What type of engine oil should be used for the three-cylinder Excelle?
3 Answers
The three-cylinder Excelle uses 5W30 engine oil. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear of moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced by fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve the sealing of piston rings, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts. Taking the 2021 Buick Excelle Facelift 1.5L Automatic Entry-Level model as an example, the car has a length, width, and height of 4609mm, 1798mm, and 1464mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. The manufacturer of this car is SAIC-GM Buick, classified as a compact car with a naturally aspirated intake form.
I've been driving my Buick Excelle 1.3T three-cylinder version for almost five years, always using 5W-30 full synthetic oil that must be dexos certified. There are many reasons for choosing this: the three-cylinder engine operates at high temperatures and is prone to carbon buildup or wear. This oil has suitable viscosity and good protective properties, making the car run smoother and quieter. I use Mobil 1's 5W-30, changing it every 7,000 kilometers, which also helps control fuel consumption to some extent. Remember to regularly check the dipstick and top up when the level is low, otherwise the turbocharger may be affected. The new car manual clearly recommends this grade—don't randomly switch to other viscosity oils, or the engine's lifespan will be shortened. After developing this habit, the car rarely has issues, saving money and giving peace of mind.
As a young car owner, I knew nothing when I first bought my Excelle three-cylinder car. Later, I checked the manual and found it recommended using dexos-certified 5W-30 oil. I tried Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30, and it worked great—quick engine starts and less vibration. When choosing oil, make sure it meets the dexos standard; the brand is flexible, Castrol or Great Wall are both fine. The maintenance shop suggested I change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, which is more durable than mineral oil and helps prevent engine issues in the long run. I usually check the oil level regularly, and keeping it topped up makes driving smoother. Don’t skimp on oil changes; using high-quality full synthetic can extend your car’s lifespan. After over a year of driving, I haven’t had any major issues, and it’s even saved me some fuel costs.
