Automotive Engine Oil: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Car

Is your car engine making strange noises, consuming more fuel, or even stalling in the middle of the road? The cause could be using the wrong type of engine oil. This article will help you understand how to choose the right engine oil for your car – from beginners to experienced drivers.

5 criteria for choosing technically sound automotive engine oil.

Detailed comparison: mineral oil, semi-synthetic, synthetic

5 common mistakes to avoid

Advice from Gartz experts

Why is automotive oil important?

Automotive engine oil is not simply a "lubricant." It performs many vital functions:

Lubrication- Reduces friction between moving parts, preventing metal wear.

Cooling- Absorbs and dissipates heat from bolts, pistons, and crankshafts.

Clean- Dissolves dirt and carbon deposits, preventing buildup in the engine.

Protect- Creates a rust-resistant film on internal metal surfaces.

According to recommendations from car manufacturers, regular oil changes (usually every 5,000-10,000 km depending on the type of oil) are mandatory to maintain performance and extend engine life.

5 Criteria for Choosing the Right Engine Oil for Your Car

1. Determine the appropriate SAE viscosity grade.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is an international standard for measuring oil viscosity. The number before the letter W (Winter) indicates the flowability at low temperatures; the number after W indicates the viscosity at high temperatures.

Viscosity level	Operating temperature	Suitable for
0W-20	-35°C to 20°C	Hybrid cars, fuel-efficient cars
5W-30	-30°C to 30°C	Common car, temperate climate
10W-40	-25°C to 40°C	Light trucks, tropical conditions
15W-40	-20°C to 45°C	Trucks, diesel engines

Note:Given Vietnam's climate (tropical and humid), 5W-30 or 10W-40 levels are most common.

2. Choose the appropriate API standard.

The API (American Petroleum Institute) classifies oils according to their level of engine protection. The newer the standard, the higher the level of protection.

API SP/SN Plus - For modern turbocharged gasoline engines

API CK-4/CJ-4 - For high-performance diesel engines

API SN - A common standard for family cars.

3. Differentiating between 3 types of automotive engine oil

Conventional Mineral Oil

- Extracted from natural petroleum

- Lowest price

- Suitable for: used cars, cars with low mileage, limited budget.

- Lifespan: 3,000 - 5,000 km

Semi-Synthetic Oil

- A mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil (70:30 ratio)

- Balancing price and performance

- Suitable for: common cars 5-10 years old

- Lifespan: 5,000 - 7,000 km

Full Synthetic Oil

- Sophisticated chemical synthesis, free from crude oil.

- Optimal protection, longest lifespan.

- Suitable for: new cars, turbo cars, high-performance cars

- Lifespan: 7,000 - 15,000 km

4. As recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

This is the most important factor. Each car manufacturer has its own specifications. Using the wrong oil can:

- Affects the warranty.

- Reduced engine performance

- Damage to critical components

5. Buy genuine engine oil from Gartz.

To avoid buying counterfeit or low-quality oil:

- Only buy from authorized dealers or reputable stores.

- Check the anti-counterfeit sticker and barcode on the can.

- Prioritize brands with international quality certifications.

- Contact Gartz to confirm your authorized dealer.

Detailed Comparison Table

Criteria	Mineral oil	General Merchandise	Synthetic
Reference price	150,000 - 250,000 VND/liter	250,000 - 400,000 VND/liter	400,000 - 700,000 VND/liter
Engine protection	Basic	Medium	Optimization
Fuel saving	Short	Medium	High
Life expectancy	3.000 - 5.000 km	5.000 - 7.000 km	7.000 - 15.000 km
Suitable for vehicles	Used car, rarely used.	Regular car	New car, turbo

5 Common Mistakes When Choosing Car Engine Oil

Mistake	Consequence	How to fix it
Choose the cheapest option, and ignore the quality.	The engine wears out quickly, resulting in high repair costs.	Make the right oil investment from the start.
Use diesel fuel for gasoline cars.	The catalytic converter system is damaged, incurring repair costs.	Always check the oil label.
Choosing the wrong viscosity	Poor lubrication can cause the engine to overheat and potentially break down.	Refer to the instruction manual.
Not changing the oil regularly.	Dirt buildup reduces engine lifespan.	Change the oil according to the recommended schedule.
Mix different types of oils	Chemical reaction, reduced lubrication efficiency.	Completely replace one type of oil.

Expert Advice from Gartz

The Gartz technical team recommends:

- Family sedans (Toyota, Honda, Mazda...): 5W-30 semi-synthetic oil, change every 7,500 km.

- SUVs and crossovers: Use 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil, change every 10,000 km.

- Turbocharged, high-performance vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi...): Use 0W-40 synthetic oil, change every 10,000 - 15,000 km.

- Pickup trucks and light trucks: 15W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, changed every 7,500 - 10,000 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should car engine oil be changed?
D:Depending on the type of oil and operating conditions. Generally: mineral oil 5,000 km, semi-synthetic oil 7,500 km, synthetic oil 10,000-15,000 km.

Q: Should I choose the most expensive engine oil?
D:Not necessarily. Choose the oil that matches the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Synthetic oil is good, but semi-synthetic oil may be sufficient for most vehicles.

Q: Is black oil a sign of spoiled oil?
D:No. New oil is usually clear or light yellow. It's normal for the oil to turn black after a few hundred kilometers – that's a sign the oil is absorbing dirt and grime.

Q: Is it possible to mix mineral and synthetic oils?
D:No, it's not recommended. Mixing can reduce lubricating effectiveness. When changing oil, completely drain the old oil before adding new oil.

Q: Does Gartz engine oil come with a warranty?
D:Gartz offers genuine products with international quality certifications. Contact our hotline for detailed information on warranty and the nearest authorized dealer.

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