Which Engine Oil is Suitable for the Encore?
2 Answers
The original factory engine oil brand for the Encore is Silver Mobil. For later maintenance and oil changes, you can choose brands such as Mobil or Castrol. The recommended oil specification in the official Encore manual is 5W-30. Any oil model that meets this specification parameter can be used. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand low temperatures of -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the value, the better it maintains viscosity under high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in the Encore is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; Use a special wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Generally, fill up to three-quarters of the oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check if the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving a Buick Encore for almost three years. I didn't know much about engine oil before and just used mineral oil randomly, which caused difficult cold starts in winter. Later, after checking the manual, I learned it recommends 5W-30 or 0W-20 full synthetic oil. I've tried Mobil 1 5W-30 and felt the engine became much quieter, especially during cold starts. For daily city commuting, I change it every 7,000 km, but can extend to 10,000 km with more highway driving. Don't just choose brands based on price, Castrol or Shell are both fine, the key is getting genuine products to avoid fakes. In colder climates, 0W grades are recommended to protect the oil pump from wear. If changing oil yourself, having an oil filter wrench makes it much easier, but remember to drain the old oil completely to avoid pollution.
