What Kind of Oil Does My Car Engine Need? ​

The engine is the "heart" of a car, and engine oil is the "blood" that maintains the normal operation of this heart. Choosing the right engine oil can effectively reduce engine wear, improve power performance, and extend service life; Choosing the wrong oil may cause the engine to overheat, increase carbon buildup, and even lead to serious malfunctions. So, what kind of oil does your car engine need?

Understand the core indicators of engine oil

When choosing engine oil, two key parameters should be considered first: viscosity grade and quality grade. The viscosity grade is usually represented by "SAE XXW-XX", such as 5W-30, 10W-40. Among them, "W" represents winter, the smaller the number in front, the better the fluidity of the engine oil at low temperatures, and the stronger the protection for the engine during cold start; The following numbers represent the viscosity of the engine oil at high temperatures. The larger the number, the better the high-temperature stability, making it suitable for engines operating at high loads.

The quality level follows the API (American Petroleum Institute) standard, with gasoline engine oils starting with "S" such as SN, SM, etc. The later the letter, the higher the quality level, and the better the antioxidant, cleaning, and other properties; Those starting with "C" are diesel engine oils, such as CK-4 and CJ-4. In addition, European cars often refer to ACEA standards, which have more detailed classifications and can meet more stringent engine technology requirements.

Select fuel based on vehicle model and scenario

The requirements for engine oil vary greatly among different types of engines. The structure of naturally aspirated engines is relatively simple, and mineral oil or semi synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's recommended viscosity and quality grade can be selected; Turbocharged engines have higher internal pressure and temperature, and it is recommended to use fully synthetic engine oil with viscosity that matches the precise clearance of the engine. For example, most small displacement turbocharged engines are suitable for 5W-30.

At the same time, the driving environment should also be considered. Frequent driving on congested road conditions in the city can lead to carbon buildup in the engine, so it is recommended to choose engine oil with strong cleaning performance; Frequent long-distance high-speed or heavy-duty driving requires emphasis on the high-temperature stability of the engine oil; In cold regions, priority should be given to low viscosity engine oils with good low-temperature fluidity, such as 0W-20 and 5W-30.

Finally, it is important to refer to the vehicle manual, which clearly indicates the recommended oil viscosity and quality grade, which is the most reliable basis for selection. Only by choosing the right engine oil can the engine always maintain its optimal condition, safeguarding your travel.