What Kind of Engine Oil is Best for Turbocharged Engines?
3 Answers
Fully synthetic engine oil is currently the most suitable for turbocharged engines. Maintenance for turbocharged engines should include the following: 1. Engine oil selection: The grade and viscosity standards of the engine oil must not be lower than the manufacturer's minimum requirements. Simply put, use the type of oil specified in the maintenance manual. It is recommended to use fully synthetic engine oil for better protection. 2. Regular oil changes: Delaying oil changes can lead to excessive impurities in dirty oil, which accelerates wear on the turbocharger. The rotating shaft is not supported by bearings but by bushings, and the shaft does not directly contact the bushings—instead, it floats on an oil film. If the oil is of poor quality and cannot form a proper oil film, or if the oil becomes dirty with impurities in the film, it will cause wear on this part, shortening the turbocharger's lifespan. 3. Timely replacement of the air filter: Some people occasionally blow out the filter and reuse it, which is not advisable. Compared to regular vehicles, turbocharged (T) vehicles have more expensive air filters, indicating higher filtration requirements. If the air filter becomes dirty, its filtration efficiency decreases, potentially damaging the turbocharger.
Over the years of driving turbocharged cars, I've learned that choosing the wrong engine oil can easily damage the engine. The turbo spins at terrifyingly high speeds, with operating temperatures reaching over a thousand degrees—ordinary mineral oils just can't handle it. You must use full synthetic oils like Mobil 1 or Shell Helix Ultra, which have exceptional high-temperature stability. Don't randomly pick viscosity either: German cars usually require 5W-40, while Japanese models are better suited for 0W-20—always check the manual. I always use oils with ACEA C3 certification, featuring an HTHS (High-Temperature High-Shear) value above 3.5, which provides reliable protection for turbo bearings. Remember to change the oil every 8,000 km. Using low-quality oils with poor cleaning performance long-term can lead to carbon buildup and turbo seizure, resulting in costly repairs.
Last time at the track day while chatting with modified car enthusiasts, I noticed turbo car owners are particularly picky about engine oil. My turbocharged Honda has been running on 5W-30 full synthetic track oil. During mountain runs where the engine frequently hits the redline, regular oil would've failed long ago, but premium oil maintains stable power output. I recommend choosing ester-based technology oils like Motul 300V or HKS - they offer superior high-temperature protection. When checking specifications, focus on the 100°C kinematic viscosity, ideally between 12-14. Avoid overly thick oils as they not only increase fuel consumption but also slow turbo response. Our racing team changes oil every five events, with street driving maintenance every six months.
