Which Oil to Choose for a Turbocharged Car?

Turbocharged Cars

Using turbochargers, aside from the obvious benefits, including increased power output, higher torque, and lower fuel consumption, also comes with certain inconveniences. A turbocharger needs care, such as allowing it to slow down before turning off the car, being gentle with it when the car is not warmed up, and paying special attention to the oil used. And it is precisely on this last issue that we will now focus, seeking the answer to the question – which engine oil to choose for a turbocharged car?

Oils Used in Engines – Types

The most basic division of engine oils relates to the method of their preparation, so we divide oils into:

• mineral – usually the cheapest oils, the base is derived from crude oil. Contains few additives, therefore they are not very durable and resistant to adverse conditions in the engine. They are certainly not a good choice for cars with a turbo. 
• synthetic – as the name suggests, they are obtained through chemical synthesis. It is the most durable but also the most expensive type of oil. Due to the high content of additional additives, they are the most durable among oils and provide the best protection for the working unit. A wide variety due to the achieved parameters allows for a perfect match to the characteristics of a given engine. Their benefits also include engine cleaning, reducing friction (thus reducing fuel and engine component consumption) and the possibility of less frequent replacement intervals. They work excellently in cars equipped with a turbocharger. 
• semi-synthetic – being a mixture of the two types of oils described above. Their parameters are better than mineral oils but significantly worse than synthetics. Their advantage is a lower price. They can be used in some turbodiesels with simpler turbocharger constructions. 

When choosing specific products, it is worth referring to engine oil specifications and engine oil tables.

Next important differences concern viscosity class, including:

• 15w40 – typical for mineral oils,
• 10w40 – found in semi-synthetic and some mineral oils,
• 5w40, 5w30, 0w30 – classes characteristic mainly for synthetic oils. 

The smaller the number before the letter “W”, the lower the viscosity at low temperatures, while the values after “W” relate to resistance to high temperatures (meaning that the greater the difference between the numbers, the more universal the oil). 

What other parameters are worth considering?

About twenty years ago, the most important choice was the viscosity class and the material from which the oil was produced. Today, due to the intensive development of engines and their performance, it is necessary to pay attention to additional parameters such as ash content, API, ACEA standards, and those set by specific car manufacturers. 

API is a set of standards developed by the American Petroleum Institute. Oils with a designation starting with “S” are intended for gasoline engines, e.g., SM and SN are standards introduced in 2004 and 2010, respectively, intended for the most modern designs, including those equipped with turbocharging. Oils with a designation with the letter “C” are intended for Diesels, e.g., CJ-4 – introduced in 2006, describing oils intended for the most modern diesel units, equipped with, among others, turbochargers, DPF, or EGR. 

ACEA standards are more widely used in Europe as they are backed by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The A/B markings refer to oils for gasoline/Diesel engines, and the letter C refers to “eco-friendly” oils used in gasoline and Diesel engines equipped with turbochargers, particulate filters, or direct injection. Cars with a turbodiesel engine equipped with a DPF should use engine oil containing a reduced amount of ash; otherwise, we risk very quickly clogging the filter and accelerating its wear. Such oils can be recognized by the low SAPS designation and specified class – from C1 to C4, which should be selected according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Which oils are worth choosing?

Owners of cars equipped with a turbocharger should not leave the issue of oil choice to chance. Any neglect or search for savings quickly leads to serious problems with lubrication or heat dissipation from the components inside. Therefore, a good engine oil for a turbocharged unit should not only meet the standards and norms required by the constructor but also come from a reputable manufacturer. Many budget brands often highlight the benefits of their products, showcasing information about met norms while not informing that these are not the highest and most stringent requirements. 

One of the most respected engine oil producers in the world is Mobil 1 – a brand that has been producing oils for years that easily exceed the requirements set by car manufacturers or creators of API and ACEA standards. Their extensive experience in oil production (especially synthetics) ensures that the engine and turbocharger in which they are used work under optimal conditions.