Should You Use a Synthetic Motor Oil in Your Car
You are tired of getting short-changed every time with each motor oil you purchase? Full synthetic motor oil has been formulated to give your engine the best performance as well as protection. You get the best of two worlds in one go.
Your engine is the most critical part of your car. Ensuring that you get the best oil is the thin line between getting good performance and protection and having engine problems such as wear, damaging toxins, and poor cold-start performance.
Can you mix synthetic oil viscosity with normal oil viscosity? We all know that synthetic oil is mega expensive, so is it wise to mix engine oil viscosity rather than using pure synthetic?
Before we look at the best full synthetic motor oils in the market right now, we must look at all this synthetic talk and see what it all means.
Synthetic oils are oils that have no mineral oils in them. They consist of chemical compounds artificially made by breaking and rebuilding petroleum molecules. What you get in the end is oil which has specific molecules tailored for optimal lubrication props.
These oils are not all similar since every brand will use different mixtures of additives and high performance fluids. The different blends result in the varying protection levels. Full synthetic oil uses a mixture aimed at boosting performance of the oil and generally you get the best optimal performance in every area of your engine needs.
To figure out which synthetic oil your engine requires, consult your owner’s manual or talk to your mechanic for more specifications. Better synthetic oils use high quality base stocks.
Let’s now then take a look at the some of the best full synthetic oils. Note that they are in no specific order.
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Comparsion table
Best Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobile 1 motor oil is a tried and tested choice for performance vehicles such as Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06. As if that’s not enough, it is the official motor oil of NASCAR and is the official lubricant partner of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.
This oil is designed to keep your engine feeling and running like a new baby. With its exceptional wear protection as well as cleaning power, it has exceeded the industry’s toughest standards and has outperformed their conventional oils.
The oil has been pushed to extreme limits and every time, it has delivered and has managed to withstand the stresses.
Key Features
- Advanced full synthetic formula
- Outstanding thermal and oxidation stability
- Enhanced frictional properties
- Amazing low temperature capabilities
Pros
- Prevents deposits and sludge from building up in the engine
- Helps in fuel economy
- Offers wear protection performance respective of driving style due to its overall lubrication
- Prolongs engine life
- Cold weather starting is quick
Cons
- Not ideal for new cars
- Not for high-performance
View price on Amazon
Valvoline Full Synthetic Motor Oil (5W-30)
You cannot go wrong with Valvoline Full Synthetic Motor Oil because it gives hardworking cars such as trucks and SUVs the ultimate protection no matter the condition. With its amazing cleaning properties, it has amazing sludge and varnish protection prolonging the engines life.
The advanced additive technology enables the engine to fight off any severe engine stress caused by high temperatures, hauling and towing as well as stop and go driving.
The 5W-30 viscosity found in Valvoline meets the requirements of GM Decos1 Gen 2 meaning that it meets the requirements of almost all naturally aspirated, turbocharged as well as supercharged vehicles operating in North America.
Key Features
- Advanced additive technology
- Engine cleaning properties
Pros
- Helps in fuel economy
- Protects engine from sludge, varnish and high temperatures
- Meets performance requirements of most passenger cars in Northern America
- Superior cold-temperature protection
Cons
- Some users suspect that this oil contains mineral oils
- The jug is awkward to pour
View price on Amazon
Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil (0W-20)
Castrol Edge is best for high performance engines and comes highly recommended as it meets most oil specifications in the auto world such as the GM dexos1 Gen 2, depending on viscosity. It comes with a Fluid Titanium Technology that helps to transform the structure of the oil when it’s under a lot pressure, so as to reduce the metal and metal contact.
This oil reduces friction and improves the oil film strength by a good 30% which is a plus as you don’t want to be losing horsepower.
Key Features
- Fluid Titanium Technology
- Meets motor oil specifications i.e. GM dexos1 and API SN among others
Pros
- Reduces metal to metal contact
- Reduces formation of engine deposits
- Offers strength in extreme situations
- Improves fuel economy
- Improves oil film strength
Cons
- Expensive
- For European cars only
- Questionable bottle seal with some users reporting leaks
- Some users have reported that the oil turns black at a faster rate than other competitors
Probabaly the best motor oil you can put in your car…
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Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil (5W-30)
The brand Pennzoil has really worked towards building relationships with auto manufacturers and has succeeded in becoming the official oil supplier for Ferrari and BMW. It has gained for itself the reputation of being able to withstand severe weather conditions when compared to other oils.
