What kind of motor oil do you put in a 1996 grand am?

The best motor oil for a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am depends on the engine it has (likely a 2.4L or a 3.1L V6). The owner's manual is the definitive source for this information. However, generally speaking, a conventional 10W-30 oil would have been suitable for most 1996 Grand Ams in most climates.

Before you change the oil, check your owner's manual! It will specify the recommended viscosity (like 10W-30, 5W-30, etc.) and the type of oil (conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic). The manual may also specify API certifications (like SL, SM, SN, etc.). Using the wrong oil can damage your engine.

If you don't have the owner's manual, you can often find a digital copy online through Pontiac or General Motors websites. You can also search based on the specific engine code found on the engine itself. This code will give you more specific oil recommendations.