Choosing the right engine oil for your vehicle is essential for optimal performance, longevity, and efficiency. Different engine types require specific oil grades to function effectively, and using the wrong oil can lead to engine wear, poor fuel efficiency, and costly repairs.
In this post, we will provide an engine oil compatibility chart to help you select the best oil for your car, motorcycle, or truck.
Engine Oil Compatibility Chart
1. Engine Oil Compatibility by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Engine Type | Recommended Oil Type | SAE Viscosity Grade | API Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | Gasoline | Synthetic/Conventional | 5W-30, 10W-30 | API SN, SP |
| Diesel Trucks | Diesel | Synthetic/Diesel Oil | 15W-40, 5W-40 | API CK-4 |
| Motorcycles | 4-Stroke | Synthetic Motorcycle Oil | 10W-40, 20W-50 | API SN, JASO MA |
| ATVs & UTVs | 4-Stroke | Synthetic ATV Oil | 10W-40 | API SL |
| Hybrid Vehicles | Gasoline/Electric | Full Synthetic | 0W-20, 5W-30 | API SN Plus |
| Performance Cars | Turbocharged Gasoline | Full Synthetic | 0W-40, 5W-40 | API SP |
Read Engine Oil Specification Chart(A to Z Guide)
2. Engine Oil Compatibility by Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Recommended Oil Type | SAE Viscosity Grade | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Synthetic | 0W-20, 5W-30 | API SN, ILSAC GF-6 |
| Honda | Synthetic | 0W-20, 5W-30 | API SN, ILSAC GF-6 |
| Ford | Synthetic | 5W-30, 10W-30 | API SP, Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 |
| Chevrolet | Synthetic | 5W-30, 10W-40 | API SN, Dexos 1 Gen 2 |
| BMW | Full Synthetic | 0W-30, 5W-30 | BMW LL-01 |
| Mercedes-Benz | Full Synthetic | 0W-40, 5W-40 | MB 229.5 |
| Volkswagen | Full Synthetic | 0W-30, 5W-40 | VW 504 00 / 507 00 |
Read Engine Oil Weight Chart(Comprehensive Guide)
3. Engine Oil Compatibility for Diesel Engines
| Diesel Engine Type | Recommended Oil Type | SAE Viscosity Grade | API Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Diesel (Pickup Trucks, SUVs) | Synthetic Diesel Oil | 5W-40, 15W-40 | API CK-4, CJ-4 |
| Heavy-Duty Diesel (Freight Trucks, Buses) | High-Mileage Diesel Oil | 15W-40 | API CI-4, CK-4 |
| Turbocharged Diesel | Full Synthetic Diesel Oil | 5W-40 | API CJ-4, CK-4 |
| Agricultural Equipment (Tractors, Combines) | Conventional Diesel Oil | 15W-40 | API CI-4 |
Read Kubota Engine Oil Capacity Chart(Models A to Z)
What Is Engine Oil Compatibility?
Engine oil compatibility refers to the suitability of a specific oil type for a particular engine. Various factors determine compatibility, including viscosity, API classification, manufacturer recommendations, and engine type.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil
Before using the engine oil compatibility chart, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence engine oil selection:
- Viscosity Grade (SAE Rating) – Indicates oil thickness at different temperatures (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40).
- API Classification – Specifies performance levels (e.g., API SN, API SP for gasoline engines, API CK-4 for diesel engines).
- Manufacturer Specifications – Brands like BMW, Ford, Honda, and Toyota have their own oil requirements.
- Driving Conditions – Cold climates require low-viscosity oils (0W-20), while hot regions need higher viscosity (10W-40).
- Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil – Synthetic oils offer better performance, longevity, and protection compared to conventional oils.
Read Engine Oil Grades Chart(Grade A to Z Guide)
Base Oil Compatibility Guide
| Oil Type 1 | Oil Type 2 | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Oil | Mineral Oil | Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | PAO | Partially Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | Ester | Highly Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | Polyglycol | Not Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | Methyl Silicone | Not Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | Femi Silicone | Highly Compatible |
| Mineral Oil | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| PAO | PAO | Compatible |
| PAO | Ester | Highly Compatible |
| PAO | Polyglycol | Not Compatible |
| PAO | Methyl Silicone | Not Compatible |
| PAO | Femi Silicone | Not Compatible |
| PAO | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| Ester | Ester | Compatible |
| Ester | Polyglycol | Highly Compatible |
| Ester | Methyl Silicone | Not Compatible |
| Ester | Femi Silicone | Highly Compatible |
| Ester | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| Polyglycol | Polyglycol | Compatible |
| Polyglycol | Methyl Silicone | Highly Compatible |
| Polyglycol | Femi Silicone | Not Compatible |
| Polyglycol | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| Methyl Silicone | Methyl Silicone | Compatible |
| Methyl Silicone | Femi Silicone | Highly Compatible |
| Methyl Silicone | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| Femi Silicone | Femi Silicone | Compatible |
| Femi Silicone | Perfluorinated Ester | Not Compatible |
| Perfluorinated Ester | Perfluorinated Ester | Compatible |
Read Engine Oil Temperature Chart(Complete Guide)
Final word
Selecting the right engine oil is crucial for maintaining engine health, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Use the engine oil compatibility chart above to find the best oil for your vehicle and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
