What type of engine oil should a naturally aspirated Lavida use?
2 Answers
The naturally aspirated Lavida uses 5w30 semi-synthetic engine oil. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To bring heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. Taking the 2019 Lavida as an example, it is a compact car with body dimensions of: length 4670mm, width 1806mm, height 1474mm, a wheelbase of 2688mm, a minimum ground clearance of 190mm, and a body weight of 1480kg.
I've been driving the naturally aspirated version of the Lavida for several years, always using 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets Volkswagen's original VW502 standard. I find the engine noise is minimal and starts smoothly. The new car manual clearly recommends not to randomly change the oil grade. For example, 5W grades are suitable for cold winters, and in the south, if 40 is too viscous, you can try 5W-30, but don't skimp by using cheap products. If the oil film breaks down, it can accelerate wear. I change the oil every 8,000 kilometers, opting for certified oils from Mobil or Shell, mid-priced is fine, no need to go for top-tier brands. A little tip during maintenance: regularly check the oil level; if it's too low or cloudy, change it early to save a lot on repair costs. Long-term use of synthetic oil significantly improves engine durability.