When it’s time for an oil change, it’s also time for a big decision to be made. Which oil brand should be picked to feed up your engine among a pool of great names and features? Here we have 5 best motor oils which are known to offer reliable protection at a good price. Each is suitable for a specific application.
METHODOLOGY
We choose high-rated motor oils that are compatible with a broad range of vehicle makes and models on the road today. After considering end-user ratings and making professional evaluations, just 5 types of motor oil are chosen. Each product is rated on quality, durability, vehicle compatibility, and its ability against wear and sludge.
Best Advanced Synthetic Motor Oil: German Adler Synt SAE 0W20
- Price: 5 QUART – $57.58
- Why We Picked It?
German Adler is a popular name in the lubricant oil manufacturing industry. Being well-known for its detergent quality, energy efficiency and environment-friendly properties, Synt SAE 0W20 has been the choice for high-performance engines for years. The Synt SAE 0W20 is specially developed for the latest engine generation with extended oil-drain intervals. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche,…are some luxury brands that have certified this oil in accordance with their specifications.
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Best Budget Synthetic Motor Oil: AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil
- 5 QUART – $22.42
- Why We Picked It?
Amazon does have its own synthetic motor oil, and most customers find it to be a cost-effective option. It has not been a familiar brand name, but most viscosities offered under Amazon’s label meet the DexOS standard developed by General Motors. DexOS-rated oils are subjected to a series of engineering tests and quality checks, hence many automakers saw this standard as a guarantee of an engine oil’s protective and detergent characteristics.
When you make an order, do not forget to look for the DexOS symbol on the front of the bottle to ensure the oil meets this standard, as only DexOS-rated oils are recommended.
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One of The Best Mineral Motor Oils: Castrol GTX
- Price: 5 QUART – $19.32
- Why We Picked It?
Synthetic oils are of higher quality than mineral ones, but keep in mind that mineral oils are still suited to some engines. The specific additives found in mineral oil may help prevent leaky seals in older vehicles or engines that have been running on mineral oil for hundreds of thousands of miles.
In particular, rotary engines require mineral oil. Mazda particularly advises against using synthetic oil in RX-7 and RX-8. Castrol GTX is a good mineral oil that helps maintain older engines healthy by burning cleanly and protects spark plugs from premature fouling.
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Best Diesel Motor Oil: Shell Rotella T6
- Price: 1 GALLON – $22.28
- Why We Picked It?
Diesel engines normally work harder with longer hours than gasoline ones, as we can see a truck pulling a heavy load or a long-range diesel car driving for hours without stopping. With extended heat cycles, longer service intervals and the high cost of a diesel oil change, it is essential to pick up a high-quality oil.
Shell Rotella is one of the best diesel motor oils. It has a higher pour point than some other oils (pour point is the temperature at which the oil loses its flow properties), which means it’s less likely to leak from worn seals or older engines.
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Best Budget Motor Oil: Quaker State Semi-Synthetic
- Price: 5 QUART – $15
- Why We Picked It?
Sometimes all you need is a bottle of oil to flush your engine or in some circumstances, the cost is a major consideration. Here we have Quaker State semi-synthetic (synthetic blend oil) which is cheaper than even some mineral oil.
Quaker State is a well-known name that has consistent quality control standards. It is rarely absent in auto dealer’s promotions. Semi-synthetic oils respond to temperature variation with greater consistency than mineral oil, making them ideal for regions with mild temperature swings.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why do I need to change my oil?
Engine oil is considered low-cost insurance as it extends engine life by:
Lubricating
Engine parts are rotating or moving thousands of times every minute. Oil lubricates the engine parts, and thus reduces friction which tends to increase wear and tears of engine parts.
Cooling
The energy is lost through combustion, and the temperature of the engine rises due to friction between mechanical parts. The oil partly helps release the heat through the lubrication circuit. It is “a couple” with coolant (coolant only cools certain parts of the engine).
The engine oil, coupled with coolant, will help cool the car down and avoid being overheated.
Cleaning
Microscopic deposits accumulate over time and stay suspended in the engine. They would block the engine and reduce its performance if it wasn’t for oil. By flowing, oil will take these impurities to the oil filter and be trapped here.
Protection against corrosion
Corrosive acid is created during fuel combustion and damages metal parts in the engine. The additives added to engine oils will slow down the corrosion process. However, over time engine oil might oxidize as getting exposed to oxygen, and lose its corrosion-preventative properties. As a result, engine oil must be replaced on a regular basis.
Sealing
Engine oil also helps to improve engine sealing, particularly the sealing of pistons and cylinders. Between the different pieces, a protective layer is formed and then will close any gaps that exist.
2. How often should I change my oil?
Remember to follow the guidelines specified in the owner’s manual. Your manufacturer may invalidate your vehicle’s engine warranty if the maintenance plan is not followed, even when you use extended performance oils. In fact, a lot of engines continue to consume oil between oil changes, therefore it’s necessary to regularly use the dipstick to check the oil level and color. Oil changes are low-cost insurance against annoying repairs, so bear in mind to save your money and your car.
3. What oil is good for older or high-mileage engines?
High-mileage conventional, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic engine oils have additives that condition seals, preventing leaks, and fighting sludge. When the engine gets older, piston rings and other internal components can seize up. Special detergent packages in high-mileage oil will help keep engine components moving smoothly, increasing oil flow and extending engine life.
4. Can I mix synthetic and mineral oil?
In a pinch, yes. Synthetic oils are compatible with mineral oils, so if the corresponding oil is unavailable, you can use one instead. However, because the variations in additives may react with one another, it’s best to stay with either synthetic or mineral oil. Combining synthetic and mineral oils over time can result in sludge or varnish.
TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENGINE OIL
Before you make your pick, it’s important to consider these things at the same time:
- Consult your owner’s manual for the oil recommendation (normally SAE, ACEA specifications will be included).
- Care age: If your car has run for many years, it needs a higher quality oil for better lubrication.
- Operation mode: if your car has to work under heavy loads, extreme weather conditions, start-stop mode on a regular basis; it will need an excellent oil type as well.
