I have many acquaintances who are auto mechanics who help me if anything happens and have considerable experience in disassembling/carrying out repairs. In this article I will try to tell you which oils to use on a VAZ 2114 car.
Sooner or later, or rather, based on the rules of technical maintenance of the car, the time also comes to replace the lubricant mixture in the gearbox. And in this case, the car owner is faced with a difficult choice: which oil is the wisest to use? The choice of lubricant for the machine in the gearbox should be done as carefully as possible.
If you choose a lubricant for a VAZ-2114 car, then the manufacturing company provides in its technological documentation a specific list of lubricants for automotive systems and engine elements. However, this list does not always correspond to existing realities and oil quality standards.
After reviewing some sources of information on the Internet and scrolling through many automotive sites with discussions of motor oils and reviews (will be later in the article), I came to the conclusion that car enthusiasts fill the gearbox with a lubricant that their engine will definitely not like.
Recommended types of lubricants for the AvtoVAZ 2114 model will be listed below.
Let’s not get too carried away and go astray. Let's consider which engine lubricants are the most popular among car owners, as well as which lubricants were recommended in the work: the well-known 75w90 oil from Lukoil is synthetic in its base and is recommended by the car manufacturer. It is this lubricant that is used in many of the latest AvtoVAZ engines. It is also often used in model 14.
The excellent lubricating properties of this series of oils guarantee long operating time of the machine at high and medium pressure values. According to the existing classification, the oil complies with the API and GL standard.
85w90 is another high-quality semi-synthetic oil that belongs to the API class and has a designation of at least GL-4. Many experts recommend it for 14 used AvtoVAZ models. For its price, I would put it at the very beginning. By the way, it costs much less than classic “synthetics”, and by the way, the gearbox operates much more quietly with this oil.
Recommended lubricants for AvtoVAZ 2114
- However, many car owners will ask a fair question: what oils (meaning specific companies) can be poured into the 2114 engine? I would look at this issue more precisely and write a list of transmission lubricants that can be poured into this unit:
- Trans KP, Lukoil TM, Nordix Super trans, Slavneft. This also includes Castrol, Shell Getribeoil and some types of TNK lubricants. The latter oils are expensive, but in terms of chemical composition and additives they are much superior to similar products from other manufacturers.
- For this reason, if the owner of the car is worried about his beloved “iron horse,” naturally he will choose these lubricants.
How to check the level and add oil
Constant level monitoring has been and remains an integral part of car care. The VAZ-2110 family in its initial production was produced without a control probe, which seriously complicated the on-site control process. If your car is not equipped with a dipstick, then the technology for checking the oil level will look like this:
- Drive the car onto an overpass, inspection hole or lift.
- Unscrew the control plug with a key to 17.
- The normal level corresponds to a slight dripping of oil from the control plug.
- If there are no leaks, top up using an oil syringe.
- Tighten the inspection plug tightly.
Control with a probe is carried out in a matter of seconds:
- Unscrew the dipstick from the gearbox (located next to the thermostat and starter).
- Wipe the dipstick with a dry, clean cloth.
- Insert it back and after 10 - 15 seconds remove it again.
- The amount of oil on the dipstick should tend to about or be slightly higher.
- Screw the dipstick into place.
Topping up oil
Before starting the operation, be sure to check the level using a check plug or dipstick, and also remember what kind of oil is currently poured into the gearbox. Adding other oil is strictly prohibited, both in terms of viscosity and production. Strictly the same brand and the same viscosity. For topping up, an oil syringe or funnel is used, at the ends of which a flexible long hose is placed, and the connection point is firmly fixed with electrical tape. Perhaps every car owner should know how to avoid overflowing; if you are doing this for the first time, we advise you to pour it in stages, in small quantities, checking the level step by step.
Types of lubricants
As everyone knows, the established lubricant labeling was not invented out of nowhere, and there are certain reasons for this. I would note three types of lubricants for 2114 that can be poured into the engine and gearbox. These lubricants have different designations and chemical indicators, but the main thing in the selection process is the viscosity indicator. This is what you should take into account if you are selecting a lubricant for your VAZ 2114. So, let’s take a look at how oil-based auto fluids are classified.
