To find out what kind of oil your car takes, the most reliable sources are:
- Your car’s owner’s manual or maintenance guide, which specifies the recommended oil type, viscosity grade, and specifications for your engine
- The engine oil cap on your car, which often has the oil grade stamped on it
- Online oil finder tools provided by brands like Castrol or retailers such as Halfords or Kwik Fit, where you enter your vehicle’s make, model, year, or registration number to get tailored oil recommendations
Common Oil Types and Grades
- Engine oils are categorized by viscosity grades like 5W-30, 10W-40, etc. The first number with a "W" (winter) indicates how the oil flows at cold temperatures, while the second number indicates viscosity at normal engine operating temperature (around 100°C)
- Modern vehicles often require full synthetic oils for better engine protection and performance, while some may accept semi-synthetic or conventional oils depending on manufacturer recommendations
- Oil specifications may also include certifications from organizations such as SAE, API, ACEA, and others, which ensure the oil meets certain performance standards
How to Proceed
- Check your owner’s manual for the exact oil type and viscosity recommended.
- Look at the oil cap for any stamped oil grade.
- Use an online oil finder tool by entering your vehicle details to confirm the correct oil.
- Choose high-quality oils from trusted brands like Castrol, Mobil, or Shell Helix, preferably full synthetic if recommended
This approach ensures you use the correct oil that meets your car manufacturer’s specifications, helping maintain engine health and performance.
