What kind of engine oil should be chosen for turbocharged cars?
2 Answers
It is recommended to use full synthetic engine oil with specifications SN0W-40 or SN0W-30, which are available from various oil brands. Generally, the turbocharger activates when the engine reaches 3,500 RPM and rapidly increases up to 6,000 RPM. The higher the engine speed, the stronger the oil's shear resistance needs to be. Only in this way can the lubricating capability of the oil remain stable at high speeds. Therefore, high-quality lubricants, such as premium full synthetic oils, should be selected. Below is relevant information about turbocharging: 1. The construction of turbocharging places higher demands on the engine, as its internal components must endure high temperatures and harsher working conditions like impact and compression. Thus, when selecting engine oil for turbocharged cars, it must have excellent anti-wear properties and high-temperature resistance. Full synthetic and semi-synthetic oils meet these requirements perfectly, making them excellent choices alongside the manufacturer-recommended oil. 2. The turbocharger is one of the most vulnerable components in a turbocharged engine. According to relevant data, over 80% of turbocharger failures are due to insufficient oil lubrication. Therefore, full synthetic oil is currently the most suitable choice for turbocharged engines.
I've been driving turbocharged cars for many years and believe engine oil selection is crucial. Turbo engines operate at high temperatures where conventional oil tends to thin out and fail, accelerating wear. I highly recommend full synthetic oil with viscosities like 5W-30 or 5W-40, but always check your vehicle manual - don't arbitrarily change specifications. During summer heat, higher viscosity oils provide better protection. I once experimented with mineral oil and ended up with significantly increased turbo noise - a hard lesson learned. Now I exclusively use premium brands like Mobil or Castrol, as synthetic oils offer faster heat dissipation and oxidation stability, preventing oil consumption issues. Change oil every 5,000 km or 6 months to maintain freshness - you'll notice smoother power delivery especially during long drives. Adjust viscosity slightly lower in winter if needed, but the key is consistently using quality oil to ensure longevity and fuel efficiency.
