What kind of oil to pour into Niva: types, choice, rating of the best, quality and purpose of the oil

Changing the engine oil is an integral process for any motorist looking after his iron friend. The replacement period is individual for each car, and depends on the operating conditions of the engine, power, and the oil itself.

In the VAZ 21214 Niva, the engine oil changes somewhat more often than in other representatives of the VAZ family. This is explained by the fact that model 21214 is an all-wheel drive SUV, and therefore the Niva’s engine is constantly under increased load. So, many owners of this model are faced with the question: “What kind of oil should be poured into the engine, so that it is as efficient as possible?” It is to this question that we will try to find the answer in this article.

Engine VAZ 21214 1.7l

Changing engine oil is an essential component of proper operation of any car.
Timely replacement of the working fluid and oil filter allows you to maintain the engine in optimal condition, ensuring its long-term and trouble-free operation. Therefore, the owners of this domestically produced SUV have a logical question about what kind of oil to pour into the Niva 21214 with an injector, how much is required, and how to carry out the replacement procedure yourself. Selecting oil for Niva 21214 is not so difficult. But here you need to know some nuances in order to avoid common mistakes. Let's start with the time of year. Not every car owner knows what kind of oil to pour into the engine of his Niva if it’s summer or winter outside. In summer the weather is hot, so passenger car engines get very hot under such conditions.

“Niva 21214” is an all-wheel drive SUV, and its engine warms up even more. That’s why many people make the same mistake, filling in mineral or semi-synthetic oil for the summer. To ensure that the engine runs efficiently and does not overheat, experts recommend using high-quality synthetics.

If the lubricating fluid in the power unit has an insignificant percentage of viscosity, you should not expect the expected effect from it. When the cylinder block heats up, such oils have a consistency similar to ordinary water and their temperature rises rapidly. Therefore, the lubricant will no longer take heat from the engine, performing a cooling function, and will also not be able to create the required pressure. Operating in this mode will lead to rapid jamming of the crankshaft.

Therefore, the manufacturer and experienced car owners themselves advise filling the Niva engine, as well as the Chevy Niva (Chevrolet) engines, with motor oils with a viscosity of 20W40, but not higher than 25W50. These are the optimal viscosity parameters at which the crankshaft can function normally and not create unnecessary load.

• very liquid (otherwise an ice film will form from the cold);
• too thick (otherwise the crankshaft will not be able to rotate when starting a cold engine).

For winter, it is better to fill the engine with oil that meets the viscosity parameters of at least 0W40 and maximum 0W50. By pouring such liquid into the engine in winter, when the temperature drops to a maximum of -40 degrees, the starter can easily cope with cranking. The viscosity is not very high, and even low temperatures will not prevent the engine from starting.

Avoid semi-synthetic oils. Yes, such mixtures can be expensive and have similar characteristics to synthetics. But even the high price and identical labels on the packaging do not allow semi-synthetics to obtain the same properties that synthetic oils have.

The Niva SUV, in all modifications, is very popular in Russian spaces. This is due to good maintainability, low price and excellent maneuverability. To ensure reliable operation, you should undergo all maintenance on time, in particular, change the engine oil.

The VAZ 21214 engine lubrication system is designed to protect against premature wear of moving parts. It completely copes with its task, you just need to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Changing the engine oil is a regulated maintenance procedure, which is prescribed in the operating instructions. There is nothing complicated about it if you clearly and carefully follow the described action plan.

Our most popular engines are injection and carburetor engines, with a volume of 1.7 and 1.6 liters. The replacement process on these engines, as well as other modifications, will be the same.

To refuel and service a domestic VAZ SUV, you need to know the filling capacities of the VAZ 21213 Niva and its modifications, the VAZ 21214. Some numbers need to be known by heart, for example, the capacity of the tank and engine crankcase. The rest should be written down in a notepad, which is stored in the glove compartment of the cabin.

The VAZ 21214 engine was conceived as the first injection engine for a domestic SUV. The Niva was not particularly popular in the USSR, but was exported to Asia, the UK, Europe, Latin America and the USA. During production since 1994, there have been several improvements and modifications of the internal combustion engine from Euro-0 to Euro-5 (export).

It is believed that the basis of the ICE 21214 was the previous version 21213. In fact, ¾ of the parts in the engine

• the engine layout has changed - an injector instead of a carburetor;
• additional attachments appeared - DPKV, DXX sensor, Bosch MP 7.0 controller;
• crankshaft with a long crank radius of 40 mm, not used in previous AvtoVAZ engines;
• Cylinder head with holes for phase sensor and receiver studs, hydraulic supports for valve levers instead of adjusting bolts.

Initially, the 21214 engine was developed for distributed injection, that is, for an injector. It was planned to ensure an environmentally friendly standard, which was carried out successfully - during the finalization process, the internal combustion engines had Euro-2 - Euro-4, and for the export versions of Niva and Nadezhda, even Euro-5.

The main feature of 21214 was the factory boost:

• injector instead of carburetor;
• modified cylinder head (hydraulic pushers);

In turn, this required improvement of other designs:

• the volume of engine oil has increased, the pump sprocket now has 30 teeth to increase its performance;
• the double-row chain is replaced by a roller-type single-row modification to drive attachments and the timing camshaft;
• The camshaft cams have changed shape.

Upgraded chain tension system:

• the spring creates pre-tension when the engine is off;
• After starting, pressure is created in the system, the tension is regulated by hydraulics.

