The exact oil your car takes is set by the manufacturer for your specific year, make, model and engine, and it appears in your owner's manual (and often on the oil filler cap). You need two things: the viscosity grade (e.g. 0W-20) and the required specification (e.g. API SP or dexos1 Gen3).
Checklist
Manual-first oil check
Find the exact oil section in the owner’s manual, not only a forum or retailer result.
Write down the viscosity grade and the required specification as two separate requirements.
Confirm engine, model year, market, and service schedule before buying oil or parts.
Check capacity with filter and avoid overfilling.
Keep a mileage/date note after the service so the next interval is clear.
Use this before buying oil, choosing an alternate grade, or changing the interval.
The two things you need
“What oil does my car take?” has two parts, and you need both:
Viscosity grade — the number like 0W-20 or 5W-30 (how the oil flows cold and hot).
Owner’s manual — the authoritative source. Look in the maintenance/specifications section for the grade, specification, and the oil capacity (how many quarts).
Oil filler cap — often shows the viscosity grade (e.g. “0W-20”), a quick confirmation.
Under-hood label or fuel door — some manufacturers print the oil type there.
Look it up by car
Don’t have the manual handy? Start with our car oil lookup — choose your year, make, model, and engine (the engine matters: the same model can take different oil depending on the engine). It shows the recommended viscosity and the required specification side by side.
Because engines, model years, and markets differ, always confirm the result against your owner’s manual before buying oil.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the oil type listed on my car?
Most often in the owner's manual maintenance section, and frequently stamped on the engine oil filler cap. Some makers also print it inside the fuel door or on a label under the hood.
Is the oil on the cap enough?
The cap usually shows the viscosity grade, but not always the full specification or the capacity. Confirm the grade, spec, and oil capacity in your manual.
Does the same model always take the same oil?
No — different engines, model years, and markets can call for different oil. Always match your exact engine, which is why our lookup asks for it.