What Type of Engine Oil Should Be Used for Different Car Series?
2 Answers
For the engine, only the appropriate engine oil can enable it to perform at its best. The following introduces the engine oil required for different car series: Japanese, Korean, and American car models: For daily use, no special certification is required. For models like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai Kia, choose engine oil with lower viscosity, good fluidity, fuel-saving, and power-enhancing properties: 0W20/5W20/0W30/5W30. For SUV models, match the engine oil according to the vehicle manual and actual usage. European car models: For European car models represented by Germany, it is recommended to use engine oil with viscosities of 0W30/5W30/0W40/5W40.
Hey, when I first started driving, I was totally confused too, thinking all engine oils were the same—turns out they vary wildly between car brands. Take my Toyota for example: the manual specifies 0W-20 oil, saying the engine’s precision design aims for fuel efficiency. My neighbor drives a Ford Explorer, and his manual recommends 5W-30, a thicker oil to protect the larger-displacement engine. As for German cars like the BMW X5, the manual often suggests 5W-40, suited for high-performance driving. Don’t underestimate this—using the wrong type, like putting 5W-40 in a Japanese car, could lead to oil burning and faster engine wear. During seasonal changes, lower W numbers (like 0W or 5W) help with cold starts in winter, but skipping the switch in summer isn’t a big issue. Bottom line: always check the owner’s manual—it’s based on manufacturer testing. Older cars might use 10W-40, but skimping on the right oil to save a few bucks could lead to costly repairs later. Proper maintenance pays off in the long run.