The manufacturer has provided additional tuning with your own hands due to the 50 hp potential built into the design. With. Overhauling the simplest internal combustion engine design does not cause any problems, including in a garage on your own.

To work you will need:

• Oil.
• New oil filter.
• To drain the waste - a container.
• Flashlight.
• Wrenches.
• Puller for removing the filter.

Operation procedure:

• The car is mounted on an overpass and can be lifted on a lift.

• The dipstick is pulled out from the filler neck.
• The mudguard that protects the engine is removed.
• A container is placed to drain the waste. For Niva, its volume must be at least three liters.
• The drain plug is unscrewed. Its location is shown in the photo.

Location of the VAZ 2121 engine drain plug

• Oil is drained.
• The filter is removed. If necessary, a puller is used.

Removing the oil filter

• A little fresh oil is poured into the new filter.
• The sealing rubber of the filter is lubricated with the same composition.
• The device is installed in place. It twists about half a turn after the rubber band touches the cylinder block. You can see how to do this correctly in the video.
• Oil is poured into the engine through the neck.
• Check the level of the filled liquid using the marks.
• The engine starts and runs until the oil pressure light goes out.
• If necessary, lubricating fluid must be added.
• Check the tightness of the filter installation.

Also interesting: Characteristics of the NIVA 2121 engine - Shop of auto parts and accessories for Niva and NIVA-Chevrolet cars

Which oil is better, mineral or synthetic?

We will leave environmental issues to Greenpeace; for NIVA owners, the main thing is reliability. The point is in the base from which the technical fluid is made. Mineral water or semi-synthetic is cheaper to produce, but the resistance to delamination is much lower. On the other hand, replacing transmission fluid on NIVA SUVs occurs quite often; even the most unstable base simply does not have time to lose its factory properties.

The waste consumption of synthetics is higher, since the penetrating ability of such a base is better.

Oil according to weather

First of all, before choosing oil for Niva 21214, pay attention to the weather conditions, or more precisely, the time of year. For example, in the summer, when it is quite hot outside, the engine will heat up significantly. Unlike passenger cars, the engine of this car will heat up much more. Therefore, pouring mineral or semi-synthetic oil into an SUV engine in the summer is a big mistake.

Engine oil viscosity (SAE)

A lubricating fluid with a low percentage of viscosity will not have the desired effect. When the cylinder block is heated, the liquid takes on the state of ordinary water and also heats up very quickly. As a result, the oil stops taking away heat from the engine and creating the proper pressure. After some time of such work, the crankshaft will definitely jam.

For the summer period, it is recommended to pour motor oil into Niva 21214, the viscosity of which will be indicated at least 20W-40 and no more than 25W-50. This is the ideal viscosity at which the crankshaft will rotate freely without creating unnecessary load, and the engine temperature will not exceed 95 degrees.

In winter, more serious problems arise with the choice of oil. In this case, it should not be too thin, so that when exposed to cold it does not become covered with ice, and not too thick, so that when starting the engine in a cold state, the crankshaft can make the first revolution.

For Niva 21214, the most suitable oil is the viscosity of which will be no less than 0W-40 and no more than 0W-50. If you pour it into the engine in winter, at temperatures up to 40 degrees below zero, then the starter will have enough strength to crank the crankshaft, since the viscosity will not be too high, even despite the effects of cold. At the same time, even at lower temperatures, the liquid will not form an ice crust.

When choosing engine oil for Niva 21214, under no circumstances choose all-season oil. Although it seems economical in terms of the ratio of cost to operating conditions, problems may arise with it when starting the engine. It is best to pour either winter or summer oil, depending on the time of year. Also, do not use semi-synthetic oil. No matter how expensive it is, its properties will always be inferior to synthetic ones.

Replacement frequency

If you look at the official manual from the automaker represented by AvtoVAZ, you will see numbers there of 10 thousand kilometers. That is, the plant advises changing the working fluid in the power unit at least once every 10 thousand km. But you, as an experienced or novice car owner, must understand that the calculation is made based on average values.

• dirt and dust on roads;
• hilly terrain, bad roads;
• operation under constant loads (cargo transportation, driving with a trailer);
• use of cheap types of oils;
• low quality fuel;
• aggressive driving style;
• sudden climate changes, etc.

Because of this, the actual frequency of oil changes in the Niva is reduced by approximately 2 times compared to the recommended one; the consumable should be changed approximately every 5–6 thousand kilometers or once a year. Start from what comes first. This is the optimal period of time, since the oil is already beginning to wear out, but does not completely lose its physical and chemical properties.

The situation is similar with the oil filter. A standard filter element allows it to be used for 10 - 12 thousand kilometers. But the filter suffers from the same negative factors as the oil itself, since they are closely related. In theory, it can withstand 2 oil changes, but from the standpoint of engine safety, it is better to change the filter itself at each lubricant change. It's not that expensive.

According to the manufacturer's regulations, service replacements of engine oil for Niva 2121 and other modifications are carried out after 10,000 kilometers or at intervals of 1 year. But some car owners consider this interval to be a little too high, recommending that it be shortened taking into account operating conditions.

At the factory, Niva models are filled with oil from different suppliers. Most often this is Petro-Canada Supreme 10W-40 or Lukoil Genesis Advanced 10W-40. But for accurate information about what is poured into your car from the factory, you should contact the feedback system of AVTOVAZ PJSC. When applying, you must indicate the year and month of manufacture of the car.

