Rating TOP 5 best motor oil for cars

In this article we will answer the question of what is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40 motor oil. Obviously, the answer “viscosity” will not suit anyone, so we suggest you take a more detailed look at this topic, since there are even more misconceptions here. By the way, the source of these misconceptions is rapid progress, for example, 10-15 years ago, using the xxW-xx parameter, it was possible to determine what kind of oil it was - mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. Today, manufacturers can produce oils of different classes, but with the same parameters. It is quite possible to find 10w40, both semi-synthetic and mineral.

First, let's figure out what the 5w-30 symbols mean.

We select the optimal brand for 2014 – 2015

When operating the machine, it is necessary to use only proven and high-quality motor oils. If you do not follow this main rule, you can get a lot of problems with the engine, up to its complete failure. If you have not decided which oil is better, there are special top ratings of motor oils to resolve this issue, for example, such as the top rating of the Za Rulem magazine (by the way, the Za Rulem magazine has a significant degree of authority in this area) . Relying on it, you are guaranteed to receive the most advanced motor fluid and your engine will last for a very long time.

Castrol Edge 5W-30

The lubricating product creates an oil film on the parts, which is characterized by increased strength. It is able to operate normally even under high pressure, providing spare parts with wear and tear and ensuring fuel economy, and is manufactured in the European Union. Oil consumption is low, it has high alkaline and acid values, which makes it possible to use it in conjunction with high-sulfur fuel.

Using Castrol oil you don’t have to worry about deposits in the engine; it can operate at low temperatures.

Pros:
provides engine protection;
helps the car move smoothly, increasing its dynamics;
increases engine efficiency.
Minuses:
Sometimes the engine sound changes.

We choose only the best

Of course, you can also fill in not the most advanced oils, for example, you can use TOP-3 or TOP-5 and even TOP-10 brands, if they suit you more in terms of cost. After all, changing the engine oil is done quite often (every 10-15 thousand kilometers), and not everyone can afford to spend a significant amount of money on it. But, chasing low cost, car enthusiasts often forget that the oil must meet all the requirements and standards developed by the car manufacturer. And it also happens that having bought expensive oil, it turns out to be fake, which is even worse than ordinary cheap oil. By pouring in a low-quality product, you doom the engine to slow and painful death, because working with such oil significantly increases the wear of all parts of the unit, increases temperature and friction. Either the oil does not meet the requirements set by the car manufacturer and has too high or too low a viscosity, such motor fluid simply will not be able to ensure normal engine operation. For example, if you use a 10w 40 class fluid, and the technical data sheet recommends 5w30 oil, you reduce both the wear resistance of the car and its performance.

LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40

This wonderful mineral oil with molybdenum disulfide is simply created for domestic or foreign cars. The gas turbine and compressor engine will be protected from wear to the maximum. Lubricating properties will remain unchanged under any critical loads and during long intervals between oil changes. At the same time, the price is quite adequate (from 1900 rubles for 5 liters).

The oil must not be mixed with other mineral mixtures.

Making the right choice

First of all, when choosing engine oil, you need to follow the recommendations of the engine manufacturer. After all, each engine has certain requirements for engine oil. For some brands and models of cars, specific brands of oils that are perfectly compatible with your car's engine are written in the owner's manual. You should not frequently change the brand of motor oil; it is better to constantly fill in the same motor oil.

ZIC

Despite the relative youth of the company, it has already managed to establish itself well in the lubricants market. Many consumers choose more famous brands only because the company is young. However, the best confirmation of the quality of its products is the fact that many large manufacturers choose the represented company as base oils. Agree, this says a lot. The company's product range includes models of synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral lubricants that are suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines. The differences are only in the volume of the power unit, for which you can choose your own oil . The XQ5000, which is suitable for use in almost any car, especially stands out from others.

Determining the best motor oil of 2014 – 2020

There are several ways in the world to determine the leader in the motor oil market. The first is a test carried out to identify the beneficial properties and positive effects of motor fluid on the engine. The second option is annual surveys of consumers around the world who have tested various brands of oils in the field and made certain conclusions based on their own observations. If we consider the first option, it is worth highlighting the main parameters that determine the quality of the product:

Kinematic viscosity - calculated using the formula. The test is carried out using special capillary viscometers at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.
Viscosity index - measured by temperature fluctuations. The less the oil is subject to changes in viscosity, the higher the index.
Base number - the test indicates the number of additives added to the oil to obtain a number of beneficial properties.
Flash point - the test is carried out in an open crucible, a lit wick is passed over it until there is a short flash in the oil.
Density - measured using a hydrometer.
Dynamic viscosity - the value of this parameter indicates how resistant the motor fluid is to low temperatures. It also depends on whether the engine starts in cold weather or not.
The content of sulfate ash - the degree of carbon formation depends on it.

