Engine oil, straight up

What oil does your engine take?

Match the right grade, pick between synthetic and conventional, and know what every leak and warning light actually means.

Or start with a grade

The grade chart

The number on the jug, in plain English

Most "what oil?" questions are really grade questions. Here is what the common ones are built for.

0W-20

Newer engines, cold climates. Thinnest flow for fast starts and fuel economy.

5W-30

The all-rounder. The most common spec in North America.

5W-40

Performance & diesel. Holds thicker when hot — turbos and towing.

10W-40

Older or high-mileage. Extra hot-viscosity cushion for worn engines.

Our standard

Right grade, right car — or it is just noise.

Oil advice is worthless if it ignores your engine's spec. Everything here anchors to what the manufacturer actually calls for.

01

Anchored to OEM specs

Grades and approvals trace to owner's-manual requirements and standards like API and ILSAC.

02

Myths flagged

The 3,000-mile rule and "thicker is better" get called out where they show up, with the reasoning.

03

Honest limits

If a guide and your manual disagree, the manual wins — and we say so. Read the editorial policy.

Complete guide

how to change oil

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