What kind of oil should a three-cylinder Excelle use?
3 Answers
A three-cylinder Excelle uses semi-synthetic oil. The manufacturer recommends oil with a viscosity grade of 5W30, and 0W30 oil can also be used, which is more suitable for cold regions. The 5W30 oil is mainly focused on performance. Relevant information about car oil is as follows: 1. There are two types of oil for cars: mineral oil and synthetic oil, with synthetic oil further divided into semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oil. 2. The main functions of oil are to reduce friction and wear of moving parts and to remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (cleaning agents) from the engine.
For my three-cylinder Excelle, 5W-30 full synthetic oil is the most suitable choice, as it's the manufacturer's recommended specification. GM requires oil with the dexos1 certification mark, which can be found on the oil container. Major brands like Mobil 1, Shell Helix Ultra, or Castrol Edge all have products that meet this certification. I've used Mobil before, and it noticeably reduced engine noise and improved cold starts. Don't opt for cheaper mineral oil – three-cylinder engines are already prone to vibration, and low-quality oil can accelerate wear. I change it every 8,000 kilometers or so, and the dealership service sheet specifies 5W-30. Even in southern regions with high summer temperatures, there's no need to switch to a higher viscosity – 5W-30 works year-round. Remember to replace the oil filter with an OEM part at the same time; it's not worth skimping on this small expense.
I recommend trying a full synthetic 5W-30 oil with the GM dexos1 certification. My three-cylinder Excelle just passed 50,000 kilometers, and after trying different oils, I found Mobil 1 Extended Performance to be the quietest, especially at red lights where engine vibrations are well controlled. Buying your own oil and taking it to a repair shop can save you around a hundred bucks. During online shopping festivals, the dealer-specific oils often go on sale. In northern winters, pay attention to low-temperature fluidity—the 5W rating is good down to -25 degrees Celsius. Don't be fooled into using higher viscosity oil; a 20-weight might burn oil, while a 40-weight wastes fuel. The factory-designed 30-weight strikes a balance between protection and fuel economy. Remember to change it on time—exceeding 10,000 kilometers can lead to sludge clogging the small oil passages in a three-cylinder engine.