Products from other manufacturers can be used as lubricating fluid. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to semi-synthetics with a viscosity of 10W-40. The following motor oils are most popular among model owners:

• Lada Professional 10W-40
• Shell Helix HX7 10W-40
• Total Quartz 7000 10W-40

When using this car in winter, you should select oil taking into account the climate zone, as well as the recommendations of AvtoVAZ. Viscosity 5W-40 will allow you to operate the car down to -30°C, and 0W-40 up to -35°C.

What kind of oil is poured into the Niva from the factory?

According to the Closed Joint Stock Company "GM AvtoVAZ", on the conveyor belt, only semi-synthetic motor oil according to the SAE 5w-30 standard (according to the API standard - SL/SF) is poured into the engine, without indicating the lubricant manufacturer.

The manufacturer recommends PETRO-CANADA SUPREME engine oil

At the same time, for topping up at the first maintenance, General Motors recommends using semi-synthetic PETRO-CANADA SUPREME with viscosity characteristics of 5w-30 or 5w-40. In addition, you can use Champion Active Defense 10W-40 SN oil.

Original oil for VAZ-2121/Niva

For cars produced at AvtoVAZ factories, appropriate oils from domestic companies are usually recommended.

Original oil

Recommendations for choosing and replacing engine oil in the engine of the Niva VAZ 21214 car

Every car enthusiast should know by heart the maximum fuel capacity of his car. The fuel tank of the VAZ 21213 has a capacity of 42 liters, including reserve. The reserve refers to the amount of fuel remaining in the tank after the yellow warning light on the instrument panel turns on. The reserve amount is at least 5 liters. The car must be fueled with gasoline whose octane number is in the range of 91-93.

The car has a number of refueling tanks that the owner must monitor during operation:

• brake system with expansion tank, total capacity - 0.515 l;
• hydraulic clutch drive with expansion tank - 0.2 l;
• 2 plastic tanks with a volume of 2 liters each contain a supply of windshield and rear window washer fluid.

The clutch release drive and brake system are filled with hydraulic brake fluid (the most popular is DOT-4). It should be changed at least every 3 years, because the liquid has the ability to absorb water vapor contained in the air. As a result, all steel parts of the system in contact with it begin to corrode, which leads to complete or partial failure of the brakes.

If there is a leak in the clutch or brake system, the level in the expansion tanks decreases, so constant monitoring is required over them.

Liquid or clean water for washing glass is added if necessary; in winter, a non-freezing option is required. Otherwise, the ice will not only destroy the tubes, but also damage the electric pump.

Various thick lubricants are also used for maintenance and lubrication of the Niva:

• Litol - a composition for lubricating highly loaded bearing parts;
• CV joints-4 - lubricant for the hinges of the front axle shafts and door opening limiters;
• ShRB-4 is designed for processing ball joints and steering rods.

The list of refueling containers is useful for novice car enthusiasts who bought a used car with a lost instruction manual. The operation of such a car should begin with the replacement of all fluids and oils.

The most important characteristic that you need to pay attention to when choosing a lubricant is its viscosity. If we are talking about oil, the composition must meet the requirements of international quality standards SAE J306. This type of certification was developed in the USA and is generally accepted today.

When deciding which oil to pour into Niva axles and other components, you need to evaluate the viscosity of the composition. According to the standards, the letter “W” corresponds to this indicator. As a rule, such a symbol is indicated on seasonal compositions. If there is a letter “W” on the package, this indicates that the liquid can be used in winter. In the absence of this symbol, oil may only be used in positive ambient temperatures.

Based on this, many believe that seasonal lubricants are much better. However, this is not quite true. The fact is that when operating any car, you need to change the oil even before it has exhausted its service life. Therefore, you should not be happy if the composition does not change its characteristics throughout the year.

All-season formulations are also on sale. These are the so-called thickened oils. They have the characteristics of both summer and winter lubricants.

It is equally important to pay attention to the performance properties of oils. In this case there are also certain standards (APIs). Also, when deciding what kind of oil to pour into the Niva, it is worth considering its composition.

Of course, it is logical to assume that the more natural the composition, the better it will be. This fact is confirmed by the unique properties of oils of this type. When using mineral compounds, contacting parts will deteriorate much more slowly. In addition, the so-called natural compounds have excellent anti-corrosion properties.

There are also those car owners who believe that mineral oils are not able to cope with heavy loads. But it is worth considering that during the internal combustion process, many mineral deposits are formed in the engine, which negatively affect the operation of the power unit. Mineral oils may indeed not be able to cope with serious “build-ups” of burnt particles. However, if we are talking about a car with low mileage, then “mineral water” will be quite enough.

Also, when choosing which oil to pour into the Niva transfer case or car engine, it is worth considering that mineral compounds cannot be used in the cold season. This is explained by the fact that this type of lubricant composition begins to thicken greatly at temperatures below -15 degrees. Because of this, the mechanisms cannot function normally. The use of such oils may result in the power unit having to warm up much longer.

Another disadvantage of mineral compositions is that they sometimes fade. Accordingly, the lubricating characteristics of the liquid decrease. This will lead to the components starting to wear out much faster, and fuel consumption will increase. In rare cases, even damage to the power unit may occur. Thus, it is recommended to use mineral-type compounds only at not very low temperatures and for cars with low mileage.

Also interesting: Niva tuning for off-road use from a professional

It is also worth considering that everything depends on the specific car. If one car owner praises the composition that he has been using for a long time for a Mercedes, this does not mean that the same oil is suitable for a Niva. As a rule, it becomes possible to understand that a particular composition is not suitable after 5000 km traveled by the car.

