12 best engine oils for Chevrolet Niva

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The joint work of General Motors and AtoVAZ has led to the creation of one of the most affordable SUVs – Niva Chevrolet. The model began production in 2002 and is available with two engines: 1.7 L, giving out 80 hp, and 1.8 L with 125 hp. Both options have four-wheel drive connected via a transfer case. For a long operation of the power unit, it is important to select the right engine oil. We have studied the manufacturer's tolerances and recommendations, as well as reviews on various products, so we present you with the TOP-12 of the best oils for this particular car model, so that its engine produces the declared power and has a long service life.

Manufacturer's recommendations for choosing oil for Niva Chevrolet

The internal parts of the motor are subject to increased wear at the time of cold start, when the glass grease during standstill is down and has a thicker consistency. Therefore, the speed of feeding and distribution along the internal combustion engine depends on its fluidity. But on the other hand, a very fluid oil does not work well in heat, turning into water and quickly falling off the rings and cylinder walls. General Motors has developed the Dexos2 tolerance for optimum fluidity balance at different temperatures. According to the ACEA standard, it is classified as A3: B3 or A3: B4. It is lubricants with this designation that are allowed to be poured into the crankcase of the Chevrolet Niva engine.

It can be both synthetic formulations and mineral-based products, but with a lot of additives. It is necessary to carry out maintenance of the machine, according to the operating instructions, every 15,000 km. In this case, the Niva motor Chevrolet gets:

1. protection against excessive wear;
2. additional cooling;
3. carbon sink;
4. minimum gap between pistons and cylinder walls and, as a result, increased compression;
5. corrosion protection;
6. fuel economy.

Rating of the best engine oils for Chevrolet Niva

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price per liter
The best synthetic motor oil for Chevrolet Niva	1	GENERAL MOTORS Dexos2 Longlife 5W30	337 r
	2	LIQUI MOLY Optimal Synth 5W-40	627 RUB
	3	SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30	741 RUB
	4	VALVOLINE SynPower 5W-30	657 r
	5	Motul 8100 X-cess 5W40	RUB 700
	6	Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3 / B4	534 RUB
	7	ZIC X7 LS 5W-30	420 RUB
	8	Gazpromneft Premium N 5W-40	321 RUB
	9	LUKOIL Lux SN / CF 5W-40	352 RUB
The best semi-synthetic engine oil for Chevrolet Niva	1	LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-40	888 RUB
	2	SHELL Helix HX7 5W-40	442 r
	3	LUKOIL Lux semi-synthetic SL / CF 5W-40	352 RUB

The best synthetic motor oil for Chevrolet Niva

First, let's consider synthetic motor oils for Chevrolet Niva, which are recommended by the manufacturer and have received positive reviews from the owners of the SUV from GM-AvtoVAZ. In compiling this review, our experts also took into account the characteristics of the products.

GENERAL MOTORS Dexos2 Longlife 5W30 5 l

Rating: 4.9

GM has specifically designed this product for use on its car brands such as Opel, Cadillac, Chevrolet. The synthetic oil is equipped with a special additive package that prevents the aging of the technical fluid. This is especially important for engines in Chevrolet Niva, which are designed for an increased interval between maintenance. The canister is directly marked with the Dexos2 approval, which guarantees full compatibility of the lubricant with the requirements for the engine. The composition is suitable for 1.7 and 1.8 turbo engines in the same way.

This is the best option for the price and composition, which is original. The oil is specially formulated for the line Chevrolet, including the Niva model. The owners note in the reviews that the product serves the entire service life (15,000 km of run) and does not lose its properties before the impending replacement. The oil has a moderate viscosity in cold weather, which protects against abrasion of the piston rings. The product has a decoking effect.

Advantages

• the best price for 5 liters;
• good cleaning properties;
• works throughout the entire period of operation;
• provides easy start-up in cold weather.

disadvantages

• only a slight decrease in engine noise;
• it is inconvenient to hold the canister when pouring oil;
• a lot of fakes;

LIQUI MOLY Optimal Synth 5W-40

Rating: 4.8

In second place in the review is a product from a German brand. The oil has been tested on turbocharged engines before being released to the market and provides excellent power with minimal harmful emissions. The synthetic formulation protects the engine from scoring and premature aging. Instant lubrication occurs at low temperatures. The owners of the Chevrolet Niva in the reviews like the easy start of the internal combustion engine in winter and the possibility of mixing this oil with any other of the synthetic ones, if a drop in the level is detected sharply and top-up is required.

