A modern, lightweight SUV is a “people’s” car of optimal quality and low cost. Widespread use in the primary and secondary markets provokes the emergence of questions such as what kind of oil to pour into a Chevrolet Niva engine to achieve maximum service life without loss of performance characteristics. There are a large number of answers on the forums, but they are not always accurate or correct. Only the vehicle manufacturer can provide the most accurate information.
What is motor oil for?
The lubricant poured into a car engine must perform 5 functions:
- protect metal from corrosion;
- reduce the rate of engine wear;
- help reduce operating temperature;
- remove fuel combustion waste;
- reduce friction.
In addition, internal combustion engine lubricant can solve other problems. For example, cleaning the engine or neutralizing the resulting chemicals to improve environmental friendliness of emissions. Whether it can cope with them depends on the additives added by the manufacturer.
How often to change
The standard service interval for a car engine is 15,000 kilometers. The length is set by the manufacturer based on the operation of the machine under moderate loads, filling with high-quality fuel and the oil itself.
In practice, not a single lubricant can withstand the stated time. The presence of a large number of negative factors forces users to perform maintenance already at 6,500 km, reeled off by the speedometer. This is due to the use of gasoline of questionable quality, increased dust conditions and critical overloads when driving. In some cases, replacement is carried out already at 5000 km.
You should also take into account the characteristic features of the car; the manufacturer recommends carrying out the first maintenance at a mileage of 2500 kilometers, after the process of running in all components and mechanisms. After the start of operation, the blocks require grinding in; the process is accompanied by the appearance of metal dust and shavings, which sharply reduces the performance of lubricants and their normal operating time.
Types of motor oil
Depending on the manufacturing method, there are 3 types of engine oil. They vary in price and performance characteristics.
Mineral
Mineral engine lubricant is made by distilling petroleum.
Thanks to this, it is the cheapest of all compounds. Low price is the only advantage. This product has many disadvantages:
- High viscosity in cold weather, leading to problems with starting and oil starvation of the engine.
- Loss of protective properties at high operating temperatures.
- Shorter replacement interval.
Synthetic
Such compositions are synthesized from esters or polyalphaolefins.
This is the most expensive, but at the same time the highest quality product.
It retains its properties for a long time and is resistant to temperature changes. Such lubricants provide better metal protection due to the fact that the molecules of the base substance from which they are made have polarity.
Semi-synthetic
Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of mineral and synthetic lubricants. There are no requirements for their ratio. Most often, the amount of the second type of product in the composition does not exceed 20-40%.
This approach allows the price of oils to be reduced enough so that it can compete with mineral oils. At the same time, the combined product significantly exceeds the natural one in terms of performance. It is considered the best option for owners of budget used cars.
Factory standards
At the manufacturing plant, each composition receives 2 types of markings:
- SAE class indicating the viscosity of the product;
- class reflecting the quality of the lubricant.
The most modern options are SN according to API and GF-6 according to ILSAC.
Realities of 2021
What kind of motor oil should you buy for your Chevrolet in 2019? Even though this car is inherently indestructible among all cars of this type, it is recommended to fill it with only the best product. The most important thing to do when selecting oil for a Niva car is to take into account all the temperature conditions under which the car will operate. Another important parameter is the money that customers can spend on oil without harming their wallet.
Important: it is strongly not recommended to pour mineral types of lubricants into a Chevrolet Niva car, since these types of lubricants have become obsolete for many years and at the same time, these lubricants are not able to show the maximum possible technical results in cold and hot weather. Such fuels and lubricants burn quite strongly when heated, and are also unable to properly treat the internal elements, and this ultimately creates rapid wear and high gasoline consumption.
What kind of oil to fill in the Niva Chevrolet engine
Before choosing a lubricant for Niva Chevrolet, you need to carefully read the vehicle data sheet. According to this document, oil with viscosity values from 0W-30 to 15W-40 is poured into the engine. Any type of product will work for this car.
But it is still recommended to give preference to semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds.
There is no mineral lubricant among the original Lada oils.
Main selection criteria
When choosing a lubricant for an internal combustion engine, you need to consider 3 main factors:
- manufacturer's recommendations;
- age and condition of the engine;
- climatic features of the area where the car is operated.
The owner of a new Chevy Niva can choose almost any lubricant depending on his financial capabilities and preferences. If the car has been in use for a long time, you should fill in the type and class of oil that was used before. It is not recommended to suddenly switch from a mineral product to a synthetic one.
Shell
Shell is a leading specialist in the production of synthetic oils. For the Niva model, the Shell Ultra, Shell Helix Plus Ultra and others series of oils are suitable. In general, this oil is suitable for cars of any class. The lubricant in question has a special protection technology and is made with various innovative additives. Together with them, the engine components are lubricated and cleaned much faster. Shell oil is recommended for use in cold climates and in severe road conditions.
