What type of engine oil is suitable for Zotye T500?
2 Answers
The original factory engine oil brand for Zotye T500 is Mobil. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The official Zotye T500 manual recommends an engine oil model of 5W-30. Any oil model that meets this specification can be used. The viscosity of engine 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, ensuring smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher value means the oil can maintain its viscosity index better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in a Zotye T500 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 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 some new oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Generally, pour about three-quarters of a standard oil bottle. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes. 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 to check if the oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving my Zotye T500 for three years, always using 5W-30 full synthetic oil. The engine of this car is quite delicate, and the manual clearly recommends this viscosity grade. When driving on highways in summer, 5W-30 flows well enough to prevent the engine from overheating; it also starts smoothly in winter when temperatures drop below minus ten degrees Celsius. I've used Shell and Mobil's SN-grade full synthetic oils, changing them every seven to eight thousand kilometers, and noticed the engine noise is much quieter. Never skimp by using mineral oil—the T500's turbocharger especially needs high-quality oil for protection. Remember to change the oil filter along with the oil; the mechanic at the repair shop said this car has high requirements for oil cleanliness.
