What kind of engine oil should be used for turbocharged cars?
2 Answers
Turbocharged cars use engine oil with higher viscosity to reduce oil consumption and maintain good cylinder pressure. Using oil that is too thin can easily damage the oil film and increase wear. Engine oils are categorized into full synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils. Turbocharged models basically use full synthetic oil because the turbocharger operates at very high speeds, which accelerates oil degradation, necessitating the use of oil with better stability. Engine oil is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines, with its main functions being to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge and varnish from the engine, neutralize acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation, improve piston ring sealing, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving components.
For turbocharged cars, I've been using full synthetic oil all these years since the turbo spins fast and runs hot, and conventional oil can't handle it and tends to fail. I always check the owner's manual recommendations, such as choosing viscosity grades like 5W-30 or 0W-40, with API ratings preferably SN Plus or higher, to ensure stable lubrication under high temperatures. I once used mineral oil, and it resulted in sludge and carbon buildup in the turbo. After switching to full synthetic oil, the performance improved significantly, with smoother acceleration. For long-distance driving, oil quality is crucial for protecting the turbocharger. I recommend checking the oil level every 5,000 km—don’t skimp to save a few hundred bucks. An oil change costs between 200–400 RMB, which is much better than spending thousands on turbo repairs. Also, remember that manufacturer certifications are important, such as VW 502 for Volkswagen or MB229.5 for Mercedes-Benz. Choosing the right oil gives peace of mind while driving.