Thermal-oxidative stability - the test indicates the resistance of the motor fluid to the formation of various acids and resins at elevated temperatures
Viscosity change indicator - the lower the percentage of this indicator, the more stable the oil properties.
Dispersity index - the test determines the stability of the motor fluid against oxidation.
Acid number - the test indicates the amount of oxidation products contained in the motor oil.

Not every organization involved in assessing product quality can afford such research.

Eni/Agip i-Sint 5W-30

An Italian oil product that is used in 70 countries around the world, it is high-tech and completely synthetic. Endowed with stable technical characteristics, its viscosity allows the motor to operate at any temperature and withstand mechanical stress.

Pros:
Extends engine life.
Has excellent low temperature characteristics.
Provides economical fuel consumption.
Perfectly protects engine parts from wear.
Minuses:
Requires frequent replacement.

TOP – 5 motor oils recognized by car enthusiasts

Mobile

Perfect for any type of car. The most advanced synthetic motor oil, leading in all tests and ratings. Mobil is constantly improving the performance of its synthetic oils. Mobil sells motor fluids around the world and produces them exclusively at Exxon Mobil factories. The main advantages of the current range of synthetic and semi-synthetic motor fluids:

Does not change its properties even after a mileage of 25 thousand kilometers;
External factors do not affect the condition of the oil;
Resistant to temperature influences, maintaining optimal density;
A huge selection of different types of motor fluid, using which you will notice a tangible positive result;
Ideally protects and lubricates engine parts.

The pricing policy of Mobil motor oil is highly dependent on the brand and properties of a particular lubricant. In the general price segment, the Mobil brand is not the most expensive, given its characteristics.

After analyzing Mobil Sunt 5W40, 5w30 and 10w 40 engine oil, it turned out that the oil fully complies with the established standards. The recommended interval between oil changes is 10 thousand kilometers.

Shell Helix

It is not only one of the world's leading manufacturers of motor fluids. In addition, Shell is actively involved in the production of fuel, as well as in projects such as the extraction of raw materials for energy. The products manufactured by the corporation meet all international requirements; in addition, they have a number of advantages over competitors:

Constant oil structure combined with ideal viscosity;
By choosing the optimal motor fluid from the Shell Helix line, you will provide the power unit with ideal lubrication;
The lubricant does not change its properties and characteristics until the next maintenance;
Perfect for engine flushing;
The optimum ratio of price and quality;

The Shell Helix brand was in second place not because it has worse characteristics than Mobil. In fact, its high cost ensured it second place. The fact is that this brand is one of the most expensive.

Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 and 5w30 oils showed the highest alkalinity number during the analysis, indicating the high detergency of fresh oil.

Liqui Moly

The Liqui Moly company is a leader in the ranking of various additives and additives for the engine, of which there are countless numbers in the line. As for motor oil, the corporation is firmly in third place. Some motorists believe that in view of its main line of business, the company adds too many additives to motor oils, thereby reducing the quality of the motor fluid. Actually, this is all guesswork. The products of the German company have a significant list of useful qualities:

Balanced composition of motor fluid that meets all international requirements and standards;
The composition of the oil fully corresponds to the information on the label;
Serious quality control at the exit from production;
All products keep up with the times and are updated annually;
The most advanced technologies are used in production.

The most important advantage of oils from the Liqui Moly concern is advanced manufacturing technologies and German quality. The brand's products are used by racers, and are also poured into cars that come off the assembly line. The downside of the brand is its price.

Castrol

The manufacturer of Castrol motor oil is the British company British Petrolium, a leading manufacturer of lubricants. Castrol is the standard of quality and reliability, as well as protection against counterfeiting. The most important thing is to buy oil of this brand strictly in specialized stores, but in no case, not for bottling from barrels. Since bottled oil is mostly fake, and this applies not only to Castrol, but also to other brands. Among the advantages are:

With Castrol the engine runs much smoother and quieter;
During operation, it cleans the motor, which is why it darkens at the end of its service life;
Protects the motor from increased friction, which means the motor heats up less and parts wear out less;

It is in great demand among car enthusiasts all over the world and is considered one of the standards of quality. Oils of this brand are poured into all new cars. Castrol ended up in fourth place due to the large number of fakes, and as a result, many car enthusiasts began to trust it less. The motor fluid test was carried out on the basis of Castrol 10w 40; according to the 2014–2020 rating, this oil occupies a solid fourth position.

