Choosing engine oil for Nissan Kicks - a task that requires attention to detail. This compact crossover is equipped with gasoline engines HR16DE (1.6 l) and HR15DE (1.5 l), imposes specific requirements on lubricants. Oil 5W-40 often recommended by the manufacturer as the best option for most climate conditions, but not all formulations are equally effective. In this article we will look at why synthetic oil 5W-40 with ILSAC GF-5 and API SN approval considered the best choice for Kicks, how to choose it correctly and what to pay attention to when replacing it.

Many owners are faced with a dilemma: to use original oil Nissan or a high-quality analogue from Mobil, Liqui Moly or Motul? We'll review lab tests, owner reviews, and technical specifications to help you make an informed choice. We will pay special attention to issues of compatibility with turbocharged engine versions (if they are included in your configuration), as well as the nuances of operation in the Russian climate - from severe frosts to city traffic jams.

Technical characteristics of 5W-40 oil for Nissan Kicks

Motor oil 5W-40 belongs to the category of all-season lubricants with a wide temperature range. Digit 5W indicates low temperature viscosity: the oil remains fluid until -30°C, which is critical for cold starts in winter. Digit 40 denotes high temperature viscosity at 100°C, providing reliable engine protection in hot weather or under intense loads.

For Nissan Kicks The manufacturer recommends oils that meet the following standards:

  • 🔧 API SN or SP - modern classifications for gasoline engines, guaranteeing protection against high-temperature deposits and compatibility with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
  • 🔧 ILSAC GF-5 - a standard developed for Japanese and Korean cars, including Nissan. Provides fuel efficiency and engine durability.
  • 🔧 ACEA A5/B5 — European standard, suitable for engines with extended replacement intervals (up to 20–25 thousand km).

Important: if your Kicks equipped with a system Start/Stop or is often used in taxi/car sharing mode, priority should be given to oils with improved antioxidant properties (for example, Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-40 or Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200).

📊 What oil do you use in Nissan Kicks?
  • Original Nissan 5W-40
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40
  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200
  • Motul 8100 X-Clean
  • Other

Original Nissan 5W-40 oil vs analogues: which is better?

The manufacturer recommends for Kicks original oil Nissan Motor Oil 5W-40 (article KE900-90132). This is a synthetic product developed taking into account the characteristics of the series engines HR. Its key advantages:

  • ✅ Optimized formula to reduce friction in pairs piston-cylinder And camshaft valves.
  • ✅ Increased resistance to oxidation, which is important for urban use with frequent downtime in traffic jams.
  • ✅ Compatible with catalytic converters and particulate filters (if installed).

However, the original oil is not always available in price or in the region of residence. In this case, you can consider analogues that have passed certification Nissan:

Oil brand and model Specifications Benefits Average price (4 l)
Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40 API SP, ACEA A3/B4, MB 229.5 Excellent wear protection, suitable for turbocharged engines 3 200–3 600 ₽
Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-40 API SN, ACEA A3/B4, VW 502.00 Low waste consumption, stable viscosity 3 500–3 900 ₽
Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-40 API SN, ACEA A3/B4, Porsche A40 High cleaning power, suitable for sporty driving style 3 800–4 200 ₽
Castrol Edge 5W-40 API SP, ACEA A3/B4, BMW LL-01 Technology Titanium FST to strengthen the oil film 3 000–3 400 ₽

⚠️ Attention: If you choose an oil not from the approved list Nissan, be sure to check for permission ILSAC GF-5 on the label. Oils with markings GF-6 (For example, Pennzoil Platinum) is theoretically better, but may cause problems with system operation VVT (adjustment of valve timing) on engines Kicks first years of production (2016–2018).

How often do you change 5W-40 oil in Nissan Kicks?

Official regulations Nissan requires oil changes every 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions:

  • 🚗 Driving on the highway at an average speed of 60–90 km/h.
  • 🌡️ Ambient air temperature in the range -10°C…+30°C.
  • ⛽ Fuel consumption is not lower than AI-95.