An important point is how often the composition is replaced. For example, if the car is used as a towing vehicle, often drives off-road and operates the power unit in the most difficult conditions, then the lubricant needs to be changed much more often.

Design Features

First of all, it is worth noting that gearbox fluids, even if they are “scorched,” cannot have such a destructive effect. If you choose a low-quality composition for the engine, the consequences will be much more serious.

It is also worth considering that everything depends on the specific car. If one car owner praises the composition that he has been using for a long time for a Mercedes, this does not mean that the same oil is suitable for a Niva. As a rule, it becomes possible to understand that a particular composition is not suitable after 5000 km traveled by the car.

An important point is how often the composition is replaced. For example, if the car is used as a towing vehicle, often drives off-road and operates the power unit in the most difficult conditions, then the lubricant needs to be changed much more often.

More detailed information about which engine oil to use for the VAZ 21214 engine was found in the manual for the maintenance, operation and repair of the Niva 21213 car and its modifications (Kosarev, Yametov, Volgin, Kozlov). This edition contains the following titles:

• "LUKOIL - Arctic" (5W-30, 5W-40; SG/CD);
• “Yar-Marka Super” (5W-30, 5W-40; SG/ CD);
• "ESSO ULTRA" (10W-40; SJ/SH/CD);
• "ESSO UNIFLO" (15W-40; SJ/SH/CD);
• "Hovoil Sint" (5W-30; SG/CD);
• "REXOL UNIVERSAL" (10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-40, 30; SF/CC);
• "UFALYUB" (15W-40; SF/CC);
• "UFALYUB-LUX" (10W-30, 15W-40; SF/CC);
• "ANGROL" (10W-30; SF/CC);
• "NORSI" (10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-40; SF/CC);
• "YAR-MARKA 1 and 2" (10W-30, 15W-40; SF/CC);
• “YAR-MARKA EXTRA” (5W-30, 5W-40; SF/CC);
• "SAMOIL" (10W-30, 15W-40, 20W-40; SF type);
• "VELS 1" (10W-30; SF/CC);
• “LUKOIL-STANDARD (or WELS-2)” (10W-30; SF/CC);
• "LUKOIL STANDARD" (10W-30, 15W-40; SF/CC);
• "NOVOIL MOTOR" (15W-30);
• "OMSKOIL M" (10W-30; SF/CC);
• "SPECTROL" (10W-30, 15W-40; SF/CC);
• "VOLNEZ M" (20W-30; SF/CC);
• "FERGANOL" (30; SF/CC);
• "NAFTAN MB" (15W-40; SF);
• "SHELL HELUX" (10W-40; SF/CC);
• "AGIP SUPERMOTOROIL" (10W-30, 15W-40; SF/CC);
• “76 SUPER MOTOR OIL” (5W-30,10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50, 30, 40; SJ).

Also interesting: Replacing a wheel bearing for a Niva Chevrolet

And also interesting: Chevrolet Niva air conditioning - installation and repair The leaders among oils for Niva are:

1. Lukoil Lux 10w-40;
2. Rosneft Premium;
3. Shell Helix Ultra.

The 21213 engine was created from the working version 2121, taking into account new developments for the VAZ 2107 engine, which were never completed. The main differences from the Niva internal combustion engine are:

• new design pistons;
• changing the parameters of the cylinder head and connecting rods;
• crankshaft modernization;
• camshaft modification;
• use of Solex carburetor modification 21073;
• improved lubrication system;
• original design of the chain tensioner shoe.

A detailed description of the components is contained in the manufacturer's manual. To reduce costs, designers mainly used parts of engines already in production that were already in mass production at the time of 1994:

• standard cylinder block, from 2103, height 214.58 mm, cylinder center distance 95 mm;
• crankshaft - taken from 2103 with a crank radius of 40 mm, equipped with additional counterweights, oil channels are drilled in the connecting rod journals, and their diameters are increased by 0.02 mm;
• the cylinder head was used from 21011, but the combustion chambers were enlarged (30 cm 3 each), the height was ground down to 111 mm;
• timing valve mechanism – used from 2101 without changes;
• Timing chain – bush-roller double-row from 2103.

Factory boost provided a power of 81 hp. s and a torque of 126 Nm, but the manufacturer left a potential of about 45 - 60 hp. With. At the same time, he recommends improving the intake and exhaust tracts with your own hands without boring the cylinders and turbocharging the engine.

Replacement instructions

It would be logical to find out how much oil is in the VAZ Niva 21214 engine and how much motor fluid is required to purchase. If we talk about the volume of liquid being filled, then for the Niva engine it is 3.75 liters. The actual volume of oil in the engine is usually less than that indicated in the vehicle's data sheet.

This is due to the fact that when draining the waste, some of the oil still remains in the system. It is almost impossible to clean the engine 100% on your own. You should take plenty of oil, but not much. It is better to take a 5 liter canister of high-quality lubricant. This will allow you to fill the full volume into the crankcase, plus periodically add it as the level changes.

To work, you will need to collect some materials and tools. This list includes:

• fresh motor oil in the right quantity;
• an empty container where the waste will be drained;
• funnel for filling;
• fuel filter;
• 12mm hex or 17mm wrench;
• puller for the oil filter (you can do without it);
• inspection hole;
• rags;
• lighting;
• overalls (gloves, closed shoes, thick clothing).