LUKOIL

Not all domestic motor oil manufacturers can boast of the good quality of their products. One of them is the LUKOIL company. Quite a large number of Russians trust this company, since LUKOIL is an ideal solution for the owner of a domestic car, of which there are a great many on the roads. This is the reason why it is firmly in fifth position in the ranking of motor oils. Here are a number of positive qualities of this brand:

Meets international standards;
During operation does not change properties and composition;
Adequate lubrication of parts as shown by tests;
Actively protects the engine from premature wear of parts;
The viscosity of motor fluid is not affected in any way by temperature differences.

Among the five, LUKOIL is the most budget-friendly motor oil, which makes it stand out significantly. Due to its low price, it is in great demand on the Russian market.

The test was carried out using LUKOIL Lux 5w 40 motor oil, tests showed its high efficiency. It is worth noting that this is the only Russian-made synthetic motor oil that has an API license under the SN category. No other motor oil participated in the ratings of the magazine “Behind the wheel” or, especially, in the world ratings

What to do with motor fluids that are not included in the rating?

Whatever engine oil you fill, the main thing is that it at least meets the quality standards and labeling. For example, if it is recommended to fill in oil marked 10w 40 (where 10 refers to the winter category and 40 to the summer category), you need to fill in exactly this motor oil. In general, you should always operate first of all with the manufacturer’s recommendations and fill in the recommended oil (10w 40 or some other).

Mobile

Engine oils for the presented brands differ from each other, which is why any car owner will be able to choose exactly the type that is optimally suited to the corresponding power unit. Here are their types:

OW-40 is a synthetic oil, suitable for power plant models that use diesel fuel or gasoline.
RallyFormula - completely synthetic materials are used for the production of this type, and the model itself is suitable for various power plants. It will be the optimal choice for engines with a turbocharger.
Super 10W-40 – suitable for passenger cars and can be used all year round.
Super M 15W-40 – has excellent anti-corrosion properties, resists wear, and creates conditions for long-term operation of the engine.
Synt S 5W-40 is an excellent choice for turbocharged power units.

All models of motor oils of the presented brand show good performance when operating under conditions of temperature changes, extend engine life, and contribute to fuel economy. The company is a worthy contender for the title of the best in terms of production of motor oils.

IDEMITSU Zepro Touring 5W-30

The oil has excellent viscosity, and its additional additives minimize friction between parts and reduce fuel consumption. The product ensures reliable operation of the motor, even at low temperatures. Idemitsu oil mixture is obtained as a result of catalytic dewaxing - a complex process through which it is endowed with all the necessary properties.

Pros:
Can be used on harsh winter days.
Helps the engine tune to quiet operation.
Leads to significant gasoline savings.
Minuses:
Intended only for engines running on gasoline.
Sometimes not on sale.

Advantages

Any base oil is a set of complex chains of hydrocarbons, but synthetics, due to production technology, have a successful set of properties. Thanks to this, the rate of aging and degradation of the base oil is reduced, and the amount of deposits is reduced. The first advantage allows you to increase service intervals, and the second ensures long-term cleanliness of the engine, preventing oil passages from becoming clogged and piston rings from becoming clogged.

Slow consumption. The operating oil consumption between changes is affected by many parameters, and to a large extent, the volatility of the oil. First of all, the lightest hydrocarbon chains are “screened out”, that is, it is easier to ensure low volatility in a homogeneous synthetic oil than in a mineral one. Consequently, a serviceable engine with the correct oil will consume synthetic oil more slowly than mineral oil, saving the life of the catalyst. Modern multi-component catalysts and particulate filters are actually compatible only with synthetic oils, maximum with high-quality semi-synthetics, which contain a significant proportion of synthetics.
Low rate of deposit formation. The rate of formation of high-temperature deposits is most critical for turbochargers without water-cooled cartridges, where operating oil temperatures can reach high values. Carbon deposits in the plain bearings on which the turbine axis rotates accelerates wear and can lead to complete failure of the turbocharger - this is one of the reasons why carbon deposits are increasingly regulated by quality standards. And given the fact that turbocharging is used on most diesel trucks, the choice of synthetics is justified for them.