Semi-synthetic oil. Often used in AvtoVAZ model 14. In fact, this is the most popular type of motor lubricant. Semi-synthetic oils are almost ideal for use in most climatic zones of Russia. This mixture is something between mineral water and synthetic oil, which is obtained by mixing certain proportions.
Such oils are also suitable for 2114, since they are much less sensitive to temperature changes.
Transmission oil for VAZ 2114
It would seem that the so-called “standard Zhiguli” oil for a manual transmission is equally suitable for both the VAZ 2114 and any other LADA. However, each model of front-wheel drive VAZs has its own characteristics.
Quite often, owners fill the VAZ 2114 gearbox with fluid, following the advice of “experienced” neighbors in a garage cooperative. The reasoning is as follows: “I’ve been pouring this oil for 10 years now, and the box is like new.”
This approach does not stand up to criticism: despite the affordability of the car, the gearbox is a complex device. Deviations from the standards established by the manufacturer will lead to accelerated wear and, in some cases, failure of the manual transmission.
Testing transmission oils on a friction machine - video
You can pour oil into the VAZ box yourself; the procedure is simple. According to the instructions, the replacement interval is 60 thousand km. The oil volume in the 2114 box is from 3 to 3.5 liters (the exact value is 3.3 - if you pour liquid into a new box without lubricant residues in the cavities and on the parts).
When choosing gear oil for a VAZ 2114, the following operating conditions are taken into account:
- traffic intensity;
- average load on the vehicle (number of passengers, cargo weight);
- average temperature in the operating region;
- types of roads: plain, mountainous areas.
In addition, diagnostics will help you choose which oil to pour into the VAZ 2114 gearbox. Based on the wear patterns of parts after the replacement interval, adjustments can be made. At a minimum, in the parameters of viscosity or temperature tolerances.
Choosing a gearbox lubricant
When selecting a lubricant, I would advise you to be guided by the words of the automakers. It is difficult to say exactly which lubricant will be better, since oils are sold on the market in quite large quantities.
If you are in doubt and you are not satisfied with any of these lubricants, I would advise purchasing the latest gear oil from more well-known and expensive companies, for example: Castrol 75w90 or Shell Getribeoil 75w90. A good choice for the 2114 engine would be the TNK 75w90 series.
As mentioned earlier, the overall performance of the car depends on the oil purchased for the gearbox or engine, so I would not recommend saving. Filling with low-grade lubricant guarantees certain problems after several thousand kilometers. It is best to listen to the advice of the car manufacturer and make a choice in favor of only trusted companies.
You should only buy lubricants for VAZ (and for any car in general) in good reputable auto stores.
Video on the topic of choice:
Among the 75w90 group oils, the following options are especially popular:
- Shell Getribeoil EP
- Eneos
- Castrol Syntrans Transaxle
These lubricants are somewhat more expensive than other oils, but their composition is significantly superior to their analogues.
The best choice in the 85w90 would be the following brands:
- MOBIL Mobilube LS
- JB GERMAN OIL GL4
- Gazpromneft SUPER
For type 80w90 the following oils can be distinguished:
- Motul MOTUL HD
- LIQUI MOLY Marine Gear Oil
- Castrol Manual EP
Liquids from these manufacturers are considered the best in terms of price-quality ratio.
Main motor lubricant 10W-40 from Lukoil
For all owners of AvtoVAZ cars, and primarily for those who use the car in difficult conditions: the company’s oils are suitable for extreme temperatures and when constantly moving over short distances, the oil guarantees a cold start.
Engine oil of the 10W-40 series has the following advantages: 5w40 series lubricant guarantees instant starting and quiet operation of the 2114 engine in any weather. The lubricant also guarantees high gasoline savings and effectively prevents the appearance of sediment. These lubricants have won many prizes in competitions and are very popular.