If you have everything ready, you can start working. Be sure to follow the instructions step by step, do not rush and do not try to unscrew or tighten anything by applying great force. Otherwise, you risk breaking some parts, which will lead to more expensive repairs. We begin the procedure for changing the engine oil, changing the filter at the same time.

1. Place the car on an inspection hole to have easy access to the bottom where the oil pan is located. The engine should be warmed up first so that the oil acquires a more liquid structure and can easily drain from the sump.
2. If you warmed up the engine at idle, wait a few minutes so that all the liquid drains down. You can still unscrew the filler plug in the engine compartment. This will allow the oil to come out from below faster.

3. Carefully unscrew the drain plug. It comes in different types, so you will need a hexagon or wrench to dismantle it. Before you begin to unscrew the cap, place an empty container under it. Unscrew completely and let the oil drain. This will take about 10 – 15 minutes. Therefore, at the same time, work on the oil filter.

4. If the oil comes out very dirty, then a lot of debris, chips and dirt will remain in the system. In this condition, it is recommended to flush the engine. To do this, use special additives, flushing mixtures or fresh oil.
5. There are additives that you simply add to the filler neck while the old grease is still there, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then they are jammed and everything is removed from the pan.
6. The option with flushing oil or regular fresh engine oil looks different. First, the old fluid is drained, then the drain plug is closed, fresh oil is added, the engine is turned on and it runs at idle speed for 5 - 10 minutes. Now the pan plug is unscrewed again and drained. If the engine is heavily dirty, it is recommended to repeat the procedure 2–3 times. This takes a lot of oil, but it gives the engine new life.

7. Only after complete washing is the old filter removed and a new one installed in its place. The filter is unscrewed with a puller, manually or with an improvised tool. The puller is the most convenient, but is not always available to the car owner. Be careful not to damage adjacent pipes and wiring. For safety reasons, it is better to remove the negative terminal from the battery.

8. Clean the holes for the drain plug and the filter if there is dirt there. Otherwise, they may get into the fresh motor fluid.
9. Before reinstallation, check the plug gasket and replace it if necessary. The filter seal is lubricated with oil, and engine fluid is filled to 50% of the volume of the new filter. Now you can install them in place.
10. Make sure that the filter and plug are firmly in place and that there are no leaks through them.
11. We move on to the engine compartment, where we use a funnel to pour fresh composition through the filler neck. Fill in about 3.5 liters first, since some of the oil remains in the system. Close the lid and run the engine at idle speed for 2 - 3 minutes.
12. Turn off the engine and let the oil drain. Take the dipstick and check the level. A trace of the oil film should remain between o and “Max”. If the level is closer to the minimum value, open the lid again, add a little more lubricant and repeat the procedure.

When you start the car, the oil pressure light will come on. It's not scary, it always happens. The indicator will go out after a few seconds. Over the next few days, monitor how your Niva behaves. Check under the car for traces of fresh oil. Leaks may occur due to a poorly installed filter or drain plug. Tighten the connections and recheck the level.

Owners of the VAZ Niva 21214 car are advised to periodically monitor the oil level, add it as needed and react promptly if the liquid suddenly changes color, becomes cloudy, its consumption increases or the engine overheats. Signs like these indicate more than just a leak.

How much oil to fill and how to choose it correctly

Once we are convinced of the need for an urgent oil change, we move on to the next stage. So, now you need to decide on the volume of oil, as well as the best parameters and manufacturers. Since the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with a single VAZ-21213 engine with a volume of 1.7 liters, only one fluid volume is provided for this car - 3.75 liters, including the oil filter.

It is important to remember that it will not be possible to pour in this amount of oil in all cases. For example, this can only be done after a complete oil change, which is carried out at a dealership using special tools

As for the incomplete replacement, which is usually done at home, this procedure does not involve comprehensive cleaning of the engine from dirt deposits and metal shavings. There will be some old oil and deposits left in the block, making it impossible to fill the full volume. But there is a proven method that allows you to get rid of dirt deposits even with partial replacement. So, for this purpose, partial replacement is carried out several times with an interval of 500-600 kilometers. Thus, by the 3-4th time the block will be completely cleared of foreign deposits, and then it will be possible to enter the full volume of 3.7 liters, of which 250 ml will go into the oil filter

For example, this can be done only after a complete oil change, which is carried out at a dealership using special tools. As for the incomplete replacement, which is usually done at home, this procedure does not involve comprehensive cleaning of the engine from dirt deposits and metal shavings. There will be some old oil and deposits left in the block, making it impossible to fill the full volume. But there is a proven method that allows you to get rid of dirt deposits even with partial replacement. So, for this purpose, partial replacement is carried out several times with an interval of 500-600 kilometers. Thus, by the 3-4th time the block will be completely cleared of foreign deposits, and then it will be possible to enter the full volume of 3.7 liters, of which 250 ml will go into the oil filter.

Now you can proceed directly to choosing the oil. Thus, the factory engine oil for Chevrolet Niva has viscosity parameters SAE 5W-30, as well as an API SL/SF quality level. As for the manufacturer, it already depends on the preferences of the buyer. The most important thing is the parameters, and you should proceed from the specified information.

Chevrolet Niva owners often buy motor oils not only from Russian, but also from foreign manufacturers: Lukoil, Castrol, Shell, Kixx, Mobile, G-Energy, Elf, ZIK and others.

