What Type of Engine Oil is Best for the Buick Excelle?

[DiLucas]

The original factory-recommended engine oil for the Buick Excelle is 5W30. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can opt for Mobil Super oil, specifically the 5W30 or 0W30 variants. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so it's crucial to pay attention 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, ensuring smoother cold starts for the vehicle. The latter number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number indicates better viscosity retention at high temperatures, which can also be understood as superior lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in a Buick Excelle is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply some oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new engine oil through the filler cap on the engine valve cover. Typically, fill about three-quarters of a standard oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.

[JuneLynn]

I've driven a Buick Excelle for over a decade, and the factory manual recommends 5W-30 viscosity as the safest choice. This oil works year-round, handling temperatures from -25°C to 40°C, with good fluidity and slight fuel economy benefits. Full synthetic oils like Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil 1 are excellent options—though pricier, their 8,000 km change intervals make maintenance easier. For vehicles with over 100,000 km, consider switching to 5W-40 for better protection against oil consumption. Always choose oils with dexos certification for better compatibility with Buick engines. In southern regions, 5W-30 suffices; only consider 0W-30 for extreme northern cold. Avoid cheap mineral oils—they damage engines and lead to costly repairs.

[DeMolly]

I do all the maintenance for my Excelle by myself, and my first choice for engine oil is 5W-30 full synthetic. The reason is quite practical: conventional mineral oil needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers, while full synthetic can last up to 8,000 kilometers, which actually saves money in the long run. Last time, I bought Castrol Edge 5W-30 online, and after changing it, the engine noise became noticeably quieter. If an older car feels sluggish during acceleration, switching to 10W-40 can help, but it will increase fuel consumption by about half a liter. Nowadays, major brands often have promotions, like Total Quartz 9000, and it's most cost-effective to stock up a few bottles when they're on sale. The key is to look for the SP or SN grade mark on the oil container, as low-quality oil can cause carbon buildup over time.

[VanDelilah]

At the repair shop, we see Buick Excelle every day. This car's engine is designed to use 5W-30 oil. The advantage of good fluidity during cold starts is obvious, reducing cold start wear. Full synthetic oil with additives has stronger cleaning capabilities, making it particularly suitable for older engines like the Excelle that are prone to carbon buildup. If the oil light keeps coming on, first check if the viscosity matches. Northern car owners are advised to use 0W-30 oil, which can start the engine even at -35°C. Don't cheap out and buy 20 viscosity oil—it's too thin and may cause oil burning. Brands like Longpan or Kunlun domestic full synthetic are also good options, but the key is to have API certification.