Although the domestic classic represented by the VAZ-2106 is no longer produced, it continues to be actively present on Russian roads. The car was produced for 30 years at the facilities of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant. The first copy was released in 1976. This model can deservedly be considered a legend of the Soviet and Russian automobile industry. Not everyone knows that the prototype for creating a domestic car was the Italian Fiat car model 124 Speciale. Indeed, both cars are very similar to each other. It is not surprising, because the VAZ-2106 began to be produced just 3 years after the start of Fiat production. Since “sixes” are still relevant, the logical question remains about which oils are best to fill in VAZ-2106 carburetor engines.
When choosing engine oil for the VAZ-2106, there is no point in relying on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to choose a good oil for a VAZ engine
The selection of a lubricant for domestically produced engines begins with determining the lubricant base. In 2022, three types of fluids are used.
Mineralka
Motor oils of natural origin are extracted by distillation of sulfurous petroleum. The procedure eliminates some of the foreign impurities that harm the power plant. Due to the minimal set of useful properties, the products can be used on classic units that do not require a high degree of protection. When asked what kind of oil to pour into the engine of a VAZ 2106 and similar models, the manufacturer recommends paying attention to the indicated group.
Semi-synthetics
Half-artificial lubricants are more difficult to produce. Here the mineral base and synthetic groups of additives are combined. Less commonly used is hydrocracking crude oil refining. The technology structures the molecules of raw materials and gives the finished product properties comparable to the most advanced developments.
The characteristics of the oil represent a transitional link between PAO and mineral varieties and have a moderate cost, which ensures constant demand among consumers. If the question is what kind of oil to pour into the engine of a VAZ 2110 and generation analogues, the manufacturer recommends using a similar group.
Synthetics
As of 2022, completely artificial products are the most advanced developments. The liquids are produced by breaking down natural gas into its components. During the processing process, complex hydrocarbons are released, which form the base of the mixture. Another development features the use of polyalphoalefins (PAO). Both technologies make it possible to create a high-tech product that meets the requirements of modern engines.
The manufacturer recommends pouring such oils into the X RAY engine and the latest Lada developments.
Manufacturers and brands
Everyone understands perfectly well that the VAZ-2106 belongs to the category of cheap cars that are available only on the secondary market. They cost extremely little, because the main target audience has a low level of financial wealth. It follows from this that they will not buy expensive motor oils. And there is no point in this, since the VAZ-2106 feels great when working on budget fluids. The ideal solution would be to purchase European motor oils. Although their high price does not always allow buyers to purchase similar products for their “six”. Car owners pay the main attention to domestic brands. The most popular include:
- Yukos Tourism;
- Azmol Super;
- Lada Standard.
Imported liquids have significantly higher technical parameters. This is where the main problem of choice arises. To guarantee confident, reliable and durable operation of the engine, it is better to spend a little more money but purchase high-quality imported oil for the VAZ-2106. If your financial condition does not allow you to spend a lot of money on servicing the VAZ-2106, you can get by with the domestic option. They are inferior in quality, but drivers usually do not feel a significant difference.
It makes no sense to look into the official VAZ-2106 operating manual, since the oils recommended there have not been produced for a long time or have lost their relevance.
The list of the most suitable brands for the VAZ-2106 available today includes:
- Optimum produced by Rosneft;
- Standard, produced under the Lada brand;
- Standard from Lukoil;
- Lukoil Lux;
- Lukoil Super;
- Rosneft Maximum.
The choice is quite varied, although here you should focus on the year of manufacture of your VAZ-2106. This applies to winter, summer and all-season motor oils. There are several important recommendations regarding the year of manufacture of cars. By adhering to them, it will be easier for you to decide on the final choice of lubricant for the engine.
- VAZ-2106 cars produced between 1976 and 1982 should be filled only with mineral motor lubricants. It is difficult to predict how they will behave on synthetics or semi-synthetics. It is better not to use them, otherwise it will result in serious consequences for the power unit.
