What kind of engine oil should be used for the New Alto?
3 Answers
The original factory engine oil brand for the New Alto is Suzuki. 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 in the New Alto's official manual are 0W-20 and 5W-20. Any engine oil model that meets these two specification parameters 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, 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 for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the value, the better it can maintain 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 Alto is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, and also allow the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and catch the old oil from the drain with an oil pan until no more oil flows out. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain; Use a special wrench to remove the oil filter; apply oil to the 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 a bottle; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, they should be repaired; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick and check that the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving the new Alto for three years, and changing the engine oil is quite particular. For urban commuting, 5W-30 semi-synthetic oil is the most cost-effective. I often use Kunlun or Great Wall brands, costing around a hundred yuan per barrel, changed every 5,000 kilometers. Small-displacement engines shouldn't use overly thick oil. 0W-20 makes cold starts smoother in winter, but in the south, 5W-30 is sufficient year-round. Last time during maintenance, the mechanic mentioned that the oil filter should be replaced simultaneously to avoid mixing new oil with old residue. Remember to check the API label and choose SN grade or above to protect the catalytic converter. Buying oil yourself and getting it changed at a small shop is the most economical, as dealerships charge double the price.
Car enthusiasts choose engine oil based on performance specs. I once used 0W-20 full synthetic for my new Alto. Its cold flow performance is better than 5W - the engine revs past 1000 RPM instantly during winter starts. The High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) value should exceed 2.9 to protect camshafts, especially in summer traffic jams. With Shell Helix Ultra, the oil film showed no degradation even after 8,000 km. For drivers who occasionally take highway trips, adding anti-wear additives is recommended, though unnecessary for daily commutes. While full synthetic costs more per liter, its extended change intervals make the total cost comparable to semi-synthetic oils.
