What kind of oil is used in a new car when it leaves the factory?
3 Answers
New cars come with a special break-in oil from the factory. This oil is specifically designed for the break-in period to ensure that all engine components fully adjust and wear in properly. It features superior fluidity and heat dissipation (low viscosity) and contains special grinding additives to assist in the break-in process. During the first maintenance service: It is crucial to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule (including oil change) and avoid any delays. Although new cars undergo pre-delivery break-in, the engine may still shed residual metal particles during initial use, which can degrade the oil's effectiveness. Factory oil lifespan: The factory-installed oil typically has a service life of six months or 5,000 kilometers. Exceeding this limit can lead to oil oxidation and loss of protective properties, increasing the risk of excessive engine wear.
The engine oil used in new cars when they leave the factory is usually specially customized by the manufacturer, with synthetic oil being the majority, such as low-viscosity types like 0W-20 or 5W-30. This is to ensure the new engine runs smoothly during the break-in period and reduces internal friction. I often tell my friends that this oil isn't chosen randomly—it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure no part wear when the engine first starts. Don't rush to change it before the first maintenance; using the wrong oil might affect fuel efficiency and performance. When buying a car, pay attention to the manual to see what oil is recommended—following the manufacturer's recommendation is the most reliable. The oil change interval is also crucial; using the factory oil properly in the first few months can extend the engine's lifespan by many miles.
When I bought my car, the salesperson explained in detail that the factory-fill oil is a specially formulated synthetic oil. Some major manufacturers use their own proprietary blends, which have low viscosity to help with fuel economy and protect new car components. For the first few thousand kilometers, never change the oil randomly—this factory-fill oil helps the engine break in smoothly, preventing carbon buildup or cylinder scoring. If you change it yourself with mismatched oil, you might end up with increased noise or reduced performance. I recommend new car owners go directly to the 4S shop for their first maintenance—they follow the factory standards for oil changes, making it worry-free and safe. The factory-fill oil is high quality, but don’t neglect regular checks. If the oil level is abnormal, get it fixed immediately—small issues can snowball into big problems.
