How to tell what kind of oil your car needs - ConsumerReports.org
It will list what type of oil the automaker recommends for your car. The most important thing is to use oil that’s the right thickness, or viscosity, for your car’s engine. Your owner’s manual may recommend an acceptable alternative-weight oil if you can’t find the recommended product. Oils must also comply with different quality standards. The standards required for your car will also be listed in your owner’s manual. Others have their own standards that don’t necessarily correspond to SAE or API standards. Any car dealer who sells the brand, and most auto parts stores, list which oils conform to these standards. Because standard motor oil can't meet many of these standards, many of today’s cars require synthetic oils. Although some mechanics will swear by certain brands of oil, it’s most important to use the right weight of oil that meets the required standards. Source: www.consumerreports.org
