Oil choice for Suzuki Vitara 1.6

[Retet]

I've just bought a low mileage Vitara with the 1.6 NA petrol engine. I would like to do an oil change, as the car did not come with a service book, so I've no idea when it was last serviced.
I've checked the manual for the correct oil recommendation. However, it reads as follows:

"Check that the engine oil you use comes
under the quality classification as listed
below:

• ACEA A1/B1, A3/B3, A3/B4, A5/B5
• API SL, SM, SN
• ILSAC GF-3, GF-4, GF-5"

And it says you can use either 0w20, 5w30, 10w30, or 10w40. But that 0w20 is recommended.

I have no idea what spec oil to go with. It almost sounds like I can use anything. Anyone got any advice on what oil would be best?
I'm not too concerned with maximising fuel efficiency. I would just like the engine to last as long as possible.

 

[Jetronic]

if you want longevity, A3/B4 out of those specs.

 

[GSCJR]

 

[martinq]

What's your operating (ambient) temperature range? I've got a few Suzuki's (1.3 & 1.6) and I've used everything from 0w20 to 5w40 in them.

I'd recommend an API SP, 5w30 as a start. Depending on how much you use it and the temperature range I'd adjust as necessary.

If money is no object I'd probably steer to a premium 0w or 5w40 from Amsoil / Redline. The '40' is what's going to give you the longest engine life (least wear) assuming you're changing the oil on time and not overheating / underheating it.

Send us details on your use case and maybe we can narrow it down.

 

[Retet]

What's your operating (ambient) temperature range? I've got a few Suzuki's (1.3 & 1.6) and I've used everything from 0w20 to 5w40 in them.

I'd recommend an API SP, 5w30 as a start. Depending on how much you use it and the temperature range I'd adjust as necessary.

If money is no object I'd probably steer to a premium 0w or 5w40 from Amsoil / Redline. The '40' is what's going to give you the longest engine life (least wear) assuming you're changing the oil on time and not overheating / underheating it.

Send us details on your use case and maybe we can narrow it down.

I'm in the UK, so temperatures range between -5 and +30°C. I typically do around 6k miles a year, but a lot of that is short journeys of around 5 miles each. I hope to keep the car for at least 10 years.

Given that Suzuki recommends the 0W20, would there be no adverse effects from going with a 40?

 

[Passport1]

I have a 2006 Grand Vitara with the 2.7 v6. I've used 5w30 its entire life. Runs great, 155K miles. These suvs are very good vehicles.

 

[Retet]

if you want longevity, A3/B4 out of those specs.

I gather that an A3/B4 oil is a higher SAPS oil than an A5/B5 oil? Therefore more protection against wear?

 

[Wireman1987]

Given that Suzuki recommends the 0W20, would there be no adverse effects from going with a 40?

Why do you feel a 40wt is needed?

 

[Retet]

Why do you feel a 40wt is needed?

Thats what martinq suggested, above.

 

[facility1]

go for a synthetic 5w30 of your choice and good filter,with a 5k change out .

 

[martinq]

I'm in the UK, so temperatures range between -5 and +30°C. I typically do around 6k miles a year, but a lot of that is short journeys of around 5 miles each. I hope to keep the car for at least 10 years.

Given that Suzuki recommends the 0W20, would there be no adverse effects from going with a 40?

If it was me I'd run 5w40 and change it every year (6000 miles) but the short trips would push me to cut that in half (3k miles).

You could do like I do and run heavy in the summer (10w30 to 15w40) and lighter synthetic in the winter (0w30 to 5w30). This improves your cold starting performance in the winter and might save you money in the summer.

I'd change the oil filter once a year.

 

[Wireman1987]

0W20 GF-6 DEXOS

 

[Jetronic]

I gather that an A3/B4 oil is a higher SAPS oil than an A5/B5 oil? Therefore more protection against wear?

No they are both full SAPS, all A/B oils are. But it has a higher (minimal) viscosity to protect against wear

 

[Jetronic]

View attachment 253357

since it's ESP, it's not going to be ACEA A/B and C wasn't listed as appropriate (for some obscure reason)

 

[GSCJR]

TBH @Jetronic, I originally read 0w30 was recommended not 0w-20. I later figured that a 1.6L petrol is not going to thrash that 0w30 ESP anywhere close to what a BlueTec would and kept my recommendation. Thoughts?

 

[Jetronic]

TBH @Jetronic, I originally read 0w30 was recommended not 0w-20. I later figured that a 1.6L petrol is not going to thrash that 0w30 ESP anywhere close to what a BlueTec would and kept my recommendation. Thoughts?

I think it's an excellent choice myself. I don't get why ACEA C oils aren't listed but Ilsac is....

But, In my experience, petrol engines are worse on oils than diesels, bar the soot.

 

[ka9mnx]

Try finding an ACEA A/B 0w-20 oil. A 5w30 with an ACEA A/B spec would be my choice.

 

[martinq]

Why do you feel a 40wt is needed?

When the OP states,

"I'm not too concerned with maximising fuel efficiency. I would just like the engine to last as long as possible.",

That tells me that a 20 is off the table and opens up to a 40. Also, the temperature range doesn't necessitate a 0w, a 5w has plenty of low-temp operating range available.

 

[JavierH19]

Where are you located exactly since specific recommendations change.

But to answer your question you can use anything you want unless 1 it gets very cold or 2 it needs to pass emissions and can't burn anything high saps but that may not an issue for you and if it hopefully isn't I wouldn't worry about it.

If it was mine I'd be using any 15w40 if it doesn't go close to -20c but 10w30 diesel oil is good too If it's the same price since it's good down to -30c.

European rated 0/5w30/40 oils are also a good option. I wouldn't use something under 3.5 hths if I wanted it to last as long as possible. Don't forget the other things like brake fluid, coolant, transmission, and axles.

 

[daves87rs]

Sounds like MI weather.

5w30 will be fine!