What’s the Best Oil for Buick Encore? [And How Often to Change It]

Is it time to change the oil in your Buick Encore? If so, you are probably wondering which oil is best and how often you should change it. We thoroughly researched the subject to give you the best answer. See our findings below. 

The Buick Encore uses 5W-30 fully synthetic oil. Buick recommends changing synthetic oils every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, if using conventional oil, Buick recommends changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Additionally, whether you use synthetic or conventional oil will depend on vehicle mileage, driving habits, motor type, and even the climate in which you live. 

The following are our top picks for the best synthetic oils for your Buick Encore:

  1. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
  2. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
  3. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
  4. Castrol 1597B1 Edge Extended Performance 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
  5. Royal Purple 51530 High Performance Motor Oil 5W-30

There is still a lot to learn about oil changes for your Buick Encore. Keep reading for more information on the top five oils, how often to change your oil, why it's important, and much more. 

automechanic changing oil of an engine. What's the Best Oil for Buick Encore [And How Often to Change It]

What is the Best Oil for Your Buick Encore?

In most cases, your Buick Encore will benefit the most from fully synthetic oil. Whether you choose synthetic or conventional, you will need 5W-30. 

The following factors can affect the type of oil your vehicle needs:

  • Climate
  • Driving habits
  • Motor type
  • Mileage

Top 5 Choices for Best Oil

Plastic motor oil canisters with different types of motor oil on white isolated background. What's the Best Oil for Buick Encore [And How Often to Change It]

We have chosen the following five oils as the best for your Buick Encore. Read more on each type below. 

1. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30

This is a top-of-the-line motor oil that provides maximum vehicle protection. Not only does it improve your fuel economy, but it also lubricates your engine, reducing wear and tear. In addition, Mobil 1 also helps your vehicle start quicker during cold weather and fights against deposits and sludge build-up. 

You can purchase Mobile 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 on Amazon.

 2. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil

Like Mobil 1, Valvoline Advanced promotes faster cold weather starts while offering both high and low-temperature protection. It also provides approximately 40 percent more wear and tear protection than other oils and improves fuel economy. 

You can purchase Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil on Amazon.

3. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil

This oil is for use only in gasoline engines. With its increase in fuel economy, you can expect to average an extra 550 miles per year in your Buick Encore. It provides advanced protection against wear and tear and offers optimal cleaning for your pistons. You can count on this synthetic oil to maintain efficiency and flow during cold and hot weather while protecting and lubricating your engine. 

You can purchase Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil on Amazon. 

4. Castrol 1597B1 Edge Extended Performance 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

With this motor oil, you will get 20,000 miles between oil changes guaranteed. It is recommended for strenuous uses such as high-performance driving, frequent short trips, dusty roads, and humid climates or those with extreme hot or cold temperatures. Castrol Edge also improves oil film strength by 30 percent and improves fuel economy.

 

You can purchase Castrol 1597B1 Edge Extended Performance 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil on Amazon. 

5. Royal Purple 51530 High Performance Motor Oil 5W-30

Royal Purple is a fully synthetic oil that protects against both wear and corrosion. It offers improved compatibility with ethanol-containing fuels while also improving your fuel economy. 

You can purchase Royal Purple High Performance Motor Oil on Amazon. 

Oil Changes for Your Buick Encore

Young Hispanic mechanic draining engine oil from a car for an oil change at an auto shop

You know you're supposed to take your Buick Encore to get the oil changed, but do you know what goes on during the process? There is more to it than simply adding new oil to the engine. Your mechanic will drain the old oil and replace it with fresh, new oil. They will then remove your old oil filter, recycle it, and replace it with a new one.

Most shops go above and beyond just changing the oil and filter; many will also check your battery and lights as well as your washer fluid, topping it off if needed. 

Why Do I Need a New Oil Filter? 

Changing the oil filter is just as important as changing your oil. The filter keeps dirt, grime, and other contaminants from entering your motor. Once the filter is full, it can no longer keep those harmful particles away from your engine. 

used and brand new car oil filter shown for comparison by a mechanic

 

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

The time between oil changes will depend on several factors, including the type of oil used and driving patterns. If you are using conventional oil, you will need to change it every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. However, synthetic oil only needs to be changed every 7,500 - 10,000 miles. 

You should never ignore oil service alerts on your vehicle. Your car detects more than just the mileage. It also perceives your driving habits, such as how hard you drive your vehicle and makes recommendations based on those factors. 

What if I don't Drive My Buick Encore Very Often?

The mileage recommendations can be misleading. If you do not drive your Buick Encore often enough to meet the mileage recommendations for oil changes, you still need to change it twice per year. As oil gets older, it begins to lose its effectiveness. When you run your car, the motor gets hot, removing any excess moisture in your engine. However, if you don't use your vehicle regularly, the oil begins to settle, reducing your engine life. 

Should I Check My Oil Between Changes? 

Even if you are getting the oil changed regularly in your Buick Encore, you still need to check your oil at least once a month. This applies to newer vehicles as well. If you begin to run low before your next maintenance alert, add one of the above-mentioned products to your engine. 

How Do I Check My Oil?

Never check your oil while the engine is hot. Once it has cooled down, pop the hood and find the dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it off. Now, it's time to replace the dipstick all the way and remove it a second time. This time, you will look at the stick and find the oil line. There is no need to worry as long as you can see oil between the two indication lines. 

checking engine oil level using dip stick on a tissue paper

Can I  Add New Oil Instead of Getting an Oil Change?

As mentioned earlier, there is more to an oil change than just adding new oil to your vehicle. Mechanics drain the old oil, which no longer contains lubrication. If you pour new oil on top of the existing oil, the new oil will become watered down and won't properly lubricate your engine. If you continue adding new oil and skipping oil changes, your Buick Encore will likely begin to run hot or blow a gasket. 

Where to Get My Oil Changed

When it's time to get your oil changed, you don't have to take your Buick Encore to a certified Buick dealership. Instead, you can take it to any reputable shop nearby. Walmart offers oil changes at a reasonable price, and you can also visit your local mechanic. However, if your new Encore came with free oil changes, you will need to take it to the proper dealership to receive that service. 

Additional Questions

Does Buick Cover the Cost of an Oil Change for a New Car?

According to Buick, they cover the cost of your first oil change. You must take it to a Buick-certified dealer, and it includes tire rotation, oil and filter change, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. 

How Much Does an Oil Change Cost for a Buick Encore?

According to RepairSmith, the average cost for a Buick Encore oil change is between $60 and $80. However, on the higher end of the scale, you could be paying between $100 and $120.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Whether you choose synthetic or regular oil, there are pros and cons. 

Synthetic Pros

  • More miles between oil changes
  • Less sludge and deposits
  • Better performance in extreme temperatures
  • Better flow in cold weather
  • Resists oxidation and chemical degradation

Synthetic Cons

  • Price
  • May cause additive separation

Conventional Pros

  • Price

Conventional Cons

  • Fewer miles between oil changes
  • Slower engine starts in cold weather
  • More prone to chemical degradation 
  • Breaks down faster in extreme temperatures

Summary

While you can choose either synthetic or conventional oil for your Buick Encore, it is important to stick with the recommended 5W-30. Make sure to follow the guidelines for the time between oil changes, and don't forget to check your oil once a month. 

We have lots of other great information on our blog. If your car is burning oil, find out what to do here. You can also discover the best additives for older engines by reading this article

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