What Oil to Choose for a 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine?
2 Answers
1.5L naturally aspirated engines should use 0W30 oil. For Japanese cars, you can choose oil with lower viscosity; for German cars, it's better to select oil with relatively higher viscosity. For turbocharged models, it's advisable to opt for fully synthetic oil that can mitigate low-speed pre-ignition issues. Since turbocharged engines generally operate at higher temperatures, choosing high-temperature-resistant oil would be preferable. Engine oils can be categorized into three types: mineral oil, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic. When selecting oil, if the budget allows, fully synthetic oil should be the first choice. Fully synthetic oil represents a superior formulation among engine oils, offering significantly better performance in terms of high-temperature fluidity and viscosity compared to semi-synthetic oils.
From my years of experience driving a 1.5L naturally aspirated car, choosing engine oil depends on viscosity and type. Full synthetic oil is my top choice because it provides excellent engine protection, especially during frequent starts or in hot weather. I recommend viscosities like 5W-30 or 10W-30, but always check your vehicle’s manual for specifics—mine, for example, specifies 5W-30. Oil change intervals are also crucial; I change mine every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers to prevent engine wear from contaminant buildup. A few related factors to consider: if you live in a hot climate, a slightly higher viscosity may be better, while low viscosity oils offer quicker starts and fuel savings for frequent city driving. Most importantly, never cheap out with mineral oil—it’ll make your engine retire early.
