What type of engine oil is used for the Hyundai Elantra?
3 Answers
The Hyundai Elantra uses SM5W-20 original semi-synthetic engine oil. If you want to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose fully synthetic oils from well-reputed brands such as Mobil, Shell, or Castrol. The official manual recommends 0W-20 oil. Considering China's temperature conditions, 5W20 or 5W30 oil can be used in most regions. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under 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, making cold starts smoother. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher value means the oil can maintain viscosity 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 Hyundai Elantra 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 oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, usually filling about three-quarters of the oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, repairs should be made; After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to check if the oil level is within the standard range.
When I drove the Hyundai Elantra before, I tried several types of engine oil and found that SAE 5W-20 full synthetic oil worked best. This viscosity ensures quick starts in cold weather, good lubrication in hot weather, and reduced engine noise. Hyundai's official recommendation is based on the model year—for my 2016 model, 5W-20 was specified, as detailed in the user manual. Why not try others? Using 5W-30 is also possible, but it slightly increases fuel consumption and has a greater impact on long-term engine wear. I change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, replacing the oil filter at the same time, and ensure the API rating is SN or higher to improve fuel efficiency. Environmental factors matter a lot—for example, lower-viscosity oil is better for cold starts in northern winters. Choosing the wrong oil can lead to increased engine carbon buildup and higher repair costs. During oil changes, I also check the oil level, and maintaining safe driving habits can significantly extend the car's lifespan.
I work in auto repair and commonly use SAE 5W-30 oil for Hyundai Elantra. It offers moderate viscosity for engine protection without wasting fuel. Most models before 2019 recommend 5W-30 or 5W-20—check the engine cover label or manual for specifics. Lower viscosity ensures smoother cold starts, while higher viscosity provides better high-temperature protection, but don’t switch randomly. I’ve seen engines overheat due to wrong oil. I recommend changing to full synthetic oil every 7,000 km along with the oil filter. The current best API rating is SP, which reduces carbon buildup. For maintenance, check the dipstick regularly and top up if the level is low—don’t delay. Using high-quality oil extends engine life and reduces repair frequency. Driving habits also matter; shorten oil change intervals if stuck in city traffic often.