And yet, no one has yet canceled the recommendations from the leading concern General Motors. Thus, American engineers recommend filling the Niva engine with high-quality semi-synthetic oil Petro-Canada Supreme 5W-30 or 5W-40. Champion Active Defense 10W-40 SN is also a very good option.

Synthetic oils

When deciding what oil to pour into the Niva, many come to the conclusion that artificial compounds have better characteristics. Synthetic formulations may actually be more beneficial. During the development of such oils, complex chemical processes are used, thanks to which the characteristics of the fluid can be adjusted.

If we talk about the advantages of synthetic compounds, it is worth considering that they remain resistant to thermal changes much longer and retain their original characteristics longer. In addition, lubricating fluids of this type contain additional additives that significantly improve the performance of the oils.

Synthetic oils begin to freeze only at -60 degrees. They do not oxidize or evaporate. At the same time, their lubricating index is quite high. In this case, you can actually make replacements much less frequently.

Such compositions are considered optimal for those cars that have a fairly high mileage, but at the same time they have been filled with “synthetics” for too long. Semi-synthetic compounds are changed with varying regularity. This depends on numerous factors. It is important to consider how often the vehicle is used, the condition of the vehicle's powertrain, etc.

However, no matter what kind of oil is poured into the Niva, you must always remember that the more often the lubricant composition is changed, the longer the vehicle will last. Based on all this, we can identify several liquids that are most popular among car owners.

What kind of oil should I put in the Niva?

The most common engine installed on the VAZ 2121 is 8 valves, 83 l/s, volume 1.7 liters . With such a volume, the engine is more torquey than revvy. In this case, the temperature regime is very important - you should choose which oil to pour into the NIVA engine based on weather conditions. The parameters recommended by the manufacturer are only suitable for an engine that has not passed the warranty mileage. There is a table formed based on the requirements class=”aligncenter” width=”785″ height=”459″[/img]

Filling with a different lubricant is more expensive for yourself, since you may lose the warranty. Most NIVA owners change the oil themselves after the warranty period, saving money on maintenance. To extend engine life, it is important to choose the correct lubricant viscosity. This parameter directly depends on the weather. The general principle is that the higher the temperature, the higher the viscosity.

The engine is cooled not only by antifreeze, but also by oil. Too thin a lubricant heats up quickly, and heat transfer deteriorates. In addition, it is possible to leak through gaskets and seals. A heated liquid with a low coefficient will not hold the so-called well. grease stain. The other side of the coin is if you fill it with thick oil in winter. Firstly, turning the crankshaft in solid oil is quite difficult even for a fresh battery. Secondly, the viscous lubricant will not pass through the channels, and the level of irrigation of the rubbing parts will be insufficient.

"Lukoil Lux 10W-40"

Many, when choosing which oil to pour into the Niva, give preference to this particular composition. The lubricating fluid of this brand meets all the necessary requirements. Car owners trust the quality of these compounds, since this manufacturer has long established itself in the market.

"Lukoil Lux 10W-40" has a positive effect on the power unit and helps conserve energy. Many noted that these compounds help reduce fuel consumption. According to tests, this oil performs well in various extreme conditions.

"Dolphin Industry"

Car owners highlight the products of this company (or rather, the compositions “Lux Hit” and “Lux Best”), since only modern technologies and the latest developments are used in the production process of lubricating fluids.

If, when deciding which oil to pour into the Chevrolet Niva engine, you chose this particular composition, then you should pay attention to the fact that it contains molybdenum. This component causes mixed reviews, but most car owners note the excellent properties of this additive. It is believed that molybdenum reliably preserves the power unit and reduces fuel consumption.

What to pay attention to

When deciding what kind of oil to pour into the Niva engine and car transmission, it is first of all worth noting that it is much easier to replace the lubricant in the gearbox. However, even in this case, the driver must remember several important nuances. For example, the car owner must ensure proper lubrication of all gears of a given unit. The composition should form a thin film on the parts that will protect them from premature wear and scuffing. Thus, depending on what kind of oil is poured into the Niva’s gearbox, you can expect how soon expensive repairs to your favorite car may be required.

Leaks and problems

The higher the mileage of the VAZ Niva, the more problems appear, as in principle with any car. Most often this is due to natural wear and tear of the engine, causing oil to burn. Although the manufacturer allows for a small consumption.

Also interesting: Create music with your own hands — — LiveJournal

There can be many reasons why an engine eats oil. And in each case they can be individual. But, over the years of the model’s existence, we can talk about the most common places where leaks occur.

If the breather is spewing or throwing oil, or if there is oil in the exhaust manifold, this may indicate a serious problem with the oil rings. In this case, you can try decoking with dimexide. But it is better to use special auto chemicals designed for these purposes.

A leak from under the valve cover may be due to a worn gasket. Sometimes simply replacing the gasket does not solve the problem. Since the cover itself may have significant curvature. Therefore, in some cases it will have to be replaced.

A white emulsion in the engine or on the oil filler cap may indicate condensation. This is a common occurrence when temperatures change from minus to plus, mainly in autumn or spring.

But if the emulsion is also observed on the dipstick, then this is already a sign of more serious problems. Most often we can talk about a broken cylinder block gasket. And in rare cases, a cracked cylinder head may be to blame.

Also, with this problem, you can find oil in the expansion tank. Sometimes, simply replacing the gasket is not enough. It may be necessary to grind the head itself, and this is completely different money for repairs.