This oil is the best for Chevrolet Niva, because it contains a package of the latest additives that the manufacturer has developed specifically for cars used in Russia. The product is called Optimal Synth, due to the optimization of the composition for the temperature range of the Russian climate and the peculiarities of machine operation. The viscosity of 5W-40 provides the correct consistency both in frosts down to -25 degrees and in heat up to +40 degrees. In the latter case, the oil density will be 87.5 mm² / C, which is quite dense.

Advantages

• two handles on the container for transfer and refueling;
• suitable for use all year round;
• goes well with powerful motors;
• various packaging.

disadvantages

• freezes at -36 degrees;
• there are many forgeries that differ in the font of the text or the location of the codes.

SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30 4 l

Rating: 4.8

Further oil for Niva Chevrolet engines from SHELL. The product is available in containers of 1 and 4 liters. The label below contains the Dexos approval indicating compatibility with GM motors. Two handles on the canister are convenient for carrying the tank and turning it over while filling the crankcase. The synthetic oil is produced in one of Shell's factories around the world. For Russia, deliveries are made from Turkey or Germany. Synthetics provide optimum fluidity and reduce exhaust emissions, as they hardly burn out. For the manufacture of this product, the manufacturer uses the new patented Shell Pure Plus technology. This means that the formulation contains active detergent additives to ensure high engine cleanliness.

We would like to mark this oil as the best for Chevrolet Niva in terms of reducing the sound of the engine. Judging by the reviews of the owners of this car, who regularly use SHELL Helix Ultra grease, the cabin is much quieter and the engine emits less vibration, especially in winter during warming up.

Advantages

• clean exhaust;
• increased power;
• saving gasoline consumption;
• can be combined with gas engines.

disadvantages

• high price;
• there are fakes where the code is erased with a fingernail.

VALVOLINE SynPower 5W-30 4 l

Rating: 4.7

The Dutch manufacturer produces high-quality oil from a synthetic base with additives, which has proven itself well in Chevrolet Niva cars. The technical fluid has an ACEA A3B4 approval. It is suitable for both internal combustion engines used on the Niva model. The developers have managed to achieve a stable viscosity, so the oil in the engine maintains constant characteristics despite extreme temperatures. Under pressure, the liquid is not forced out between the metal parts, but continues to remain in the form of a thin film, protecting the internal combustion engine from wear. The product also stands out for its good fluidity during cold start and resistance to destruction.

This oil is the best for Chevrolet Niva, since it significantly increases the power of the internal combustion engine. The lubricant provides tight interaction of the piston system in the cylinders, which increases the compression. Drivers in the reviews note that after switching to this oil, the engine power increased by 10%. It's a great way to get the most out of the Chevrolet Niva's powertrain.

Advantages

• convenient packaging in 1, 4 and 208 liters;
• suitable for a motor with a turbine;
• actively fights overheating;
• removes soot deposits.

disadvantages

• due to the shape of the canister, the filler neck is poorly visible;
• high price.

Motul 8100 X-cess 5W40 5 l

Rating: 4.6

Under the Motul brand, the French company produces excellent oil for Chevrolet Nives, which has an A3B4 classification and is suitable for engines manufactured in 2002 and new versions since 2009. The specifications of the goods directly indicate GM approval, so the synthetic product can be safely used on carsChevrolet. Due to the well-thought-out composition of additives, the oil cleans the engine well from the inside, and also minimizes the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust. Other additives prevent metal oxidation in the engine and maintain fluidity at subzero temperatures.

According to our experts, the oil is the best for Chevrolet Niva, which are equipped with gas equipment. In the case of using HBO generations 2-5, the engine does not receive enough lubrication from gasoline, therefore it is subject to accelerated wear. This oil solves this problem as it is penetrating and reliably lubricates the piston rings and combustion chamber walls. With this product, your engine on Niva Chevrolet will last as long before overhaul as on gasoline.

