What kind of oil should be used for the Hyundai Elantra 1.6L?
2 Answers
The original oil brand for the Hyundai Elantra 1.6L is Shell HELIX oil. If you want to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The oil model recommended in the official manual for the Elantra 1.6L is SM5W-30. Any oil model that meets these specifications can be used. The viscosity of the oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher this number, the better the oil can maintain its viscosity under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the oil in the Hyundai Elantra 1.6L 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 place an oil pan to catch the old oil 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 oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Generally, pour about three-quarters of a bottle of oil; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, perform necessary repairs; 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 Elantra 1.6L for almost three years and have consistently used 5W-30 full synthetic oil, primarily because this grade is explicitly recommended in the vehicle manual. It protects the engine during cold starts, preventing cylinder scoring or wear. Hyundai designed this engine to be quite compact, and using this low-viscosity oil improves fuel efficiency and stability while ensuring smooth winter starts. Typically, I change the oil every 8,000 kilometers—brands like Shell or Mobil are good choices, but never skimp on quality to avoid counterfeit products, as excessive carbon buildup can lead to costly repairs. I also regularly check the oil level since engine health directly impacts driving safety and vehicle longevity—this is one area where cutting corners isn't an option.