- If the "six" was produced from 1983 to 1991, then also use mineral-based oils or hydrocracking.
- In the case of operating a VAZ-2106 car model 1992 - 1994, in addition to mineral compounds, it is allowed to pour semi-synthetic mixtures into the engine oil crankcase.
- If you are lucky and you are dealing with a VAZ-2106, which was one of the last to be produced, that is, between 2004 and 2006, then feel free to buy high-quality semi-synthetic motor fluids. Mineral water is no longer suitable here, but there is no point in spending money on synthetics.
In terms of brands, everything is simple. Focus on the most popular manufacturers who have managed to gain a good reputation.
The most preferred brands for refueling engines of domestic automakers are:
Top lubricants for VAZ cars
The best motor oil for a classic VAZ is a natural or semi-artificial or synthetic liquid. Older engines have increased operating clearances. This feature makes pouring artificial mixtures incorrect - highly fluid lubricants can do more harm than good due to the insufficient thickness of the protective film.
10th place: LUKOIL Super SG/CD 15W40
Price: from 200 rub/liter.
Domestic development of mineral type. The lubricant stands out among competitors' offerings with an optimal ratio of cost and quality indicators. A good alkalinity indicator guarantees the maintenance of sufficient cleanliness of the power plant. The 6.8 index ensures good compatibility with gasoline units supplied with classic cars. Separately, we can highlight the high viscosity index by mineral water standards: 136 units according to the general table. The indicator indicates good thermal-oxidative stability and moderate burnout of the product. The density of the lubricant is designed for operation at differences from -25 to +40 degrees Celsius, which is acceptable for central Russia and the CIS countries.
Due to its good characteristics, this oil can be poured into Niva engines of older years. For modifications after 1995 inclusive, it is necessary to pay attention to better quality lubricants.
Advantages:
- minimum cost;
- good durability;
- moderate natural consumption;
- wide use.
Flaws:
- a large number of fakes;
- low-temperature viscosity does not allow working in severe frosts;
- not suitable for aggressive use;
- used exclusively for classics.
9th place: LIQUI MOLY Optimal 10W40
Price: from 400 rub/l.
Hydrocracking semi-synthetics, which stands out from the general range due to its increased resistance to mechanical destruction and temperature oxidation. An increased viscosity index of 156 units guarantees good fluidity during severe frosts and the absence of oxidation during overheating. The relatively low alkaline index is compensated by the mild action of detergent additives. Active components gradually dissolve sludge deposits in the internal parts of the crankcase. This feature guarantees the absence of traffic jams in thin lines and an abundant supply of lubricant to the serviced components. Among the disadvantages of semi-synthetics, there is an increased cost of the product. Due to the high quality of the lubricant, the manufacturer has raised the price, which greatly discourages buyers.
Advantages:
- high quality formula;
- stable operation under overloads;
- sufficient fluidity in winter;
- mild action of cleaning additives.
Flaws:
- overpriced.
8th place: Mannol Classic 10W40
Price: from 250 rub/l.
The thickest semi-synthetic on the list. High-temperature viscosity exceeds the norms for mineral products, which is an advantage when pouring into classics. When asked what kind of oil to pour into the VAZ 2109/08 engine of the first years of production, it is recommended to take a closer look at the specified product.
Serious density provides sufficient thickness of the protective film for used engines with increased temperature clearances.
Compatibility with domestic units is supported by a high alkaline index - 10 units, more suitable for diesel engines. In the conditions of the Soviet classics, where, due to the colossal mileage, the tightness of the piston group is compromised, an increased ingress of sulfuric acid into the crankcase compartment is observed. This provokes the need to intensively clean surfaces from carbon deposits.
Also, for tired VAZ 2110 engines, the best oil will be similar.
Advantages:
- excellent stability under different operating conditions;
- quickly cleans the engine;
- the presence of antifriction additives.
Flaws:
- When frosts exceed -25 ˚С, problems with starting are observed.
7th place: Lukoil Lux 10W40
Price: from 210 rub/l.
