What engines require synthetic oil?
Most modern engines require synthetic oil, especially turbocharged, direct-injected, and high-performance designs; however, some older or simpler engines can still be serviced with conventional oil, though the trend across automakers is toward synthetic oils and longer drain intervals.
Why synthetic oil is often mandated
In the automotive industry, synthetic oil is valued for its superior resistance to breakdown, better viscosity at low temperatures, and stability under high heat. These properties help protect tightly engineered, high-stress engines and support longer service intervals. The following categories cover the engines where OEMs commonly require or strongly recommend synthetic oil.
- Turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines
- Direct-injection engines
- High-performance and sport-tuned engines
- Diesel engines with particulate filters and emissions controls
- Engines designed for longer drain intervals or with warranty considerations
Note: Some engines may state that synthetic oil is “recommended” rather than “required.” Always consult the specific owner’s manual for your exact model and year to confirm the correct oil type and viscosity.
Representative patterns by manufacturer and engine family
Automakers commonly publish explicit oil requirements in manuals for certain engines or model years. The patterns below reflect what many manufacturers communicate to owners and service technicians.
- European luxury and performance brands (for example, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen) frequently specify full synthetic oil and exact grades/specs for modern engines, especially turbocharged or high-output units.
- Japanese brands and mainstream makers (such as Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, and Nissan) commonly require or strongly recommend synthetic oils for newer engines, often with grade requirements like 0W-20, 0W-16, or 5W-30 depending on the model.
- American brands (such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis) increasingly mandate synthetic oil for engines with turbocharging, direct injection, or long-drain warranties, often specifying a particular oil spec (for example Dexos, API, or ACEA grades) to meet emission and performance standards.
Because language varies by model year and engine family, this section serves as a pattern guide rather than a universal rule. Always verify against the exact manual for your vehicle.
How to verify what your engine requires
Use this quick checklist to confirm the oil specification for your engine before an oil change.
- Open the owner’s manual and locate the “Engine Oil” or “Lubrication” section to find the required oil type, viscosity, and spec.
- Check for a specification label under the hood, on the oil cap, or on the service sticker that lists the approved oil standard (for example Dexos, API, or ACEA) and viscosity.
- If you’re unsure, contact the dealership or a trusted mechanic with your VIN to confirm the exact requirement for your year and engine.
- When in doubt, choose oil that meets the OEM specification exactly; using synthetic oil that matches the spec is the safest option for warranty and engine protection.
Adhering to the manufacturer's specification helps protect warranty coverage, emissions compliance, and long-term engine reliability.
Summary
Across modern automotive engineering, synthetic oil is the standard for many engines, particularly those with turbochargers, direct injection, or high-performance goals. The exact requirement—full synthetic versus synthetic-blend, and the correct grade—varies by engine and year. Always consult the specific owner’s manual for your vehicle to ensure you use the correct oil type and specification. When in doubt, opt for the synthetic oil that matches the OEM standard to protect warranty and engine health.
