Motor oil is essential for the engine health of every vehicle. It lubricates the moving parts, allowing them to maneuver with ease. Without oil, some engine components would grind together, which would cause them to wear quickly.
Engines create a lot of warmth. The oil draws this heat away from the working parts, ensuring the motor doesn’t overheat. Since the oil coats the engine components, it also protects them from elements that can cause them to rust.
It’s important to check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the right oil. Adding the wrong 2013 Chevy Cruze oil type can result in a shorter engine life, engine noises, oil leaks and decreased fuel economy.
What Type of Oil Does Chevy Cruze Use?
Most Chevy Cruze’s use synthetic motor oil. This oil is recommended over conventional or synthetic blend. It’s engineered to perform better in high or low temperatures. Using high-quality oil will help the engine run smoothly for longer.
Oil is classified by viscosity, which measures how well fluids can flow. Fluids with a low viscosity are much thinner than liquids that have a high viscosity.
If you’re wondering which Chevy Cruze oil type to use, 5W-30 is a good option. It’s the most commonly used oil in many vehicles because it keeps the engine’s components lubricated in various climates. The lower viscosity improves the vehicle’s fuel economy and puts less pressure on the fuel pump.
So what do these letters and numbers mean in 5W-30? While most people think the “w” stands for “weight,” it actually means “winter.” The number before the “w” is meant to show how well the oil will flow at colder temperatures. The lower this number is, the less likely the oil will thicken in winter climates.
The number after the “w” refers to the oil’s thickness at engine operating temperatures. A higher number indicates a thicker oil.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
It’s important to schedule oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This timeframe can extend to every 7,500 to 15,000 miles if you’re using full-synthetic oil.
You can either take your car to a mechanic or change the oil yourself. Doing it yourself is pretty straightforward and cost-effective. Since safety comes first, remember to put on gloves and protective eyewear before you start.
To begin, either lift your vehicle with jacks or drive up onto ramps. Open up your hood, remove the oil cap and place a drain pan on the ground to catch the oil. With a wrench in hand, remove the plug and watch the oil flow out.
After you install a new filter, add fresh oil, being cautious not to overfill the reservoir. Check the level and top it off as needed.
Do you need to replace the filter each time? While some people think every other oil change is often enough, it’s better to replace the filter than to wait until your engine is underperforming or sputtering, both of which may result in costly repairs.
If you’re trying to find the best 2012 Chevy Cruze oil type or have other questions about your car, contact a trustworthy auto parts store to point you in the right direction.
