What kind of engine oil should be used for Corolla 1.2?
2 Answers
Toyota Corolla 1.2T officially recommends using genuine Toyota Pure Engine Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic oil. In addition to the genuine oil, you can also choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, and Castrol. Lubrication and friction reduction: Forming an oil film on the surfaces of two sliding components to prevent friction during operation, ensuring smooth movement of the components; Cleaning and dispersion: High-quality engine oil can flush away dirt on the surface of components through oil flow, adsorb tiny metal fragments inside the engine, and then rely on the piston oil ring to scrape them into the oil pan; Cooling: When the oil reaches the operating parts, it absorbs heat and carries it away, assisting in the heat dissipation of the components; Sealing and leakage prevention: This refers to forming a sealing ring between the piston ring and piston through an oil film method to prevent burned exhaust gases from entering the crankcase.
I've been driving a Corolla 1.2 for ten years and found that 0W-20 synthetic oil works best. The engine runs super smoothly and saves a lot of fuel. The Toyota official manual recommends 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil. I use big brands like Mobil or Shell and change it every 8,000 kilometers. Even in winter, cold starts are effortless. Checking the oil level is simple: wait a few minutes after parking, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check to keep it between the upper and lower limits. If the oil turns black or becomes sticky, change it immediately—don't delay. In the long run, although this oil is more expensive, it provides better engine protection, reduces maintenance hassles, and offers great value for money. Switching to mineral oil would be much less effective, as it ages quickly and is prone to carbon buildup.