Before Changing Your Car Oil: 5 Steps to Choose the Right Type for Your Engine

Choosing the right engine oil for your car isn't a random task. The number on the oil bottle — like 5W-30 — determines how well your engine is protected at different temperatures. Using oil that doesn't match the manufacturer's recommendations can harm internal engine components and reduce efficiency. With engine oil prices in the Egyptian market updated in October, a key question emerges: how do you pick the right oil?

Owner's Manual: Your First Reference for Toyota and Others

Every car manufacturer specifies a precise viscosity grade and technical specification for engine oil. This data is listed in the owner's manual, along with the required oil quantity for a change. Common viscosity grades include 0W-20, 5W-30. 5W-40, but you can't choose any of them without confirming compatibility with your engine. If you've lost the manual, refer to the manufacturer's official website or use approved oil selector tools.

What Do the Viscosity Numbers on the Bottle Mean?

The numbers and symbols on an oil bottle reveal how the oil behaves at different temperatures. The W in 5W-30 stands for Winter. The number before it indicates cold-weather performance — the lower the number, the better the oil flows in cold conditions. The number after W represents oil viscosity at operating temperature. Don't pick a lower or higher number based on guesswork. Stick to what your car's manufacturer recommends.

Is Synthetic Oil Better for All Cars?

Engine oils range from mineral to semi-synthetic to fully synthetic. Each type has different properties based on its composition and the specifications it meets. Fully synthetic oil may offer better protection under harsh driving conditions, but it's not necessarily the best choice for every engine. Some older engines are designed for semi-synthetic or mineral oils. Using fully synthetic oil may not deliver the expected benefit if it doesn't match the required specs. Always check the owner's manual.

Oil Prices in the Egyptian Market

Prices for several engine oil products in the Egyptian market were updated in October, including products from prominent brands. Price differences between products don't necessarily reflect a quality gap. Toyota and other brands offer oils with different specifications suited to their engines.