Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 is the top version of the Cruze family car. This is a fairly powerful machine that can satisfy the needs of any owner. It has character, handling and comfort. As for reliability, today Cruze owners have to maintain it in the absence of an official warranty. And no one wants to pay for expensive maintenance, especially if they have the opportunity to service the car themselves. Fortunately, the design of the Cruze 1.8 allows this. At the very least, even an inexperienced owner will be able, for example, to pour new oil into the engine. Of course, you need to buy it first, which is a much more difficult task. In this article, we will pay attention to the main points that must be followed when choosing high-quality oil for the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8.
It is possible that the regulatory interval may be slightly exceeded if the owner decides to go on a long trip outside the city, where it is impossible to carry out maintenance. And yet, this will need to be done at the first opportunity. The fact is that used oil loses its properties much faster than freshly filled liquid.
Oil parameters
Chevrolet recommends using synthetic oil for the Cruze, which is significantly better than semi-synthetic oil and mineral oil. Synthetic is considered a rarer and more fluid oil, which spreads faster and more efficiently through the internal parts of the Chevrolet Cruze. In addition, you also need to pay attention to the optimal parameters for synthetic lubricant. We are talking about temperature viscosity, which is designated as follows - 5W-30. Alternatively, 5W-40 is also suitable. The first option is best used for a new car, and the second is preferable for old used engines.
Nuances of choosing oil
In the process of choosing a suitable lubricant, here are some tips:
- It is advisable that the new oil be from the same brand that was originally used. For example, it could be original oil that was filled from the factory
- The use of another lubricant is not recommended, as it will not mix with the remnants of the previous oil. This is very dangerous, since both oils have different, sometimes incompatible properties. This can lead to increased wear of components due to the fact that the lubricating properties of the new oil will conflict with the old fluid. Thus, the new oil will not be able to fully realize itself.
- You should not fall for the marketing tricks of manufacturers. There are a lot of them now. You need to narrow down the range of brands and choose only among the most famous ones. And most importantly, follow the parameters specified in the user manual
Tolerance
Among the important oil parameters for Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 is tolerance. It starts with the letters ACEA, followed by various markings. So, according to the instructions, the following tolerance is prescribed for the Cruze 1.8:
- ACEA A3/B3
- ACEA A3/B4
- API SM
Viscosity parameters
The level of viscosity determines how suitable the oil is for working in certain climatic conditions. Let's pay attention to the recommended viscosity parameters for Chevrolet Cruze 1.8:
- 5W-30, 5W40 – for temperature conditions from minus 25 degrees
- 0W40, 0W30 – for air temperatures from minus 25 degrees
The oil should be selected based on the information provided. In addition to digital designations, oil can be divided into three types according to viscosity degree - summer, winter and all-season. In any case, markings will be indicated on the product label. Based on the above parameters, we can recommend two options for motor lubricants:
- Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 5W30
- Synthoil High Tech 5W30
Both oils are made on a synthetic base. A special production technology allows the properties of the oil to work with maximum efficiency, extending the life of the engine. The main thing is that the tolerances on the canister coincide with the parameters specified in the instructions.
Castrol, Lukoil, Mobile, Rosneft
Conclusion
Correctly selected oil is the key to high-quality and long-lasting operation of the Chevrolet Cruze engine.
Changing the oil is one of the most important procedures in engine maintenance. It is important to know what kind of oil to fill in a Chevrolet Cruze so that you use the right brand. At the factory, parts are developed taking into account the characteristics of the oil that will be poured into this model. If you want to choose a different type or brand, buy only liquids that are similar in properties.
Types of motor oils
There are three types of oils:
- Mineral. The advantage of this type is its low cost. The properties are very viscous, well suited for cars with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km. The disadvantage is that it needs to be changed frequently, every 9-10 thousand km. At high temperatures it loses its properties and cannot withstand engine overheating.
- Semi-synthetic. Mineral base with synthetic additives. Consumers choose this type to save on synthetics.
- Synthetic. The best engine oil for Chevrolet Cruze. Compared to previous types, it has many advantages: long service life, lubricates well. Does not lose its properties at low temperatures and is resistant to overheating. The only drawback is the high cost.