The best motor oils for Niva Chevrolet
There is no need to pour exclusively original Lada oil into the Niva Chevrolet engine.
It can be replaced with lubricant from another manufacturer with the same characteristics.
Or even choose a mixture with a different viscosity if it is more suitable for climatic conditions.
Rosneft
For the Chevrolet Niva, the Magnum Ultratec series marked 5W-40 is best suited. A synthetic product is produced under it. A more economical option is Maximum 10W-40.
Both products have good protective properties that can reduce engine wear even under high loads.
But car owners often speak negatively about its cleaning properties.
Gazpromneft
Gazpromneft Premium N 5W-40 oil is a synthetic mixture from the budget segment. It protects the engine from oil starvation and prevents the appearance of corrosion spots even when using low-quality fuel. Car enthusiasts appreciate this product for its low likelihood of counterfeiting, but note that when using it, problems with starting may occur at temperatures below -25°C.
NGN
The GOLD 5w-40 and NORD series with a viscosity index of 5w-30 are suitable for Niva. These are fully synthetic oils. They create a durable film on the engine that does not drain even when the car is idle for a long time. The additive package used by the manufacturer provides an anti-wear effect on the metal and promotes fuel economy due to better combustion.
Lukoil
For domestic cars, the optimal product from Lukoil is considered to be Lux 5w-40 oil. It is specially designed to protect the engine when operating in urban environments. The composition of the lubricant allows it to create a dense film on all parts, even with frequent stops. The composition includes additives with increased cleaning properties. This should be taken into account by owners of cars with high mileage, for whom the use of such mixtures can be dangerous.
Shell
Experts give a positive assessment to Shell Helix HX8 and Shell Helix Ultra oils with a viscosity of 5W-40. These are fully synthetic mixtures that are characterized by low consumption and minimize engine wear. The Ultra series also has excellent cleaning properties and provides the highest possible protection against sludge.
Valvoline
A good option for Niva would be the SynPower and Maxlife series from Valvoline. These products are characterized by low volatility. They also have high thermal stability and practically do not change their viscosity throughout the entire period of operation.
Zic
Niva owners recommend ZIC X9 5W-40 oil. This is a synthetic product made based on the company’s own developments. The set of additives used in it contains phosphorus, zinc, boron and calcium. The lubricant effectively cleans the engine of old deposits and prevents the formation of new ones.
Castrol
Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 was developed taking into account the climatic conditions of Russia. Ensures easy starting even at temperatures below -35°C. The oil forms a durable film that protects the engine even after long periods of inactivity and when operating in start-stop mode. The product is resistant to oxidation and has low volatility. But some car enthusiasts believe that its price is too high.
Neste
Chevrolet owners prefer the City Standard brand. It is available in different viscosity options and is suitable for harsh winters. The product is designed for use in urban environments. It contains protective additives that remain effective throughout the entire period of operation.
Motul
The 300V line receives the most positive reviews. It produces fully synthetic ester-based oils. This series is positioned as products for sports cars. The lubricant has increased protective properties and does not lose them at elevated temperatures and at high speeds. The main disadvantage of the product is the short replacement interval.
Liqui Moly
The Synthoil High TecH line is a synthetic product based on polyalphaolefins. Drivers note that its use makes the engine much quieter. This effect persists throughout the entire period of operation. It has low soot consumption and an optimal alkalinity number.
TNK
TNK Magnum Motor Plus 10W 40 is a semi-synthetic product developed specifically for VAZ engines. It is suitable primarily for used cars, because... stabilizes engine operation and helps maintain the elasticity of rubber gaskets. The manufacturer uses a viscosity modifier of its own design. This composition ensures high stability of performance even at high temperatures.
Luxe
Chevrolet owners prefer 2 lines of this manufacturer: Hit and Gold. These are semi-synthetic products in the budget segment with good performance characteristics. The additives used in it are capable of filling irregularities in the metal surface, reducing friction, and providing increased protection during low-temperature engine starts. At the same time, the oil has low waste consumption and low volatility.
Conclusion
Chevrolet Niva is filled with GM dexos2 5W30 engine oil from the factory. So, many car enthusiasts, in addition to this lubricant, also recommend: PC SUPREME 10W40, Shell Helix 10W40 or 5W30, WINDIGO 5W40, Lukoil 10W40, Mobil Super 3000 5w-40. If a car owner decides to change the marking or viscosity of the engine oil in the power unit, it is recommended to flush the engine.
Motor oil is a complex mixture of various chemical compounds. There are many companies, both domestic and foreign, involved in the production of motor oils. There are also counterfeit companies that produce fakes. Before choosing an oil, not only beginners, but also experienced motorists need to be vigilant. Using the popular Chevrolet Niva SUV as an example, we will look at what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing oil, and also consider the best companies.