Through a patented process, PurePlus Gas to Liquid Technology, the company is able to convert pure natural gas into a high quality base oil. This base oil is claimed by the company to be 99.5% pure synthetic which means that the oil has very minimal impurities.
More from this oil is the ability to protect your engine from power loss, providing protection against Low Speed Pre-Ignition, quick cold-start among others. This oil is able to endure it all ensuring that your engine runs as if it were new.
It meets recommendations of Chrysler MS-13340, GM dexoso1 Gen 2, Volvo, Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 among others.
Key Features
- PurePlus Gas to Liquid Technology
- 5% pure synthetic base oil
Pros
- Improves fuel economy
- Ensures no horsepower loss
- Great performance amid extreme temperatures
- Offers wear protection from oxidation and friction stability
- Lower tendency to evaporate in hot temperatures
- Quick cold-start
- 50% cleaner pistons than the toughest industry standards
Cons
- Issues in packaging and rebates
View price on Amazon
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Anyone who is anyone really knows about Shell or has heard of them. They are worthy contenders when you want to choose what synthetic fuel to go with.
It has great cold-start abilities with a viscosity of W5 which is still able to reduce wear and tear as well as improve the fuel economy up to 1.5%. it has low ash technology that helps in the reduction of poison or blockage of devices responsible for treatment of gases for the purpose of emission control.
In addition to this, Shell T6 comes with improved heat resistance and an advanced additive technology that protects the engine against deposits and oil breakdown. Its Triple Protection Plus Formula offers a combination of high quality base oils and advanced additives that provide protection as well as a long engine life. The additive technology also offers protection against dirt, soot and other contaminants.
This oil is great for motorcycles, classic cars, tractors and heavy duty trucks among others. It meets specifications, approvals and recommendations such as Ford WSS-M2C171-F1, MB Approval 228.31, Volvo VDSS-4.5,4, Allison TES 439, etc.
Key Features
- Advanced low-ash performance
- Triple Protection Plus Formula
Pros
- Improve fuel economy
- Improve wear performance and resistance against heat breakdown
- Additive technology for protection against dirt and other contaminants
- Shear stability to resist viscosity loss
- Positive reviews
- Maintains optimal oil pressure
Cons
- Designed for diesel engines
View price on Amazon
Liqui Moly Premium Full Synthetic Motor Oil (5W-30)
Liqui Moly is definitely your go-to if you’re looking for a long lasting synthetic oil. It helps protect your engine against any wear and the lubrication qualities are able to withstand extreme temperatures. Long waiting periods between oil changes is an advantage to be had with choosing this full synthetic oil.
It’s been manufactured in Germany and its design is for both gas and diesel fuels with a 5W-40 viscosity. Compared with most oils, Liqui Moly creates a great level of cleanliness. You are guaranteed a long engine life thanks to its aging stability.
It meets certain oil specifications including Mercedes Benz 229.3, BMW Longlife-98 and Porsche A40 among others.
Key Features
- Meets many premium oil standards
Pros
- Protection against wear
- Performs well for both high and low temperatures
- Long life
- Meets and surpasses other motor oil standards
Cons
- Not for smaller gas engines
- Suited for European cars
View price on Amazon
Mag 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (5W-30)
Mag 1 has the purest additives as well as the most advanced formula for production of an oil that is ideal for most if not all passenger car engines. It offers long term protection of the engine, great capabilities of hot and cold temperatures and give you better fuel efficiency as well as mileage.
The oil helps you in getting the most out of your engine and with the light viscosity, you’re guaranteed of a modern protection for the engine and wear.
It’s ideal for gas-fueled passenger cars such as SUVs
Key Features
- Full synthetic formula with additives
Pros
- Light viscosity
- Better fuel economy
- Long-term engine protection
- Great cold-start resistance
- Exceeds GM dexos1 oil specifications
- Reduce engine sludge immensely
- Prevent engine wear
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy duty engines as well as high performance engines
View price on Amazon
Honda Premium Full Synthetic Motor Oil
When it comes to the auto world, Honda is not a new brand name. From engines to motorbikes Honda is a force to be reckoned with and when they come to creating their own oil blend, you need to stay woke.
The Honda Premium oil comes with four quart containers of the oil, an oil filter as well as a drain plug washer. Don’t worry about these parts being fake because they come straight from Honda. The HP4S oil doesn’t contain Moly so this should not deter you as it is compatible with synthetic oils such as HP4 and mineral oils like GN4.
It’s ideal for motorcycles, cars, ATVs and scooters.