All this is general information, which may manifest itself differently on each specific vehicle, since everyone’s operating modes are different. The same applies to leak locations; it is impossible to identify the cause from a distance.

"Rosneft"

You can also find products from this popular manufacturer on the market. If, when choosing which oil to pour into a Chevrolet Niva engine, the car owner decides to purchase this particular composition, then he can be sure that the liquid uses the newest and most effective additives that will preserve the power unit longer.

It is also worth noting that Rosneft products are suitable if the vehicle is operated in harsh conditions or in situations of serious temperature changes. Oil from this manufacturer is characterized by low consumption.

Manufacturers

When choosing motor oil, you are often lost, not knowing: “Which one should I choose?” Over the long period of use of cars, brands have appeared that are famous for their excellent product quality.

The leaders of such brands today are the manufacturers: Mobil, Xado and Lukoil. They specialize in the production of lubricating fluids for both passenger cars and SUVs. Of course, such oils are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to pour them into their engine.

So, which oil can you choose from cheaper analogues? Now the following manufacturers are gaining momentum quite quickly in the global market: Castrol, ZIC, Kixx and Valvoline. Their products are not much inferior in quality to world brands, and are perfect for the Niva 21214 engine. Therefore, if you do not have much finance, you can safely use products from these manufacturers.

Power unit

The engine installed on the modern model of the Niva 21213 (214) car was inherited from its Soviet progenitor - the VAZ 2121, and in terms of fluid volumes they are almost identical:

1. Liquid cooling system. Filled with antifreeze in an amount of 10.7 liters with a freezing point not higher than -40 ° C. The capacity of the interior heating radiator is also included in this volume.
2. Crankcase. Motor oils are poured here, the brand of which depends on the operating conditions. Capacity: 3.75 liters, including oil filter filling.

When flushing the power unit during the process of replacing liquid lubricant, the same amount of flushing oil (3.75 l) is used, taking into account the size of the filter. Replacement is carried out after 8-12 thousand kilometers, depending on the quality of the oil. Flushing is usually performed after 3 engine lubricant changes. During operation, it is important to monitor the oil level in the engine crankcase using a special dipstick. If the level drops below the Min mark, it is urgent to add lubricant to the engine of the same viscosity as was previously filled.

Antifreeze needs to be updated at least once every 3 years or according to the degree of wear of the fluid. It is not recommended to dilute antifreeze with distilled water, either in winter or summer. In winter, the diluted liquid may freeze, and during the summer heat it may boil ahead of time, which will lead to overheating of the engine.

Model description

For the domestic market, the appearance of an all-terrain vehicle was a real breakthrough.

The VAZ-21214 model, which later received the name “Lada 4×4”, and is popularly called “Niva”, is a modification of the VAZ-2121 car. This four-seater passenger car, with increased cross-country ability, belongs to the class of SUVs. It is equipped with all-wheel drive, a five-speed gearbox, a transfer case, a locked center differential, has fairly good ground clearance (22 cm), a short wheelbase and small body overhangs.

The car is capable of accelerating to a speed of 142 km/h, fuel consumption (AI-92) is 10.8 l/100 km (combined cycle).

The Lada injection power unit has:

• power 80 hp;
• four cylinders (two valves each);
• volume 1.7 l;
• torque 127.5 Nm at 5200 rpm;
• distributed fuel injection (electronically controlled).

Over the years, the engine has been modernized to Euro standards. So, since 2011, it began to comply with Euro-4 toxicity standards (models for the foreign market - Euro-5).

The guaranteed resource of the power unit is 80 thousand km, but usually up to 150 thousand km major repairs are not required.

Transmission

The Niva 4x4 transmission system has the following filling volumes:

• transfer case - 0.79 l;
• gearbox - 1.6 l;
• rear axle - gearbox - 1.3 l;
• front axle - crankcase - 1.15 l;
• steering column - crankcase - 0.18-0.2 l.

As stated in the operating instructions, transmission lubricants need to be changed once every 30 thousand km. mileage At the same time, replacement is not provided for in the steering mechanism housing, only an addition through the top plug. The “native” oil for Zhiguli transmission units is considered to be TAD17I.

Transmission oils have good penetrating ability. Therefore, poorly clamped plugs and worn gaskets of units begin to gradually leak lubricant. In such situations, it is allowed to add oil of the same viscosity class and, preferably, the same manufacturer. If you do not top up during a leak, the lubricant level in the unit will decrease, which will lead to accelerated wear of expensive mechanisms.

What do the manufacturer's specialists recommend?

It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to add lubricants of the most common API GL-5 standard to the Chevrolet Niva gearbox. On the one hand, it is better in terms of performance: it performs well at high speeds, heavy loads and temperatures

On the other hand, it contains sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additives, which in high concentrations can disrupt the operation of the Niva manual transmission synchronizers. Most car enthusiasts recommend using transmission fluids of the GL-5 standard for addition to axles and gearboxes.

The transfer case and gearbox should be filled with oil that meets API GL4 or GL4/GL5 quality standards and SAE viscosity 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90. Transmission fluid according to API GL5 or GL4/GL5 is intended for gearboxes, front and rear axles. It is better not to use oil with GL4 standard.