The second place for classics is taken by domestic development with a minimum purchase budget. Thanks to the availability of API SL/CF standards, the liquid can be used in domestic and imported cars of early years of production, and the moderate price tag allows you to avoid spending money on topping up the mixture.
The stable formula can withstand standard service intervals of up to 8,000 km, which is acceptable in Russian realities. When asked what kind of oil to pour into the VAZ 2107 engine, experienced motorists recommend taking a closer look at the Lux modification.
Separately, moderate ash content should be highlighted. The amount of non-combustible impurities is limited due to the use of high-quality base and additive components.
Advantages:
- minimum price tag;
- low ash content;
- good alkalinity;
- wide versatility.
Flaws:
- burns out;
- a large number of fakes;
- thickens in cold weather.
6th place: ELF EVOLUTION 700 STI 10W40
Price: from 350 rub/l.
Modern liquid, manufactured using patented technology, is resistant to mechanical destruction and temperature oxidation. Using a high-quality base prevents fading and natural wear. Separately, the high stability under temperature changes stands out. The viscosity index at 160 units is quite a bit short of the level of synthetics. This parameter ensures optimal endurance at high temperatures and provides the necessary fluidity in winter, which facilitates cold starting of the unit.
When choosing which oil to fill into the VAZ 2112/2114/2115 engine, you can safely buy the specified product. Moderate protection against freezing is compensated by the possibility of aggressive operation - the presence of appropriate approvals opens up the possibility of use in highly accelerated engines with installed turbocharging and direct fuel injection.
Advantages:
- excellent stability for its class;
- viscosity index 160;
- the presence of a large number of approvals from automakers;
- a small number of fakes.
Flaws:
- not suitable for advanced VAZ models.
5th place: Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W40
Price: from 370 rub/l.
The next representative of the semi-synthetic class of motor oils. If the question arises about what kind of oil to pour into the engine of a Priora, Kalina or Grant, you can safely stop at the middle of the rating.
The liquid is well adapted to overloads, operation at high speeds and burns out moderately. The durable protective film holds the load well without breaking through at critical moments, which minimizes wear of friction pairs and bearings.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the minimum amount of sulfate ash. Semi-synthetics are also sold with the Mid Saps index, which guarantees a content of non-combustible impurities of less than 1%. For domestic cars this is an excellent indicator.
The density is also kept within acceptable limits - the crystallization threshold is limited to -30 degrees Celsius, which allows us to answer the question of what kind of oil to pour into a VAZ engine in winter for its normal operation.
Advantages:
- minimum ash content;
- stable operation under intense loads;
- pouring into turbocharged cars is allowed;
- withstands harsh use;
- sufficient low temperature fluidity.
Flaws:
- there are fakes.
4th place: Opet FULLMAX 5W-40
Price: from 900 rub/l.
The Turkish-made product falls slightly short of the top three. Top balls were selected due to their low prevalence. The OPET company is just entering the CIS market. At home, the brand is widespread and is used as the main consumable for European and American cars. Judging by the characteristics, you can safely pour this oil into the engine of Vesta or other modern VAZ modifications. Pure synthetics are produced on the basis of complex hydrocarbons obtained by splitting natural gas. The development eliminates the ingress of foreign impurities, which guarantees excellent purity of the finished mixture.
It also has good high-temperature viscosity and excellent cleaning properties. The company's trump card is a wide range of containers - motor oils are sold in cans of 1, 4, 5, 7 or more liters. Also, you won’t find any counterfeits on the brand’s liquids; the company, which is young for the CIS, has not had time to become widespread, which makes copying it unprofitable.
Advantages:
- good stability under temperature changes;
- does not fade;
- good cleaning properties.
Flaws:
- low prevalence.
3rd place: Lukoil Lux 5W40
Price from 1200 rub/l
The top three is opened by domestic development of a synthetic type. The lubricant is presented on the market as a worthy analogue to imported lubricants. The manufacturer recommends pouring such oil into the engines of Vesta and other contemporaries of the Russian concern.