In reality the majority Kicks are used in the city where the oil is affected by:

  • 🏙️ Frequent cold starts (in winter or after overnight parking).
  • 🚦 Traffic jams — engine idling speeds up oil oxidation.
  • 💨 Dust and dirt - enter the crankcase through the ventilation system.

Therefore, experienced craftsmen recommend shortening the replacement interval to 10,000 km or 8 months. If you use oil with enhanced cleaning properties (for example, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600), you can focus on 12,000 km, but no more.

The oil pressure light came on at idle speed|The oil on the dipstick became black and thick|A burning smell appeared from under the hood|The engine began to run louder (knock of hydraulic compensators)|Fuel consumption increased by 10% or more-->

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in Nissan Kicks

Changing the oil in Nissan Kicks - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. You will need:

  • 🔧 Key on 14 mm for the drain plug.
  • 🔧 Oil filter puller (or chain wrench).
  • 🔧 New filter (original art. 15208-9M10A or equivalent from Mann, Bosch).
  • 🔧 4–4.5 liters of oil 5W-40 (the exact volume depends on the engine).
  • 🔧 Funnel and container for working out (minimum 5 l).

Replacement algorithm:

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5–7 minutes at idle). This will reduce the viscosity of the oil and allow the maximum amount of waste to be drained.
  2. Raise the car on a lift or overpass. If you use a jack, be sure to secure it Kicks on the stops!
  3. Drain the oil:
    • Unscrew the plug on the pan (14 mm wrench).
    • Wait until it drains completely (10–15 minutes).
    • Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (art. 11026-01M02).
  4. Replace the filter:
    • Remove the old filter (located to the right of the pan, when viewed in the direction of travel).
    • Lubricate the rubber ring of the new filter with fresh oil.
    • Screw the filter in by hand until it stops, then tighten it 3/4 of a turn.
  5. Fill with new oil:
    • Through the filler neck (under the hood) add 3.8–4.1 l oils (for HR16DE).
    • Close the neck, run the engine for 1-2 minutes.
    • Check the level on the dipstick - it should be between the marks MIN And MAX.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, reset the maintenance counter in the on-board computer. To do this:

  1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
  2. Press the gas pedal all the way and hold for 10 seconds.
  3. Release the pedal, then press it again for 5 seconds.
  4. Turn off the ignition - the counter is reset.

1) Oil level (possibly underfilled).

2) The quality of the filter installation (the sealing ring may be skewed).

3) Condition of the oil pump (if worn, diagnostics is required).-->

Common mistakes when choosing and changing oil

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that reduce engine life. Kicks. Here are the most critical of them:

  1. Using oil with the wrong viscosity. For example, fill 0W-20 instead of 5W-40 can lead to oil starvation under high loads (towing, mountain roads). The reverse situation is 10W-40 in winter - it will complicate cold starting and increase wear on the starter.
  2. Ignoring Specifications. Oil without approval ILSAC GF-5 may not provide sufficient protection for the timing chain and hydraulic compensators, which will lead to their premature wear.
  3. Saving on filter. Cheap non-original filters (for example, without a check valve) lead to oil draining from the system after stopping the engine. This is fraught with dry starting and accelerated wear.
  4. Overfilling or underfilling oil. Excess oil (more than 1 cm above MAX) leads to foaming and loss of pressure. Underfilling (below MIN) - to oil starvation.
  5. Mixing different oils. Even if both oils 5W-40, but from different manufacturers, their additives may react, which will lead to the formation of sediment.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil you notice white smoke from the exhaust pipe or emulsion on the oil filler cap, this is a sign of coolant getting into the oil. Immediately stop operation and contact service - the cylinder head gasket may be broken or the cylinder block may be cracked.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is above the mark MAX on the probe by more than 5 mm, the excess must be removed. To do this:

1. Pump out the oil through the filler neck using a syringe with a tube (available at a pharmacy).

2. Or unscrew the drain plug 1-2 turns and drain the excess (after replacing the container).

3. Check the level again 5 minutes after stopping the engine.

Reviews from Nissan Kicks owners about 5W-40 oil

Analysis of reviews on forums (Drive2, Kicks-Club.ru) and on social networks shows that most owners prefer the following oils:

  • 🏆 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-40 — they note low waste consumption (less than 100 ml per 10,000 km) and quiet operation of hydraulic compensators. The downside is the high price.
  • 🥈 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40 - praised for stable pressure in the system and good cleaning properties. Some people complain about fakes.
  • 🥉 Original Nissan 5W-40 — optimal in terms of price/quality ratio, but requires more frequent replacement (every 10,000 km).

