What kind of oil should be used for turbocharged engines?

[KingFitz]

Turbocharged engines use fully synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil is artificially manufactured oil, which is produced by chemically decomposing natural substances and then synthesizing them with various other substances to finally produce synthetic oil. Fully synthetic oil has more stable chemical properties and lower resistance, which can reduce fuel consumption while providing better engine protection. A turbocharged engine refers to an engine equipped with a turbocharger, which is essentially an air compressor that increases air intake by compressing air. It utilizes the inertial force of exhaust gases expelled by the engine to drive the turbine in the turbine chamber, which in turn drives the coaxial impeller. The impeller then compresses the air delivered through the air filter pipeline, pressurizing it before it enters the cylinders.

[SawyerFitz]

I've got plenty of experience choosing engine oil for turbocharged cars. I used to go cheap with conventional mineral oil, but ended up with extremely loud engine noise during highway driving. The dealership mechanic said the oil film couldn't withstand the high temperature and RPM of turbocharging. Now I strictly use full synthetic oils, typically with viscosities like 5W-30 or 0W-40, such as Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil 1. Two key specifications matter most: first, the API SP rating shouldn't be lower, preferably SN PLUS or above; second, certifications like ACEA C2/C3 - these oils contain specially formulated anti-wear additives and detergents designed for turbochargers' harsh operating conditions. Remember to change it every 8,000 km or so - don't wait until the oil turns black and sludge clogs the oil passages. Also, it's best to warm up the engine for 30 seconds before winter starts to ensure proper lubrication of the turbo bearings.

[SavannahMarie]

My neighbor, who has been repairing cars for ten years, said that nine out of ten turbocharged cars burning oil is due to choosing the wrong oil. At the very least, semi-synthetic oil should be used, and full synthetic is even safer. The viscosity shouldn't be lower than 5W-30, and for older cars or those frequently driven on highways, a 40 viscosity is more stable. Oils with certifications like General Motors Dexos1 or Volkswagen VW 502 are the most reliable, as their high-temperature shear resistance can exceed 3.5, ensuring the oil film doesn't break even when the turbo rotor spins at hundreds of thousands of RPM. Last time my car's turbo whistle got louder, switching to oil with MB-Approval 229.5 certification immediately quieted it down. Oh, and never mix oils from different brands, as the additives can react and create sediment.

[OSophia]

Turbochargers can operate at temperatures as high as 900°C, far exceeding those in naturally aspirated engines. Conventional engine oil tends to break down under such extreme conditions, leading to sludge buildup that can seize the turbocharger bearings. From personal experience, only full synthetic base oils can withstand this environment—the higher the PAO and ester content in the base oil, the better. I always look for the 'Turbo Ready' label on the oil bottles I purchase or check for ACEA C-series low-SAPS certifications. Since switching to a 0W-40 oil with a kinematic viscosity above 13, I haven’t experienced any oil consumption issues in four years. A quick tip: reduce your oil change interval by 20%, especially if you frequently drive in stop-and-go city traffic.