When changing the oil in a VAZ 21214 gearbox, special attention should be paid to the recommendations of the automaker. The company recommends filling the Niva transmission with the following lubricants:

• "NOVOIL T" (80W-90; GL-5);
• "OMSCOIL SUPER T" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "REXOL T HYPOID" (80W-90, 85W-90; GL-5);
• "VELS TRANS" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "VELSTM" (80W-90, 85W-90; GL-5);
• "UFALYUB UNITRANS" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "NORSI" (80W-90, 85W-90; GL-5);
• "LUKOIL TM-5 or VOLNEZT-1" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "LUKOIL TM-5" (80W-90.85W-90; GL-5);
• "ANGROL T" (80W-90, 85W-90; GL-5);
• "SPECTROL FORWARD" (80W-90; GL-5);
• "SPECTROL CRUISE" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "SAMOIL 4402" (85W-90; type GL-5);
• "SAMOIL 4404" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "SAMOIL 4405" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "AGIP ROTRA MP" (80W-90; GL-5);
• "AGIP ROTRA MP DB" (85W-90; GL-5);
• "MP GEAR LUBE-LS"

It is worth noting that when a car comes off the assembly line, Lukoil 10W-30 oil is poured into it. Therefore, we can say that this is the main recommendation of the manufacturer. However, you need to take into account the features of the gearbox of this machine.

How to change the oil in a VAZ 2121 engine

If we are talking about the Chevrolet Niva, the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 15,000 km. In this case, manipulations must be carried out in accordance with the clear recommendations of specialists.

First of all, you need to place the car on a viewing hole or lift. When the car is secured and cannot accidentally move, you can remove the engine protective cover located at the bottom. After this, you need to place a container under the hole (a 5-liter canister is best) and unscrew the drain plug.

When the fluid is renewed, it is necessary to install the element in place of the old one. The next step is to replace the seal. After this, you can tighten the drain hole and return the protection to the engine.

Next, you need to open the neck and pour about 3.5 liters of lubricant into it. That's not all.

After all the manipulations, you need to start the car engine and wait until the power unit warms up. When a little oil is gone, add a little more compound and leave the engine running for another 10 minutes. After this, the oil level is checked again (it is best to use a special dipstick). If there is not enough liquid, you need to add it.

The oil in the VAZ 2121 gearbox is changed every five years or 75,000 kilometers of the car. The volume of fluid required is:

• Three liters for a four-speed gearbox.
• 3.3 liters – five-speed gearbox.

• Open-end wrenches.
• Hexagon.
• Syringe for filling oil.
• Container for draining waste.

The work is carried out in the inspection pit, the engine needs to be warmed up. Sequence of operations:

• Use a hexagon to unscrew the drain plug.
• Oil is drained.
• The plug is installed in place.
• The filler bolt located on the side of the device is unscrewed.

The filler bolt KP 2121 is unscrewed

• New oil is poured in using a syringe.

Filling oil into gearbox 2121

• The filler plug is installed.

• The drain plug is unscrewed with a hexagon to “12”.

Location of the drain plug

• Oil is draining from the device.
• The magnet is cleaned and the plug is screwed back in.
• The filler plug is removed.
• Using a syringe, oil is poured into the VAZ 2121 transfer case.

Filling oil into the transfer case of a VAZ 2121

• Check the fluid level. It should reach the bottom edge of the hole through which the oil is poured.
• The breather, which is located on the side of the rear cardan shaft, is cleaned of dirt.

Timely oil changes in the components of the VAZ 2121 car will increase the service life of the car in reliable condition.

Motor 21214 was used to equip several cars manufactured by AvtoVAZ:

• Lada Niva 4x4 (VAZ-21214) – three-door SUV;
• Lada 4x4 M - modernized version with power steering and ABS;
• Lada 4x4 5D (VAZ-213100) – an extended modification of a five-door SUV;
• “Ambulance” (VAZ-213145) – Euro-2/3 in small series;
• Lada Nadezhda (VAZ-2120) is a seven-seater all-wheel drive minivan.

The management did not consider it necessary to install it on the seven-seater Largus minivan. But in all modifications of the Niva 3- and 5-door (Bronto, Kedr, Pickup, Reka, Bys and armored collection vehicle) it was present.

Lubrication system.

The lubrication system itself is also combined. The oil pump supplies oil under pressure to the bearings, crankshaft, and drive helical gear. Some parts are lubricated by splashing.

• The engine lubrication capacity is 3.75 liters.
• It is better to use synthetic and semi-synthetic SUPER oil. Its viscosity class: from -25 to +30, +35 - 5W30, 5W40; from -15-+45 — 15W 40; from -10-+45 — 20W 40.
• Transmission oils from Lukoil TM-4 are made on a mineral (80W 85, 80W-90) and semi-synthetic base (75W-90) and are off-season, high-quality, as they use additives from the world's best manufacturers. They are needed for gearbox housings (1.6 l).
• The same oil is used for the transfer case (0.79 l).
• For the front (1.15 l) and rear (1.3 l) axles, 80W 90 and 85W 90 are used.
• The 1.7 liter power steering requires Pentosin Hydraulic Fluid CHF115.
• The hydraulic front shock absorber (0.15 l) and rear shock absorber (0.215) are filled with Slavol-AZh or GRZh-12 ​​operating fluid.

High temperatures, constant loads and friction affect the service life and operating time of the motor. Without lubrication, gears and parts wear out quickly. In addition to cooling, it is possible to eliminate carbon deposits and microparticles.

The condition of the systems and the oil level should be monitored. A warning light helps with this, which will indicate a drop in pressure and is connected to the lubrication system. It is still better to entrust the replacement to specialists. It is better to use the oil that was poured into the engine. When changing the brand of oil, you need to drain the old one before the engine cools down.