Advice! When you switch from one manufacturer to another, the main thing is to find a liquid with the same characteristics. Mixing different types is highly discouraged.
What to fill in a Chevrolet Cruze
The best oil for Chevrolet Cruze is with a viscosity of 5W-30. This is an all-season liquid, suitable for summer and winter. It is recommended to use it from -25 to +20 degrees. The 5W-40 marking means that the liquid can withstand temperatures from -25 to +35 degrees. You can choose the viscosity that suits your region.
Ideal for this car:
If you decide to change the viscosity or brand, it is better to use a flush to remove any remaining old fluid from the engine.
Oil volume
Lack of fluid in the engine is a cause for concern. Different engines consume oil differently. Some engines need topping up 1-2 times between replacements, and some require more. If you notice that the engine begins to ask for more fluid than before, this is a reason to look for the cause.
On 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines, the volume of technical fluid is 3.5 liters. For a 1.8 liter engine - volume is 4.5 liters. It is recommended to purchase an additional 1 liter for refilling.
How to check the level
If you don’t know how to check the oil level in a Chevrolet Cruze, read our instructions:
- Park the car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and wait 10 minutes. During this time, all the oil will drain from the channels and parts. If you do not pay attention to this point, most likely the level will be low and you will have to add fluid. As a result, this will lead to a critical level and compression of the seals.
- Under the hood, locate the dipstick that sticks out from the cylinder block. Take it out and wipe it with a clean cloth. Put it back in.
- Take out the dipstick and find two notches on it - minimum and maximum. The normal level is in between.
- If the level is below the minimum, you need to add more fluid.
How often does it need replacement?
- driving conditions;
- driving style;
- fuel quality;
- ambient temperature;
- quality of technical fluid;
- quality of roads (their dustiness).
The level and quality of engine oil should be checked periodically. If it darkens and becomes cloudy, then it’s time to change it.
You can come to the official dealer for technical oil with your own consumables, if this is not prohibited by the rules in your city. You can decide for yourself which oil is best to fill in the Chevrolet Cruze, and not use what dealers usually fill.
Each car enthusiast must decide for himself which oil is best for the Chevrolet Cruze, as it depends on the degree of wear of parts, driving style, and operating conditions.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 is a middle-class car, very popular on the Russian market. The car is no longer officially for sale, and today it is in demand on the supported market. Most owners of such cars prefer to maintain them on their own, not wanting to pay for expensive repairs. At the very least, you can perform basic procedures yourself, for example, pour new oil into the engine. But before that you need to choose the right oil. This issue is given special attention in this article. The material indicates the recommended parameters and brands of oils separately for each model year of the Chevrolet Cruze with a 1.6-liter engine, starting from 2009.
Model range Chevrolet Cruze J300 2009
- Recommended viscosity depending on ambient temperature (season):
- For any time of year – 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-40
- For winter conditions – 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40
- For summer conditions – 20W-40, 25W-40
- Quality class according to API standard: for gasoline engines - SM
- Recommended brands – Xado, Castrol, ZIK, Kixx, Lukoil, Valvoline, Mobile.
Model range 2010:
- Recommended SAE viscosity parameters:
- All-season: 10W-40, 5W-40, 15W-40
- Winter: 0W40, 5W-40
- Summer:20W-40, 20W-40
- Recommended oil - synthetic, semi-synthetic
- Recommended brands – Castrol, Xado, Mobile, Shell, Lukoil, GT-Oil, ZIK, Valvoline.
Model range 2011
- Recommended viscosity parameters according to SAE class:
- All-season: 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40
- Winter: 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50
- Summer: 20W-40, 25W-40, 25W-50
- By API class: for gasoline engines - SM
- Recommended oil: synthetic, semi-synthetic
- Recommended brands: ZIK, Shell, Lukoil, Castrol, Valvoline, Xado, Mobile
Model range 2012
- Recommended viscosity parameters depending on temperature:
- All-season: 10W-50, 5W-40, 15W-40
- Winter: 0W-40, 5W-50
- Summer: 20W-40, 25W-50
- Recommended brands: Shell, Mobile, Castrol, Lukoil, ZIK, Xado, GT-Oil, Valvoline
Model range 2013:
- Recommended parameters for SAE class:
- All-season: 10W-50, 15W-40, 15W-50
- Winter: 0W-40, 0W-50
- Summer: 20W-40, 25W-50
- By API class: for gasoline engines - SN
- Recommended oil: synthetic
- Recommended – Mobile, Castrol, ZIK, Shell, Xado.
