What 0w20 for turbo direct injection plug-in hybrid?

[dvancleve]

Howdy folks.

I’m a way off from my first oil change, but I want to keep an eye out for sales and rebates. I’m sticking with 0w20, it’s the only spec’ed viscosity and I’ll be under warranty for the next 9 years plus. Based on recent BITOG research, it seems like the 3 best options are: Valvoline Restore and Protect, one of the hybrid “specific” oils (Mobil 1 or Valvoline), or any Euro/VW508 approved oil. The owners manual only specifies API SP 0w20, so anything that meets that should be fine warranty-wise and that would be the 4th (less good?) option. I’ll be using the OLM system to determine OCIs, and I’ll be maximizing the EV range so the ICE won’t be running much in a normal week.

I’m mostly a lurker here, but here are my thoughts… First, Restore and Protect is Valvoline’s premium product and should keep it clean forever. Second, It seems like a prime candidate for the hybrid oils because the ICE won’t be run much frequently, and fuel/water in the oil seems likely. Lastly, my perception is that Euro spec oils are pretty much always more stout than their domestic counterparts and this drivetrain is pretty hard on the oil. Thoughts, what would y’all choose?

Thanks, Doug

P.S. It’s a 2024 Hyundai Tucson Limited plug-in hybrid

 

[Kansas_Ron]

I might lean toward Quaker State Ultimate Protection. It's easy to find and priced right. There are many solid choices. Spend as a few bucks more if it gives you peace of mind.

 

[HemiBenny]

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20

 

[facility1]

try Castrol EDGE Extended Performance 0w20, its a good oil would be my first choice,or Pennzoil Ultra Platium 0w-20 is a very good oil,, decent for your app. there is nothing special about Mobil 1,,,many brands will produce similar results..

 

[HemiBenny]

OP, pick a 0w20 of your choice, it doesn't matter, and go with it.

You'll have every brand mentioned here, and you'll still have to pick one.

 

[Reloader59]

I just changed over to Miobil 1 EP 0W-20. Looks like great oil for the price. See how it does in 5k.

 

[GRjdm]

any mass market premium 0W-20 should go GTG.
Currently using Pennzoil Ultra Platium 0W-20 because I bought a bunch when it was on sale.

 

[gunnellett]

I just picked some of this stuff up for my son's girlfriend's hybrid Escape.

I haven't used this oil before but I've read positive reviews here. I figure at 25 bucks for 6 quarts and a 10 dollar Microgard Select filter, that will be less than 40 bucks for an oil change using quality stuff.

 

[fantastic]

Yeah, a hybrid 0w-20 is a great start for your vehicle. API should cover all of them off the shelf.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Mobil 1 5w-30. Good for life.

 

[GW.]

I just picked some of this stuff up for my son's girlfriend's hybrid Escape.

I haven't used this oil before but I've read positive reviews here. I figure at 25 bucks for 6 quarts and a 10 dollar Microgard Select filter, that will be less than 40 bucks for an oil change using quality stuff.

View attachment 307031

Great combo

 

[ATex7239]

Good suggestions here. I’d want to use a more premium offer like many recommended. That engine will be going through some extreme conditions.

 

[dvancleve]

Based on a week or so of reading up on hybrids and 0w20 here, I’m leaning toward a Euro spec 0w20 rather than Valvoline Restore and Protect or one of the hybrid/suitable oils. Mine will be run EV for most city driving, and hybrid/ICE for highway driving. I suspect that many weeks the ICE will only turn on accidentally and briefly, and when it is intentionally run the oil will come up to temp. It seems to me that the biggest concern is whether 0w20 is really thinner than ideal. If that’s correct, euros spec’ed oils seem the most robust of non-boutique options and Mobil 1 ESP X2 is probably the way to go

I’ll have to do some digging, but I don’t think my car will display oil temp. About how long does the ICE need to run to heat up the oil enough to burn off fuel and water? Thanks again!

