What type of engine oil is used in the Hyundai Elantra?
3 Answers
Hyundai Elantra uses 5W30 semi-synthetic or fully synthetic engine oil. Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil determines the basic properties of the engine oil, while the additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil's performance, making them an important component of engine oil. The Elantra is a compact car launched by Hyundai, with dimensions of 4610mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1450mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. In terms of appearance, the Hyundai Elantra features a hexagonal front grille, paired with chrome strip decorations, along with specially designed headlights and L-shaped fog light decorations, giving the car a youthful and fashionable vibe.
I drive a 2019 Elantra with the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. The official manual recommends using 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil. During regular maintenance at the 4S shop, they always use the original 5W-20 oil. The characteristic of this oil is its fast flow, which noticeably reduces engine noise during cold starts and lowers fuel consumption by about half a point. In places like Northeast China where temperatures drop to -20 or -30°C, it's better to directly use 0W-20 oil for smoother cold starts. When choosing oil, remember to look for ACEA A5/B5 or API SP certification standards. Last time I bought Shell Helix Ultra on discount, a 4-liter pack of 5W-20 full synthetic oil was just over 200 yuan. The key is to avoid buying counterfeit products. When unscrewing the oil cap for refilling, be careful not to spill—4 liters will fill it just above the midpoint on the dipstick. Don’t exceed an oil change interval of 8,000 km; for those driving mostly in congested city traffic, it’s advisable to change it at 7,000 km.
From a mechanical perspective, the engine oil specifications for the Hyundai Gamma series are primarily determined by engine characteristics. For instance, the Gamma 1.6L naturally aspirated engine features precisely designed cylinder wall clearances, making 5W-20 low-viscosity oil ideal for better penetration into these gaps. The number 5 before the W indicates the oil maintains fluidity at -25°C, while the 20 represents a kinematic viscosity value between 8-9 at 100°C. Note that the turbocharged 1.4T version performs better with 5W-30 oil, which provides more stable oil film protection during high-RPM operation. Certification-wise, only ILSAC GF-6 standard oils should be used, as this specification includes enhanced protection against LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition). The typical oil capacity ranges from 3.7 to 4.2 liters, with thorough drainage of old oil being particularly crucial. After an oil change, briefly rev the engine to 4,000 RPM for several minutes to ensure proper lubrication of the variable valve timing system with fresh oil.