The most common negative reviews are:

  • 👎 Burnt oil (more than 500 ml per 10,000 km) when used Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 or Shell Helix Ultra. The probable reason is that the oil does not meet the requirements. ILSAC GF-5.
  • 👎 Hydraulic compensator noise after switching from 5W-30 on 5W-40. It can be solved by flushing the engine or returning to the previous viscosity.
  • 👎 Fakes - especially often counterfeited Motul And Mobil 1. Buy oil only from official dealers!

Fun fact: the owners Kicks with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, they note that switching to oil with a high molybdenum content (for example, Liqui Moly Molygen 5W-40) reduces fuel consumption by 3–5% due to reduced friction.

Alternative Viscosities: When is 5W-40 Not Suitable?

Although 5W-40 is a universal choice, in some cases it is advisable to consider other viscosities:

Operating conditions Recommended viscosity Notes
Extremely low temperatures (below -35°C) 0W-40 Best cold start, but may burn out under high loads.
Hot climate (above +35°C) or sporty riding 5W-50 Increased protection at high temperatures, but worse fluidity in winter.
Engine with mileage >150,000 km 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) Thicker oil compensates for wear on the piston rings, but increases the load on the starter.
Urban use with frequent traffic jams 5W-30 (ILSAC GF-6) Reduces fuel consumption, but requires more frequent replacement (every 8,000 km).

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to change the oil viscosity, be sure to flush the engine with a special flush (for example, Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung) or reduce the first replacement interval to 5,000 km. A sudden change in viscosity without flushing can lead to clogging of the oil channels.

💡

For Nissan Kicks with HR16DE/HR15DE engines, the optimal choice remains 5W-40 synthetic oil with ILSAC GF-5 and API SN approvals. Deviation from these recommendations is justified only in specific climatic conditions or when the vehicle has a high mileage.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 5W-40 oil for Nissan Kicks

Is it possible to use 5W-40 oil in a Nissan Kicks with 200,000 km mileage?

Yes, but provided that the engine does not consume oil (less than 300 ml per 1,000 km) and there are no signs of wear (knocking, low compression). If the engine "eats" oil, it is better to switch to 10W-40 or specialized oil for worn-out internal combustion engines (for example, Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Gleitlager-Oil).

What is the difference between the original Nissan 5W-40 oil and its analogues?

Original oil Nissan produced by the company Idemitsu (Japan) on special order and contains a unique additive package optimized for series engines HR. Analogs (for example, Mobil 1 or Motul) may exceed it in certain parameters (for example, oxidation resistance), but are not always ideally compatible with the system VVT.

How much oil does a Nissan Kicks 1.6 (HR16DE) need to change?

Oil volume including filter replacement:

  • 3.8–4.0 l - for the engine HR16DE (1.6 l).
  • 3.5–3.7 l - for the engine HR15DE (1.5 l).

Always buy oil with a reserve (5 liters), as some remains in the filter and on the engine walls.

Is it possible to mix 5W-40 oil from different manufacturers?

In emergency cases (for example, on the road), mixing oils is allowed same viscosity grade and specifications (For example, Liqui Moly 5W-40 ILSAC GF-5 And Mobil 1 5W-40 ILSAC GF-5). However, after this it is recommended:

  1. Replace the oil with a homogeneous one as soon as possible.
  2. Reduce the replacement interval by 30% (for example, instead of 15,000 km - 10,000 km).
What kind of oil should I fill in Nissan Kicks with LPG?

When using gas equipment, the oil must have:

  • Increased ash content (up to 1.1%) to protect against dry friction.
  • Improved antioxidant properties (e.g. Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 or Motul Specific Dexos2 5W-40).

Replacement interval when driving on gas - every 8,000–10,000 km.