Model range 2014
- Recommended parameters for SAE class:
- All-season: 15W-50, 10W-50, 15W-40
- Winter: 0W-40, 0W-50
- Summer: 20W-40, 25W50
- By API class: For gasoline engines - SN
- Recommended oil: synthetic
- Recommended brands – Xado, Shell, Castrol, Mobile
Conclusion
If financial capabilities allow, it is better to buy original oil. But we must admit that today this is not always advisable, given the many cheaper analogues. The main thing is that their parameters meet the recommended ones.
Oil change video
Without exaggeration, the Chevrolet Cruze can be called an international favorite of drivers. For a long time, the model has been one of the best choices in the compact sedan segment. The brainchild of General Motors is distinguished by a pleasant appearance, a cozy interior, high-quality finishing materials, and, of course, a long engine life.
To maintain the functionality of the main components and assemblies in the car system, you cannot do without engine oil. That is why it is advisable for every owner to know what kind of oil to pour into the Chevrolet Cruze engine, so that the power unit will delight you with stable and trouble-free operation.
Depending on the region in which the car is operated, a lubricant with a certain degree of viscosity is selected. Generals Motors recommends that Chevrolet Cruze owners use motor fluid with a viscosity of 5W30. But it is possible to use another type of lubricant if various external and internal factors force it. It is advisable to fill power units with a certified DEXOS2 product. This oil meets all requirements, which is why it was approved by the Chevrolet Cruze manufacturer. It is also worth saying that DEXOS is initially poured into the engine of a Chevrolet car at the factory.
However, the manufacturer allows the use of lubricant from other companies, but in compliance with the recommended viscosity. This characteristic can be seen on the packaging label when purchasing the product at a car store. SAE 5W30 oil is the ideal lubricant, but Chevrolet Cruze owners should avoid substances with characteristics of 10W-30 or 10W-40 if possible. Also, many drivers are interested in the question of when should they change the oil in a Chevrolet Cruze? There are also no special features here: it is best to replace it every 10 thousand km. If the car runs on low quality fuel, then it is advisable to do all the work a little earlier.
Sometimes getting lubricating fluid from a particular company is not so easy. Plus, the engine oil initially filled at the factory is intended for the vehicle's break-in period. Therefore, many drivers often look for an alternative to the product recommended by General Motors. Since the operating instructions for the Chevrolet Cruze 1.6, 1.9 are not strictly linked to any brand, you can choose a suitable option among other offers. The main rule is that the lubricant meets all the requirements in terms of its characteristics.
- Motul Specific Dexos 2 5W-30 is a synthetic product that contains a complete package of additives necessary for the engine;
- Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A1 is a motor fluid developed using unique technology from Castrol. Characterized by high protective properties;
- Motul X-clean 8100 is a synthetic with stable high viscosity. Forms the highest quality oil film;
- Shell Ultra 5W-30 - significantly extends the life of the main power unit of the machine. Protects against corrosion and helps maintain the cleanliness of the internal structural elements of the motor.
Generals Motors accepts the use of products from these manufacturers. Therefore, the owner of a Chevrolet Cruze has almost complete freedom of action. No strict conditions or rules, only recommendations on characteristics.
What kind of fluid do car owners fill in the Chevrolet Cruze?
To change the engine oil in a Chevrolet Cruze, you need to acquire: a 5-liter canister of new fluid, an oil filter, and a new rubber gasket for the plug on the crankcase. The replacement procedure is no different from replacement on other brands of cars. The article number of the original filter is 96879797, and the factory-type engine oil is 1942003. Before switching to another fluid for car engine components and assemblies, it would not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with what oil is best to fill in the Chevrolet Cruze 1.6, 1.9, according to reviews from car owners:
Owners of the sedan note the confident and stable operation of the power unit with GM Dexos 2 5W-30 engine oil, which is recommended by General Motors engineers. But in some cases it is more expedient and more economical to switch to a similar product from other manufacturers.