Lukoil oils are distinguished by the best anti-wear properties in almost any conditions, as well as when starting in the cold. Oxidation resistance allows the longest intervals for changing this oil. The series oils fully comply with existing quality standards.
High-quality lubricant was created and developed specifically for 14 series cars and is used in other cars of the company. The oil has the best anti-wear properties and guarantees the highest level of protection in almost any conditions, including when the engine is running in the cold. Resistance to increased oxidation allows the longest intervals for changing this oil.
Changing the oil in “mechanics” “tens”
Procedure for changing oil in manual transmission:
- It is better to replace the lubricant immediately after operating the vehicle, when all units maintain operating temperature conditions.
- We place the car on a level area, set the parking brake and turn off the power to the vehicle.
- For convenience, we place the “front” of the car on a stand. Check the oil level with the vehicle standing horizontally.
- Clean the filler plug and inspection hole.
- Place an oil drain tank under the gearbox housing and unscrew the plug. Take measures to prevent burns from hot aggregate oil.
- After draining the waste, thoroughly clean the hole plugs, paying special attention to removing metal particles from the inserts with magnets.
- Wait until the oil has completely drained and place the car in a horizontal position.
- Fill the unit with oil and test the lubrication level in the unit. Tighten the inspection plug, take a short trip and check the oil level in the gearbox, and if necessary, add the missing amount. Tighten the plug with the recommended torque.
About the choice of viscosity and the term itself
The viscosity of the lubricant is determined at maximum temperatures and at high speeds of friction of surfaces, while being characterized by three main indicators - these are dynamic, kinematic indicators, as well as indicators of the oil viscosity level index.
In terms of viscosity characteristics, both all-season and summer/winter samples are used.
Universal oils for VAZ include:
- SAE 0W30, SAE 10W40, SAE 15W40 and SAE 20W40.
- With the values on the container of all-season lubricants, the following values should be present: the first is an indicator of oil viscosity at minimum temperatures, and the second - at maximum.
- The number after the SAE index indicates the viscosity level of the oil, and the larger this number, the higher the viscosity index of a particular lubricant.
Synthetics
When choosing synthetic gearbox oil, the motorist needs to pay attention to the temperature conditions for which the purchased product is designed. These are the last two digits in the encoding.
The main advantages of synthetic oil are that it prevents the formation of toxins, reduces power loss when the engine warms up, and ensures efficient operation of the car in the long term. Buy synthetic lubricants only from trusted sellers, since by saving a few hundred rubles you can run into a fake and spend much more money on eliminating the damage caused. The best synthetic oil for the VAZ-2114 is Castrol Edge Titanium FST.
Reviews
- Igor, 44 years old. I use motor lubricant from Castrol. A few words about myself: I am a car enthusiast with great experience. I have a special education: mechanic repairman. At the beginning of my work at the plant there was a VAZ-2104, then I bought a BMW 5-series, and later a second generation Toyota Supra. Now I have three cars in the garage: Peugeot 307 and Dodge 016. I use Castrol everywhere.
- Nikolai, 35 years old. In my 2114 I use only the product from Lukoil 75w90 and I would call this oil one of the best in its segment. There are practically no fakes on the market. I have used it since 2014 and have not noticed any complaints. I also pour it into Gazelle.
- Victor, 37 years old. For a long time I have been using only synthetics and mineral water from Shell. We did not notice any complaints. I would like to note the fast start-up in cold weather. I have been using this product for more than five years and recommend it to all my friends.
PARAMETERS OF OILS FOR TRANSMISSION
Specialists who repair and maintain cars, as well as manufacturers of lubricating fluids, consider its viscosity to be the main parameter of a transmission lubricant. Next in the characteristics is the composition of additives, which are designed to ensure a long service life of transmission parts.
The same experts claim that lubricants that are made entirely from a synthetic base have the best characteristics. They are more resistant to oxidative processes, which means that they will have a longer service life. This property of the lubricant is especially important for units with heavy loads and high speeds.