Advantages

• it manifests itself well in the heat at +40 degrees;
• reduces wear of rubbing parts;
• prolongs the resource of the internal combustion engine;
• well proven under heavy loads.

disadvantages

• high price;
• does not reduce engine noise too much.

Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3 / B4 4 L

Rating: 4.5

This oil is formulated using a patented technology developed by Castrol specialists, which provides additional protection against wear. Once distributed over the motor, the grease forms a strong film. It does not drain into the crankcase, but continues to be retained on the vertical surfaces of the engine even after it has cooled down. On the next cold start, this coating will protect the metal from abrasion until the grease warms up and reaches all areas.

Our experts considered this oil the best for Chevrolet Niva due to its excellent cleaning properties. The manufacturer has developed a package of additives with a penetrating effect, which destroy the formed soot deposits and clean the internal parts of the engine from carbon deposits. Owners of Niva Chevrolet with coked motors should take a closer look at the product, which happened as a result of using low-quality fuel. Drivers in the reviews warn that on used cars, after switching to this oil, dark exhaust may appear. You should not be afraid of this, because soot burns out this way.

Advantages

• all-season use;
• compatible with gas engines;
• convenient canister;
• active cleansing action.

disadvantages

• the percentage of fakes is one of the highest;
• gradually burns out and you have to add.

ZIC X7 LS 5W-30 4 l

Rating: 4.4

The goods from the German brand are made from basic synthetics Yubase Vhvi, which has a high viscosity index. The balanced additive package makes the product resistant to temperature changes and provides high anti-corrosion properties. In combination with a relatively low price for 4 liters, which buyers like in reviews, this makes it one of the best options for a Chevrolet Niva. The vehicle has passed the API specification and has approvals for Japanese, American and domestic cars.

According to the editorial staff of the magazine, this oil is the best for those Chevrolet Nives that are operated with heavy loads. If you like to drive on the highway at a speed of 130-150 km / h for several hours in a row or periodically arrange your off-road vehicle for an off-road-style check, driving it into loose sand or mud, then use a product from ZIC. The oil will protect the engine from early wear with a sharp change in the number of revolutions or work at the limit of its capabilities.

Advantages

• convenient canister;
• optimal price;
• compatible with HBO;
• designed for turbocharged engines.

disadvantages

• during cold start, the motor may shake slightly;
• does not greatly reduce noise.

Gazpromneft Premium N 5W-40

Rating: 4.3

This is a domestic synthetic oil suitable for the Chevrolet Niva engine. The product is issued with API SN license and is designed to protect gasoline engines from wear and overheating. The vehicle is sold in containers of 1 and 4 liters. It uses an additive package with zinc and phosphorus to reduce friction between pistons and cylinders. The owners of Niva Chevrolet in the reviews note an easy start of the power unit in winter – the oil freezes at -40 degrees, therefore it is suitable for most regions of Russia. It is also considered an excellent analogue of imported products, which are constantly getting more expensive.

In our opinion, the oil is well suited for Chevrolet Niva engines due to its high base number – 10.09. This ensures quick cleaning of the engine from carbon deposits, as well as the neutralizing properties of the oil when impurities from low-quality gasoline enter. In combination with a reasonable price, the product provides savings and helps to keep the internal combustion engine clean.

Advantages

• thermal stability at high temperatures;
• freezes at -40 degrees;
• volatility for waste 11.5 ensures low consumption and level retention;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• high acid number – 2.75;
• some do not like the amount of sulfur at 0.417;
• sulphate ash content 1.41 is also high (contaminates the catalyst).

LUKOIL Lux SN / CF 5W-40

Rating: 4.2

This is a 100% synthetic engine oil for Chevrolet Niva, designed for high-powered and conventional engines. It has an ACEA A3B4 classification and is subject to API SN, CF. The product has high cleaning properties. Judging by customer reviews, after using LUKOIL Lux engine oil for 5 years, during the replacement of the valve cover and gaskets, the camshaft and valves are perfectly clean. But drivers are advised to perform maintenance on Niva Chevrolet with this oil more often (8-10 thousand km), since the additives stop working after 10,000 km.

