How do I know if my new car has synthetic oil?
Most new cars today use synthetic oil or a synthetic blend, but the exact type varies by model. The quickest way to know for your car is to check the owner’s manual or factory documentation, or to confirm with the dealer or service records.
What synthetic oil means for your engine
Synthetic oils are engineered to resist breakdown, perform consistently across a wide temperature range, and maintain lubrication longer than many conventional oils. A car labeled “full synthetic” uses oil that is mostly synthetic base stock with specialized additives. A “synthetic blend” mixes some synthetic with conventional oil. Vehicle manufacturers may require synthetic oils to meet emissions and durability standards, and some engines are only warrantied with the recommended synthetic type. Always use the oil grade (for example 0W-20, 5W-30) and oil type specified by the manufacturer.
Where to look to confirm the oil type for your car
Use these sources to confirm whether your factory fill is synthetic or whether the owner’s manual calls for synthetic oil. Start with the most authoritative sources first: your manual and the dealer’s documentation.
- Owner’s manual or the official PDF for your exact model/year, looking for sections on Lubrication, Engine Oil, or Specifications that state “Synthetic,” “Full Synthetic,” or “Synthetic Blend” along with the recommended viscosity.
- Under-hood labels or a sticker on the engine bay or radiator support that lists the required oil type or the recommended viscosity and whether the oil is synthetic.
- Engine oil fill cap, if it carries a note such as “Full Synthetic” or lists a synthetic-compatible viscosity, though many caps simply show the grade (e.g., “0W-20”).
- Original or recent service records and dealer invoices for the vehicle, which may indicate the oil type used at delivery or during the first service.
- Official manufacturer website or VIN-specific documentation from the dealer, which can confirm the recommended oil type for your exact trim and engine.
In most cases, the combination of the owner’s manual and the dealer’s paperwork provides the definitive answer. If documentation is missing, contact the dealership with your VIN for a definitive specification.
If documentation is missing: steps to take
When you don’t have the manual or labels handy, use these steps to verify the oil type and stay aligned with warranty requirements.
- Call or visit the dealership or authorized service center, provide your VIN, and ask for the original factory fill specification and the factory-recommended oil type and viscosity.
- Check the latest official service manual or the automaker’s website for your exact engine to confirm whether synthetic oil is required or recommended.
- For a new car, consider using the recommended synthetic or synthetic blend at the first oil change to honor warranty terms and engine protection, if that is what the manufacturer specifies.
If you’re ever unsure, default to the manufacturer’s recommended specification; using a different oil type or incorrect viscosity can affect performance, fuel economy, and warranty coverage.
Why it matters for warranties and maintenance
Using the wrong oil can, in some cases, affect warranty coverage or maintenance intervals if the service was performed with oil not approved by the manufacturer. Synthetic oils generally provide better high-temperature stability and long-term protection, but they must match the engine’s design and the vehicle’s recommended specification.
Quick glossary: common terms to know
These terms help you interpret labels and manuals when verifying the oil type.
- Full synthetic: Oil that is entirely synthetic base stock, designed for maximum performance and protection.
- Synthetic blend: A mix of synthetic and conventional oil, offering a balance of protection and cost.
- Conventional oil: Mineral-based oil with standard protection; increasingly uncommon in new cars.
- Viscosity grades (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30): The cold/high-temperature performance specification that the manufacturer recommends; the right grade is essential, whether synthetic or conventional.
- Factory fill vs. recommended oil: Factory fill is the oil installed at the factory; the recommended oil is the type you should use for future changes.
Bottom line: The most reliable way remains the owner's manual or dealer documentation; synthetic oil is common in modern cars, but always verify for your exact vehicle.
Summary
For your new car, the best practice to know if you have synthetic oil is to check the owner's manual, under-hood labels, and the dealer’s documentation. If documentation is missing, contact the dealer with your VIN to obtain the precise oil specification. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil type and viscosity to protect engine performance and warranty.