Let's go straight to the approved companies and name the recommended oil parameters for the Chevrolet Niva.
The best services for selecting motor oils
To select oils, it is best to use the service offered by an online store with a good reputation (for example, EuroAuto).
To use the service, you need to indicate:
- car make and model;
- engine's type.
After this, the program will offer a list of manufacturers whose product lines contain compounds that meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. The second option is to search for the required tolerances:
- type of base oil;
- product viscosity;
- API specifications.
A similar service can be found in the online store Exist.ru.
Anyone who knows exactly what brand of lubricant he needs can use the selection service posted on the website of the official dealer of this brand. A similar service is offered by all leading manufacturers, incl. Castrol, Lukoil, Mobil.
Castrol Magnatic
For Chevrolet Niva, Castrol Magnatic oil with parameters 5W-40 is suitable. It is also advisable to use an option with additives that contain molecules that attract oil to parts. In other words, this allows the oil to remain on the walls of the parts for a long time, even several days after inactivity. And then the liquid is drained into the crankcase. In addition, additives ensure the safety of parts and protect them from premature wear. The oil has a transparent shade and high consistency.
Useful tips
Expert advice on choosing engine oil comes down to 3 key points:
- Focus not on choosing the best brand, but on a obviously original product. It is better to buy a lubricant from a more budget-friendly brand in an official store than to try to save money by purchasing a top-end mixture from a dubious retail outlet.
- The more famous the manufacturer, the more careful you need to be so as not to encounter counterfeit goods. Therefore, mixtures from less popular brands are preferable. At the same time, products sold in metal containers are least likely to be counterfeited.
- Choose a product with a minimum viscosity from those recommended by the manufacturer. This will have a positive effect on fuel consumption, especially in winter.
When selecting oil, you need to take into account a number of subtleties. For example, manufacturers often indicate directly on the canister which brands of cars their product is suitable for. There are 2 types of designations:
- “approved” - indicates that the specified automaker conducted an analysis of the lubricant and agreed that it meets the requirements;
- “complies” means that the suitability of the composition for the declared brand is confirmed only by its manufacturer.
Experienced drivers believe that there is no point in choosing exclusively a foreign brand. Russian factories also supply products based on high-quality base oils and containing all the necessary additives.
However, the best option is still synthetic or semi-synthetic. Exotic options (for example, polyalkylene glycol grease or ester compound with the addition of microceramics) are prohibitively expensive and have the same replacement interval. The standard operating mode of the car does not allow their improved protective qualities to be revealed. The use of such products is not financially justified.
As for changing the oil, it is recommended not to coincide with the mileage, but to carry it out if the drop test reveals that the lubricant is unsuitable. This check is performed as follows:
- lower the dipstick into the warm liquid;
- remove the device and drip it onto a coffee maker filter or newspaper;
- If the oil clumps up, it's time to change it.
During such a check, lubricant that has not yet reached the end of its service life will spread in concentric circles.
Factors that affect lubricant quality
When selecting automobile oil for a Chevrolet Niva, it is worth taking into account many of the most important parameters that the car will experience during its operation. If you are the owner of a Chevrolet Niva, we advise you to take into account the weather conditions in which the car is planned to be used.
In a car store, specialists will most likely offer you many types of motor lubricants, which will differ in cost and viscosity parameters.
The engine lubricant container usually indicates the main operating parameters of this product.
Pay attention to the viscosity value. This parameter will most likely differ if you are considering 2 types of lubricant: for work in warm and cold periods
Also, the manufacturer often offers a universal type of oil that successfully combines the characteristics of both winter and summer versions.
Reviews from car owners
All brands listed in the review received only positive reviews from Chevrolet owners. Energy-saving qualities and a positive effect on the engine were noted: quieter operation and easier starting in winter. Experienced car enthusiasts speak negatively about the use of mineral compounds. The general consensus is that they increase fuel consumption and worsen the condition of the engine.
In your experience, how justified is the purchase of expensive formulations?
- What kind of oil to pour into the 126 Priora engine
- TOP car seats for children
- Better decoking of piston rings
- Rating of online auto parts stores
- Motor oil 5w40 synthetic
- Liquid sealant for car cooling system
- What kind of oil to pour into the engine
Owners' opinion
In principle, car owners most often use the products that we have already discussed above. And the leader in the popular vote is Lukoil oil. The Chevrolet Niva drives it more often than other options, if you believe the reviews of the owners of these cars, and there is no reason not to believe them. We provide only statistics and facts. In general, everyone finds the answer to the question of which engine oil is best for the Chevrolet Niva for themselves, based on their experience, which is acquired in the process of owning a car.