Increased resistance to degradation and oxidation ensures compatibility with turbocharged internal combustion engines equipped with catalytic converters. There are also approvals from world brands, characterized by increased rigidity and lubricant requirements. Lukoil synthetics are the answer to the question of which oil is best for the VAZ 2110 of the last years of production.
The budget formula is characterized by a high alkalinity index and minimal ash content, which allows it to be used in modern engines powered by gasoline and diesel fuel.
Separately, it is worth noting the high viscosity index - the liquid can withstand critical temperature changes and ensures easy starting of the power unit in winter at temperatures down to -35 degrees Celsius.
Advantages:
- compatible with modern units;
- quickly removes sludge deposits;
- has approvals from global manufacturers.
Flaws:
- a large number of fakes;
- subject to rapid wear.
2nd place: ELF Evolution 900 NF 5W-40
Price: from 1400 rub/l.
The formula, made using synthetic technology using advanced additives, lags slightly behind the leader. Thanks to its thoughtful composition, the liquid has received API SL/SF and ACEA A3/B4 approvals, which indicates compatibility with the latest engine designs equipped with catalysts and turbocharging.
The increased viscosity index stands out separately - an indicator of 176 guarantees stable behavior of the liquid during peak temperature changes. Thanks to this, the lubricant ensures easy starting of the power plant in frosts down to -35 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the lubricant quickly removes sludge deposits and scale. The presence of active dispersants relieves stress when sulfuric acid enters from the combustion chamber. Additives in sufficient quantities neutralize and hold combustion products in suspension until the waste is removed.
Advantages:
- high alkalinity index;
- resistance to thermal oxidation;
- facilitates cold engine starts in winter.
Flaws:
- high price;
- there are fakes.
1st place: CASTROL Magnatec Stop-Start 5W-30 C3
Price: from 1100 rub/l.
In first place is a common lubricant that stands out for its compatibility with an extensive list of specifications. When asked what kind of oil to pour into the Lada Largus and NIVA engines of recent years, experienced users strongly recommend paying attention to the product. The moderate viscosity index is compensated by an impressive crystallization temperature. The liquid is adapted for operation at a threshold not lower than -25 degrees Celsius, but freezing occurs at -37 degrees Celsius. The indicator guarantees easy engine starting when operating at critical thresholds. Users are attracted by the moderate cost and good quality of the products. Under equal conditions, the oil provides 30% higher protection in urban driving conditions than the closest analogues.
Advantages:
- moderate cost;
- good protective characteristics;
- makes it easier to start the engine in winter;
- lack of natural consumption.
Flaws:
- there are fakes.
Useful tips
Usually, when selecting consumables for a car, the owner only needs to look at the official instruction manual. But in the case of the VAZ-2106, the situation is somewhat different. The cars have not been produced for a long time, plus the manuals are seriously outdated. So going by what the factory recommends doesn’t make much sense. Based on the tips and characteristics given above. With their help, it will be easier for you to make a choice and fill the crankcase with the correct engine oil that corresponds to the current state of affairs. In addition, we will give some useful tips.
- Manufacturer of motor oils. In the case of the VAZ-2106 car, the priority for most drivers will be domestically produced fluids. But many imported compounds are also suitable for the six. Here, focus not on the geographical location of the brand, but on its position in the market. Try to choose mixtures that have been on the market for a long time. This suggests that they produce high-quality compounds that meet the requirements and standards.
- Terms of Use. In our conditions and taking into account the technical features of the VAZ-2106, it is not worth delaying too much with changing the engine fluid. Replacement is recommended every 5 - 7 thousand kilometers. The more problems your “six” has, the shorter the intervals will be.
- Trying to save money. Everyone understands perfectly well that no one wants, and sometimes cannot, spend a lot of money on maintaining such a budget car. But excessive savings can result in serious problems. Do not fill with questionable motor mixtures, but use proven, well-proven oils. Among them there are options at an adequate price.
