What type of oil should be used for the naturally aspirated Verano?
2 Answers
The naturally aspirated Verano generally uses semi-synthetic oil, which is sufficient, but fully synthetic oil is better. Below are the main differences between semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oil: 1. Different base oils—semi-synthetic oil uses Group III base oil, while fully synthetic oil is a blend of Group III, IV, and V base oils. Fully synthetic oil uses a higher-grade base oil compared to semi-synthetic oil, offering better engine protection and internal cleaning. 2. Different temperature suitability—fully synthetic oil has a broader temperature range. Under the same working conditions, fully synthetic oil can protect the engine with lower viscosity, while semi-synthetic oil has relatively higher requirements. 3. Different vehicle suitability—semi-synthetic oil is more economical for small-displacement engines with smooth driving conditions, while fully synthetic oil performs well under harsh and extreme conditions, with excellent high-temperature resistance and low-temperature performance. Fully synthetic oil is often used in high-performance engines. 4. Different additives—fully synthetic oil contains higher TBN (Total Base Number) additives, extending oil life and enhancing engine cleanliness, while semi-synthetic oil has lower TBN additives, shortening the oil change interval and potentially producing sulfated ash.
Over the years of driving my naturally aspirated Buick Verano, I've mostly used 92-octane gasoline, as clearly recommended on both the manual and fuel filler cap stating '92 or higher'. The car's naturally aspirated engine isn't as finicky as turbocharged ones, making 92-octane perfectly suitable—saving money and hassle. I've tried 95-octane a few times but noticed no power improvement, just higher costs. Occasionally using cheaper, lower-quality fuel caused slight engine vibration, so I always stick to reputable gas stations now. Long-term use of lower-octane fuel may cause carbon buildup, so I add a bottle of fuel system cleaner every six months for maintenance, significantly improving engine longevity. Bottom line: don't overcomplicate it—just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
