When you own a second-hand car, every liter of engine oil counts like never before. The correct oil not only safeguards ageing parts but also maintains performance and mileage in check. At Vaishno Motors, we want your old car to behave as well on day two hundred as it did on day one—so here’s your guide to making the best engine oil for your used car.
1. Begin with the Owner’s Manual (Always)
First and foremost, always refer to your car’s owner’s manual. It dictates the viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and performance requirements you need to adhere to
Super gen Engine Oils
Autozilot
. Having the right oil is the key to having a healthy engine.
2. Think about the Oil Type: Mineral, Semi-Synthetic, Synthetic
Mineral oil: The cheapest of all. Suitable for older engines or those on a tight budget.
belmontlubricants.com
Autozilla
Semi-synthetic: A compromise—better protection than mineral, cheaper than full synthetic. Excellent choice for mixed driving conditions.
NxCar Blog
Autozilla
Fully synthetic: High-quality protection, particularly in high and low temperature conditions. More durable and protects against sludge and wear
Supergen Engine Oils
NxCar Blog
indiatop.in
. But beware with old engines: synthetic oils can attack poor seals or gaskets. Have a professional mechanical check prior to changing
Tata Capital.
Synthetic oil can be blended with a regular oil engine, but not vice versa… If you don’t know when you last had an oil change since purchasing the used car, best to do a complete oil change.
Reddit
3. Consider Engine Age, Mileage & Driving Conditions
Higher-mileage or older engines tend to work well with high-mileage oil containing special additives that cut down on leaks and oil use
NxCar Blog
. At the same time, urban driving with repeated stop-and-go traffic—all too prevalent in Kolkata—requires oils that shield against repeated heat cycles and idling strain
NxCar Blog
4. Select the Proper Viscosity for Kolkata’s Weather
Kolkata’s tropical heat and rainy monsoon require high oil viscosity:
Season Highly Recommended Grade
Hot/Summer 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50
Mixed Roads 10W-40, 15W-40
Cooling Times 5W-30 (less popular locally)
Thicker oils have a high lubrication film under heat, and are suitable for old engines
indiatop.in Supergen Engine Oils
5. Opt for Quality: API Ratings & Well-Known Brands
Always choose an oil with minimum API SL or SN certification (SN is newer and superior)
Supergen Engine Oils
Wikipedia
. Top brands that are trusted in India are:
Shell Helix Ultra – full-synthetic premium, great in heat and cleaner engines
gaadifix.in
Car Detailing Studio Near Me
Carbike360
. Recently met the 2025 API SQ standard for improved performance
The Times of India
.
Castrol GTX Magnatec 5W-30 – instant protection from engine start-up, suitable for city driving
ngaadifix.in
Mobil 1 5W-30 Synthetic – high-performance, dependable in hot or cold temperatures
ngaadifix.in
Valvoline SynPower 5W-40, Motul 8100 X-cess, Total Quartz 9000, and others are great options depending on requirement
ngaadifix.in
Car Detailing Studio Near Me
Budget-friendly, Belmont Premium 15W-40 / 20W-40 is a good semi-synthetic option below ₹400/L
belmontlubricants.com
6. Real-World Insight from Drivers
Mineral oil is okay, honestly. Synthetic oil is tougher… retains lubrication properties longer … but it is more expensive.”
Reddit
Because it’s an old vehicle… I’d suggest mineral 20W-50. But if the motor is healthy, semi-synthetic 15W-40 or synthetic 5W-30 will suffice.
Reddit
These experiences support that engine condition, rather than cost alone, must direct your oil selection.
Selecting the Best Engine Oil for Your Used Vehicle
Consideration\Recommendation
Check your manual\Stick with OEM viscosity spec
Engine age & mileage\High-mileage or semi-synthetic oils
Climate & driving style\Hot weather: 15W-40 or 10W-40; stop-start traffic: improved additive packages
Oil type\tMineral (cheapest), Semi-synthetic (middle ground), Synthetic (best protection if engine is in good nick)
Brand & certification\tAPI SL/SN, reputable brands such as Shell, Castrol, Mobil, Valvoline
Inject realism\tSynthetic might stress old seals—check first