Key Features
- Good viscosity under high temperatures and load
Pros
- Better oxidation resistance and film strength under extreme temperatures
- Lower friction
- Compatible with HP4 synthetic oil and GN4 regular mineral oil
Cons
- Not cheap but original Honda product
- Filter included is fit for the Honda Goldwing bike
View price on Amazon
Buyer’s Guide
There are several factors that one ought to consider when shopping around for the best synthetic oils. From viscosity to the wear and tear, you need something that will give your engine maximum protection as well performance.
Here are the things you want to look out for:
Compatibility
If you’re thinking of upgrading from the normal motor oil to synthetic, then you should know it’s possible but don’t go into it blindly. Most people go for an upgrade in order to maximize performance benefits. However, mixing a highly beneficial oil with a lower performing oil will not see an increase in performance but a decrease.
To enjoy all the benefits that synthetic oils can offer, you need to fully drain out the previous oil before introducing the new synthetic oil. Make sure that your engine is modern before proceeding with the upgrade; vehicle model should be from the year 2,000. Modern engines, compared with older models, get to benefit fully from the synthetic motor oils.
Check the label
Having a look at the type of oil recommended for your engine is essential in ensuring you get the right oil for maximum performance of the engine. Some of the different types of oil offered improve: diesel engines, motorcycles engines, high tech engines, higher mileage, etc.
If you can’t find your owner’s manual or find it a bother to seek it out, then do your research online as it will take you no time at all. Also check if the oil meets the current SL service ratings.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the thinness or thickness of the oil. Under higher temperatures the oils thin out and therefore high performance engines will require oils that are more viscous to allow smooth running of the engine and prevent tear and wear when pushed to its limits.
Should the oil be too viscous, you should expect to have some issues when starting your car. If you’re wondering how you will know the right viscosity, then you need not worry as it is indicated in your cars manual. When you’re shopping around you want to find oils with the right recommended viscosity for your car to avoid missing the mark.
Hot temperatures as we have seen will determine viscosity. Other factors such as the kind of driving you’re doing and cold weather will matter. If you’re hauling heavy loads, then you will want a viscosity similar to that of hot temperatures; heavy viscosity. If you’re driving around for lighter errands, then the viscosity will match that of winter conditions; lighter viscosity.
You’ve probably noticed use of the 5W-30 rating a couple of times on this article. That’s because it represents the oil grade. It can also be denoted as SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) 30. In oil grades where you see a ‘W’, this indicates the viscosity of the oil in cold temperatures i.e. winter.
In our oil grade example, 5W-30, the 5 means that the viscosity level is at 5 in winter conditions while the 30 refers this viscosity at 100 centigrade. This is what is referred to as the standard engine operation temperature.
Additives and Type
Additives are the special ingredients that make synthetic oils stand out and vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. This is so because manufacturers have their own unique formulas for the combinations.
While two oils are similar to each other by having the same compositions, their performance when tested will be worlds apart due to the variations in additives. It is therefore advised that when you find a synthetic oil brand that works best for you, you stick with it.
A few examples of some of these additives are: antioxidants that slow degradation by prolonging the oil life, detergents that are responsible for keeping your engine clean, anti-foaming agents responsible for preventing the oil from foaming, dispersants that prevent sludge build up among others. It is rare that you find all of these additives in one oil.
Type of synthetic
Knowing the type of synthetic you want for a car is great and can save you time. We recommend full synthetic motor oils all day everyday but you might not necessarily need it. The full synthetic motor oils are mostly designed for high performance cars such as the BMW. If you actually don’t need it, then it can save you some cash by opting for the synthetic blends.
Note the differences between full synthetic oils and synthetic blends in the intro above.
FAQs
Does Synthetic Oil Expire?
Is Synthetic Oil Better For My Engine Than Regular Oil?
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
That narrative has however been overshadowed due to improvements and advancements in the auto world. Many car engines are now deigned to drive up to 30,000 miles without an oil change.
Does The Oil Filter Need To Be Changed With Every Oil Change?
Yes. Why? This is to ensure that no contaminants from the old oil are left when you change it and put in the new oil. Contaminants such as dirt can easily get trapped in the oil filters thus remaining contaminated even after the oil has been changed.
The frequency in which you need to change the oil is always indicated on your cars owner’s manual. When it comes to changing your oil filter, we recommend that you change it with every oil change.
If this article has been informative, check out this video on how often you should be changing you oil:
Conclusion
With the best full synthetic motor oils discussed above, you cannot go wrong with either. Knowing your owner’s manual recommendations, as well knowing what you want out of your car engine in terms of performance and protection, will set you off on the right foot to get you started.