 

[Blagoje]

Based on a week or so of reading up on hybrids and 0w20 here, I’m leaning toward a Euro spec 0w20 rather than Valvoline Restore and Protect or one of the hybrid/suitable oils. Mine will be run EV for most city driving, and hybrid/ICE for highway driving. I suspect that many weeks the ICE will only turn on accidentally and briefly, and when it is intentionally run the oil will come up to temp. It seems to me that the biggest concern is whether 0w20 is really thinner than ideal. If that’s correct, euros spec’ed oils seem the most robust of non-boutique options and Mobil 1 ESP X2 is probably the way to go

I’ll have to do some digging, but I don’t think my car will display oil temp. About how long does the ICE need to run to heat up the oil enough to burn off fuel and water? Thanks again!

In terms of vaporizing fuel in oil, it's not a matter of time but rather temperature. Typically fuel will vaporize at 210-212 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

I don't know why you would believe that 0w20 is "thinner than ideal?". What is your presupposition as to what is ideal? You are stating that you want to vaporize fuel dilution, which requires higher temperatures, which would make a lighter oil a more ideal choice. What precisely are your concerns about something like Mobil 1 ESP 0W20 being "too thin?"

 

[dvancleve]

In terms of vaporizing fuel in oil, it's not a matter of time but rather temperature. Typically fuel will vaporize at 210-212 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

I don't know why you would believe that 0w20 is "thinner than ideal?". What is your presupposition as to what is ideal? You are stating that you want to vaporize fuel dilution, which requires higher temperatures, which would make a lighter oil a more ideal choice. What precisely are your concerns about something like Mobil 1 ESP 0W20 being "too thin?"

I don’t necessarily believe 0w20 is too thin, but a lot of folks here (or at least a vocal minority) seem to think so. I was suggesting that if that has some truth, then the more robust options (Euro spec) would be the best choice. Since I believe mine will mostly either not be running on gas, or will be running on gas for a reasonable amount of time, it seems like the water/fuel buffering ability of the hybrid oils would be less important than tougher specs

 

[gunnellett]

In terms of vaporizing fuel in oil, it's not a matter of time but rather temperature. Typically fuel will vaporize at 210-212 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

I don't know why you would believe that 0w20 is "thinner than ideal?". What is your presupposition as to what is ideal? You are stating that you want to vaporize fuel dilution, which requires higher temperatures, which would make a lighter oil a more ideal choice. What precisely are your concerns about something like Mobil 1 ESP 0W20 being "too thin?"

Would a lighter oil result in higher temperatures? Are we talking oil temp?

 

[Blagoje]

I don’t necessarily believe 0w20 is too thin, but a lot of folks here (or at least a vocal minority) seem to think so.

There are a lot of people here who are full of

Mobil's ESP products have an exceptional track record, if you're using them as recommended in your application I would submit that they are arguably the best off the shelf product you can get.

 

[kschachn]

In terms of vaporizing fuel in oil, it's not a matter of time but rather temperature. Typically fuel will vaporize at 210-212 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

I don't know why you would believe that 0w20 is "thinner than ideal?". What is your presupposition as to what is ideal? You are stating that you want to vaporize fuel dilution, which requires higher temperatures, which would make a lighter oil a more ideal choice. What precisely are your concerns about something like Mobil 1 ESP 0W20 being "too thin?"

Thicker oils generate more heat during operation. Shear heating in the bearings is the primary source of heat.

However, between a -20 grade and a -30 grade it will be quite small in regards to the bulk temperature.

 

[webfors]

30 weight will be a 20 weight in 2,000kms. Ain't nobody can tell what viscosity you put in, and I'll bet my four motorcycles that no dealer would EVER send an oil out for sample unless there were signs of lubrication related failure (which happens almost never).

So I'm going to disagree and say Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30.

 

[Faawrenchbndr]

Well, the thing to think about here would be, what does the manufacturer recommend?
I always tend to use the recommended oil weight for the temperature range I am expecting.
I also use the best oil that I can afford. Oil is cheap, engines aren’t.

Is extremely important for a hybrid that has a start stop feature.