This engine oil is optimal for service stations or large enterprises where there are many Chevrolet Niva cars in the fleet. The grease is produced not only in containers of 1 and 4 liters, but also in 18, 50, 216 and even 1000 liters. Buying oil in large quantities gives significant savings, and a shelf life of 5 years allows you to use it gradually, without harm to the internal combustion engine.

Advantages

• increased antioxidant properties;
• saves fuel by 3%;
• stable viscosity level;
• various packaging.

disadvantages

• inconvenient filler neck;
• it is better to perform maintenance more often – every 10,000 km, since it is not enough for the entire resource (it gets very dark).

The best semi-synthetic engine oil for Chevrolet Niva

For Niva SUVs Chevrolet, semi-synthetic compounds can also be used, which are slightly cheaper than synthetics, but they perfectly protect the engine from wear. Here are the best products in this category.

LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-40 4 l

Rating: 4.8

This semi-synthetic motor oil from a German manufacturer belongs to the premium class, despite the mineral base in the composition. In addition to the admission for Niva, it is officially approved for use in brands such as: Porsche, BMW and Volkswagen, which are higher in class than the Niva model Chevrolet. Car owners in the reviews note a noticeable increase in power, which gives an increase in dynamics. This is especially felt in the 2002-2009 Niva models equipped with a 125 hp ICE. The substance has no friction loss due to its low-viscosity state.

Our experts consider this engine oil to be the best for use in new Chevrolet Nivas, which have just left the salon. If you pour grease into a new engine from the very beginning, then it will turn out to delay the overhaul as much as possible, possibly up to 400 thousand kilometers. This is achieved through the Molygen New Generation technology (molybdenum addition), which creates a strong film on the surface of rubbing parts. The protective coating does not disappear when the machine is idle for a month without operation or with a strong temperature difference.

Advantages

• easy start-up in winter;
• high stability at temperatures of -30 … + 40 degrees;
• reduces the toxicity of the exhaust;
• optimally protects against wear.

disadvantages

• high price;
• there are fakes.

SHELL Helix HX7 5W-40 4 l

Rating: 4.7

If you are a fan of quality products from the British SHELL brand, then pay attention to Helix HX7 5W-40. The semi-synthetic base is equipped with protective additives that create a strong film. In addition, the technical fluid is not prone to the formation of solid deposits or pollution of the discharge. GM approval is directly indicated in the product specifications. Easy cold start of the engine is ensured by increased fluidity. The workshop masters in the reviews praise the product for its constant viscosity throughout the entire service life. The manufacturer claims that this grease has a 19% higher level of protection than comparable products from competing brands.

This oil from a British manufacturer stands out for its active cleansing properties. The engine of your Niva Chevrolet will remain shining from the inside, despite the questionable quality of gasoline. We recommend that you look at the product for those who have to travel a lot around the country and refuel in unverified places.

Advantages

• sold in volumes of 1, 4 and 20 liters;
• increased recoil of the internal combustion engine;
• has antioxidant stability;
• fast oil supply to the channels at start-up.

disadvantages

• high price;
• it is recommended to replace it after 1 year, even if the mileage is not rolled out.

LUKOIL Lux semi-synthetic SL / CF 5W-40 4 l

Rating: 4.5

This category is completed by a domestic product from LUKOIL. Semi-synthetic motor oil with ACEA A3B3 classification is made from mineral base oils obtained in Russia and a set of additives of foreign origin. Its optimal composition makes it suitable for crankcase filling of both types of engines used in Chevrolet Niva. The active substances prevent the formation of solid deposits on the internal surfaces of the engine. If you have Niva Chevrolet with a catalyst, then it will not additionally get contaminated with such a lubricant.

This oil is the best for Chevrolet Niva in terms of cost. If you do not want to ditch the engine, but at the same time do not want to overpay for imported brands, then this is the best option. You can switch to it regardless of the age of the car, and in the case of an already slightly worn out engine, it is even useful, since it will waste less than 5W30, which has increased fluidity.

Advantages

• for all-season use;
• can be bought at any specialty store;
• stable quality of goods (does not deteriorate as the brand is 'untwisted');
• protection against corrosion in case of bad gasoline.

disadvantages

• begins to coke after 8000 km of run;
• gradually burns out and needs to be refilled;
• short neck without extension.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.