- Sales consultants. No offense to some sellers who are really trying to help customers. But most of them pursue personal goals and profit. For them, it is preferable to sell stale goods than to give practical and useful advice. Therefore, it is better to understand the issue yourself.
- Fakes. The big problem for domestic motorists is the presence of a huge number of counterfeit products on the market. In this regard, try to avoid dubious retail outlets, counters and spontaneous markets. Go to specialty stores. Even though the oil there will be a little more expensive, you will be able to get all the documents, look at the certificates of quality and conformity, make claims if you buy bad oil, etc.
Always try to remember what you pour into the engine crankcase and what oil you use for your VAZ-2106, which has a carburetor. This will allow you to purchase a similar liquid next time. The age of the car is the main problem when choosing motor fluid for the VAZ-2106. Therefore, try to take into account all the recommendations given, build on the current state of the car and do not skimp on consumables. Otherwise, you will soon have to send the car to a landfill.
Oil filter device
As a rule, along with changing the oil, VAZ 2106 owners also change the oil filters. Let's figure out what this device is and how it works. By design, oil filters are divided into:
- modular;
- collapsible;
- non-separable.
Collapsible filters have a long service life and high cost. All that is required of the car owner is to periodically change the filter elements.
Non-separable oil filters have a much shorter service life, which is understandable: these are disposable devices that the driver simply throws away after they are completely dirty.
Finally, a modular filter is a cross between a collapsible and a non-separable filter. The housing of such a filter can be disassembled, but only partially, in order to remove the filter element. The rest of the design of such a filter is inaccessible to the user. At the same time, modular filters are more expensive than collapsible ones.
Whatever the filter housing, its internal “filling” is almost always the same. It is shown schematically in the photo below.
Oil filters on the VAZ 2106 have a similar design, differing only in the housings
The filter housing is always cylindrical. There are a pair of valves inside: one is direct-acting, the other is reverse-acting. There is also a filter element and a return spring. In addition, all oil filter housings have holes. They are located next to a rubber o-ring that prevents oil from leaking out.
Filter elements can be made of different materials. On inexpensive filters, they are made of ordinary paper, which is impregnated with a special composition, then folded into an “accordion” shape and placed in the housing of the filter element. This design allows you to increase the filter surface area several times and improve the quality of oil purification by 12 times.
Oil filter filter elements are made of ordinary paper with special impregnation
The purpose of a direct bypass valve is to allow oil to flow into the engine when the filter element is severely clogged. That is, the bypass valve is, in fact, an emergency device that provides continuous lubrication of all rubbing parts of the engine, even without preliminary oil filtration.
The check valve prevents oil from entering the crankcase after the engine is stopped.
From all that has been said above, we can draw a simple conclusion: the type of oil filter installed on the VAZ 2106 is determined only by the financial capabilities of the motorist. If he wants to save money, then the best option would be to install a modular or collapsible filter. A good choice would be MANN products.
MANN filters are in constant high demand among VAZ 2106 owners
CHAMPION modular filters also have a good reputation.
A good alternative to MANN filters can be an oil filter from CHAMPION
Yes, this pleasure is not cheap, but then you will have to spend money only on new filter elements, which are much cheaper than new disposable filters.
If your financial capabilities do not allow you to buy a reusable device, then you will have to limit yourself to a non-separable filter. The best option is the NF1001 filter.
Disposable non-removable filter NF1001
Frequency of oil filter replacement
The VAZ 2106 manufacturer recommends changing oil filters every 7 thousand kilometers. However, mileage is far from the only criterion for replacement. The driver should periodically monitor the condition of the engine oil using a dipstick. If dirt and various debris are visible on the dipstick, it means that the filter needs to be changed urgently.
Driving style is another factor that influences the frequency of oil filter replacement. The more aggressive it is, the more often these devices will have to be changed.
Finally, if the car is constantly operated at high temperatures, in heavy dust, dirt and in off-road conditions, then the filters will also have to be changed more often than the manufacturer recommends.
