What type of engine oil is used for the Emgrand GL 1.4T?
3 Answers
The Emgrand GL 1.4T uses 5W-30 original semi-synthetic engine oil. For later maintenance and oil changes, you can choose Shell, Castrol, or Mobil. The official manual recommends using 5W-30 fully synthetic engine oil, preferably SN grade or higher. However, 5W-30 original semi-synthetic oil is also acceptable for the 1.4T engine. 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, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity 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 the Emgrand GL 1.4T 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 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. 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 oil dipstick to check if the oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving the Emgrand GL 1.4T for several years and feel the engine performs quite powerfully. If the wrong engine oil is chosen, cold starts can easily cause shaking or even damage the engine. The most suitable choice is 5W-30 full synthetic oil, which has moderate viscosity and high-temperature resistance, making it ideal for turbocharged cars like this. I prefer using big brands like Mobil or Shell, changing the oil every 8,000 kilometers, which costs around 300 to 400 RMB. After the oil change, the engine runs smoother and is more fuel-efficient. Don't forget to check the oil dipstick during regular maintenance and top it up if the level is low. Synthetic oil is much better than mineral oil, offering better protection for components and longer engine life. After all, the car is a prized possession and needs careful attention.
Don't save money by skimping on engine oil! For turbocharged engines like the Emgrand GL 1.4T, using 5W-30 synthetic oil is the most cost-effective choice. Mineral oil may be cheaper, but its viscosity performance is inferior, and prolonged use can cause severe engine wear. A single repair could cost thousands, making it even less economical. When I buy engine oil, I look for brand promotions—brands like Castrol or Great Wall's 5W-30 cost just over 100 yuan per bottle, and each oil change requires about 4 liters. Stick to a maintenance interval of 7,500 kilometers; changing it too frequently is a waste of money. Always check the viscosity grade recommended in your owner's manual and avoid using other specifications arbitrarily. Proper engine protection can also slightly reduce fuel consumption, allowing you to squeeze a few extra kilometers out of each tank of gas.