According to the manufacturer's recommendations, it is necessary to change little in the engine of a Chevrolet Cruze approximately every 15,000 kilometers. Replacement is part of the machine's scheduled routine maintenance.
Control panel for replacing and monitoring engine oil
Every motorist must ensure compliance with the frequency of certain events. When a deadline approaches, the information message “ CHANGE ENGINE OIL", which in Russian means: you need to change the oil urgently.
Urgently - no later than 500 kilometers after the first warning appears.
How often does it need to be replaced?
In practice, due to certain circumstances, the oil does not mature for its intended duration. What is the reason? Is this the result of using the wrong brand, type or type? Yes and no. This is just one of the options. In the conditions in which the vehicle is operated, additional factors arise that influence the issue of choosing the appropriate replacement time.
The period is rapidly decreasing, since its duration is influenced by such factors:
- quality of fuel used;
- vehicle operating conditions;
- average annual air temperatures;
- chemical composition and viscosity of the oil;
- driver's driving style - throttling;
- dustiness of the area;
- the age of the car, its mileage, engine condition.
Under all equally possible conditions, the service life of consumables can be reduced to 10,000 kilometers or even less.
Color is crucial
The above points should always be taken into account in combination to determine the time to replace worn oil with a new one.
The most effective way to determine the condition of the lubricant is to check its color.
The characteristic darkening and cloudy consistency indicates that time is running out. It does not matter exactly how much time has passed since the last replacement.
What kind of oil to pour into a Chevrolet Cruze engine
When the LED indicator “Code 79” lights up on the dashboard, which indicates that there is insufficient volume in the system.
It's time to start seriously worrying. First, you need to have accurate information about the last procedure: what exactly was poured into the engine, what viscosity and composition. When the information is available, it is not difficult to add the missing amount.
What to do if there is no exactly the same oil
This is the type of oil that came from the factory.
Is it allowed to mix oils from different manufacturers? The main requirement is exact compliance with characteristics . If this condition is met, then you don’t have to worry about a specific brand. What to do when there is no one that is absolutely suitable in terms of key characteristics? You can then add any desired viscosity, but not more than one liter. This procedure can be repeated only once per cycle.
For example, it is acceptable to use such varieties ACEA brands :
- A3/B4;
- A3/B3.
There are those that cannot be topped up under any circumstances:
- ACEA A1/B1;
- ACEA A5/A5.
Neglecting this warning can completely damage the engine.
Video about checking original oil
Chevrolet Cruze engine oil volume
After a complete replacement, a little less than two liters should remain from five liters.
- 1.4 and 1.6 = 3.5 liters ,
- 1.8 = 4.5 liters.
What types are suitable for complete replacement?
Motul X-clean 8100 5w40 oil is deservedly popular.
General Motors has nothing against those oils that have been tested and also have a special certificate under the terms of DEXOS2. Equally, it does not matter who produced the consumables.
Suitable for use:
- GM Dexos 2 5W – 30;
- Motul SPECIFIC DEXOS 2 5W – 30;
- Castrol Magnatec 5W – 30 A1;
- Motul X-clean 8100 5w40;
- any others whose viscosity is 5W – 30.
What you will need to complete the procedure
Now the original oil is made in Russia!
In order for the replacement to take place wisely, taking into account all preventive measures, you must have a full set of consumables:
- engine oil volume 5 liters (original GM Dexos2 5W – 30 It has article 1942003);
- flushing if the brand or viscosity changes;
- Oil filter ( article number 96879797);
- rubber gasket, which is designed for a plug on the engine crankcase ( article number 90528145 or 94525114).
conclusions
If the car is still under warranty, then it is better to contact the dealership to replace the old oil. Specialists will be able to avoid confusion - they will fill in exactly the consumables that are needed. The process is not particularly expensive, but it will obviously be more convenient for the car to receive new lubricating fluid in comfortable conditions adapted for this.