to check the oil level every 5,000 km or six months—don't wait until the warning light comes on. Older Kicks models might use similar viscosity oil, but it's best to confirm with the manual. Personally, I pay extra attention to oil quality during seasonal transitions between winter and summer, opting for premium brands like Shell or Mobil. Though more expensive, they offer greater peace of mind in the long run.
As a commuter, I drive my Kicks 50 kilometers daily to work and directly switch to 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil. It makes the engine lubrication smoother, especially preventing overheating during summer traffic jams. In terms of cost savings, this oil costs 20-30 yuan more per liter than regular oil, but with an extended oil change interval of 10,000 kilometers, maintaining it twice a year actually saves hassle. My neighbor, who drives an old car, switched to thicker oil and ended up with sluggish acceleration and a 10% increase in fuel consumption. Additionally, the salesperson reminded me when buying the car to use API-certified SP-grade oil to prevent carbon buildup issues. Simply put, choosing the right engine oil can help avoid major repair costs.
