What type of engine oil is used in the Sylphy?
2 Answers
According to the official maintenance recommendations provided by Nissan, the Sylphy should use 5W30 engine oil of SL grade or higher. It is advisable to use the original manufacturer's oil of this specification. As a mechanical device, an engine shares common requirements for lubricating oil with general machinery, such as the need for appropriate viscosity, as well as certain anti-oxidation, anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and viscosity-temperature performance requirements. However, an engine is also a special type of machinery, and its requirements for lubricating oil have unique aspects. Below is an introduction to the specific characteristics of engines: 1. The general requirements for an engine are small size, lightweight, compact structure, and high power output. As a result, the load on its friction surfaces is significant. 2. High-temperature and high-pressure combustion gases in the combustion chamber can leak into the crankcase through the gaps between the piston, piston rings, and cylinder liner. These combustion gases are the result of complete or incomplete combustion of fuel and a small amount of lubricating oil, producing gases and certain particulate matter (soot), which typically become the main components of crankcase blow-by. These gases can contaminate the lubricating oil and, under certain conditions, accelerate its oxidation. 3. The temperature difference between when the engine is stopped and when it is running for an extended period is substantial. Additionally, due to the thermal expansion and deformation of components, it is difficult to maintain consistent gaps in some friction pairs. This can lead to issues such as adhesion and sintering if the gap is too small, or impact and vibration damage if the gap is too large. In these situations, the oil film struggles to adhere. 4. An engine contains various friction pairs, such as pistons and cylinder liners, crankshaft journals and bearings, camshafts and followers, and gears. Although their lubrication requirements differ, only one type of lubricating oil can be used in a single engine (with the exception of large marine diesel engines). Therefore, when selecting lubricating oil, it is necessary to consider multiple lubrication conditions.
My Sylphy's maintenance manual clearly specifies using 0W-20 full synthetic oil, especially for newer models with HR16 engines. This low-viscosity oil ensures smoother cold starts in winter and improves fuel efficiency. However, my 2015 model with the 1.8L engine uses 5W-30 - the mechanic explained that older engines have larger component gaps, so thicker oil provides better cylinder protection. Choosing engine oil depends on three factors: vehicle age, engine model, and local climate. In Hainan where temperatures stay around 30°C year-round, either 5W-30 or 0W-30 works fine; but for -20°C winters in Northeast China, 0W-20 is definitely the best choice. Last year I tried saving money with mineral oil once - the engine sounded like clanging metal, forcing me to change it after just 5,000 kilometers.
