Besides prolonging the life of your engine, it also allows you to save money by having lesser visits to the mechanic. But the question is, are all synthetic oil the same? What can you benefit from using the best kind?
There are plenty of synthetic oils sold in the market these days and each of them promises something better. However, if you are a smart shopper then you will know which ones work best and which ones don’t perform too well.
But because of the wide variety of these products, it can be a bit confusing to shop for the best one. And in order to avoid further confusion to take over, we have gathered them for you to use so you don’t have to look any further.
Choosing The Best Synthetic Oil in the Market Today
As car owners, we only want the best for our car’s engine. That is why it is important that we purchase the right kind of synthetic oil in order to avoid damage and potential problems. Here are our 15 choices for you to consider:
1. Pennzoil 550040863-6PK
1 Quart – when it comes to synthetic oil, Pennzoil is the name that many people trust. I mean, this brand isn’t the official Ferrari oil supplier if their performance is a bust.
So it is not surprising that they came up with one of the best motor oils in the market today. The 550040863-6PK is packed with goodness that will only give your car’s engine the best performance yet.
This is because this product is formulated with PurePlus Technology that enables lower viscosity even if the temperatures are as low as 13 degrees. This then reduces the effort of your engine by pumping the oil when the temperatures drop.
In comparison to other brands, the Superior Viscosity Control of this oil performs better, especially in extreme severe oxidative conditions. It also protects your engine longer and offers a faster flow of oil when temperatures go on extremes.
Pennzoil 550040863-6PK has a protection certification of SN/GF-5 and allows you to drive at an average of 550 miles annually.
What We Like:
- This synthetic oil can be used in almost all types of the car regardless of the manufacturer.
- It keeps the engine’s sensitive parts protected longer.
- It works well in extreme weather conditions, especially in cold weather.
- Lessens delay in throttle response.
What we don’t like:
- It’s more expensive than other synthetic oils.
2. Mobil 1 94001 5W-30
For our second choice, check out Mobil’s synthetic motor oil, 2. Mobil 1 94001 5W-30. If you want something that can be used in diesel-powered trucks that uses CD, CF or API oil then this is the product that you need.
For one, Mobil 1 is versatile and can be used in turbocharged vehicles as well as supercharged gasoline. It can also be used in SUVs, trucks as well as other commuter vehicles. This is generally the best choice for vehicles that require a 5W-30 viscosity synthetic oil.
When it comes to protection, this synthetic oil performs really well. It helps in keeping the engine of your car clean and aids in its performance.
SuperSyn technology is an anti-wear technology that helps in protecting the engine even in the most extreme conditions. The viscosity of this oil is also excellent and is approved for all general motor vehicles.
What We Like:
- It is an excellent oil for protecting the engine.
- It works well as a lubricant for your engine.
- It has a clear-cut balance of performance.
- It can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- It helps prevent deposits and sludge build-up to enable long engine life.
- It helps fuel the economy and has excellent low-temperature capabilities.
- Quick cold-weather starting.
What we don’t like:
- It cannot be used in high-performance motors especially ones used in racing as well as aviating engines.
3. Castrol 06249 EDGE 5W-40 SPT
For our third pick, the Castrol 06249 EDGE 5W-40 is formulated specifically to help lessen volatility while keeping the essential parts of the engine well protected so it can operate more efficiently.
It also boasts a 42% rating compared to other synthetic oils when it comes to removing deposits. It also helps protect the engine against other conventional and synthetic blend oils.
Oxidation is lesser with Castrol and as a car owner, you know what damage oxidation can do. It is also compatible with a wide variety of cars and has met the viscosity standards set by companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes, Porsche and many others.
What We Like:
- It helps protect the gearbox, clutch and engine of your car.
- It reduced the viscosity breakdown.
- It provides maximum engine acceleration.
- It works really well.
What we don’t like:
- It may not be recommended for some European cars.
- Customers complained that their orders come in bad or damaged packaging.
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4. Mobil 1 96936 20W-50 V-Twin
If you are looking for synthetic oil that is designed for motorcycles then this is the product you need. It works well with motorcycles that have transmission lubricant systems as well as conventional engines.
It can also be used in bikes that have separate transmission systems and engines. This synthetic oil can provide the lubrication your engine needs as it exceeds the API service categories CD, CF, SH and SG. It has also been tested well for its maximum power and acceleration.
As one of the highly-rated synthetic oil in the market, you will find that it can protect the engine well even at high temperatures where other motor oils cannot. It also helps maintain the functionality of your bike even when you are riding at high speeds or simply sitting in traffic.
Because it is designed to withstand all kinds of weather, this oil helps in extending the fuel economy of your motor. It is also distilled well so it can reach its maximum thermal and oxidation stability.
What We Like:
- It can work well in extreme weather conditions.
- It has consistent performance.
- It can help protect your engine against the dirt as well as other harmful deposits that can ruin your engine.
- The thermal breakdown is excellent.
- It is optimized for hot-running, air-cooled engines.
- It helps cool the engine and reduces friction.
- It protects the engine from wear and tear.
- It helps clean moving parts and inhibits corrosion.
- It improves sealing.
- It’s not too expensive compared to other types and brands of synthetic oil.
What we don’t like:
- It’s motor oil so it may not work on specific cars.
5. Royal Purple 05154 API-Licensed SAE 15W-40
5 gal – for our last pick, we recommend Royal Purple 05154. Royal Purple is a well-known brand for producing a quality synthetic oil and using the 05154 should do your engines well.
05154 is known for its patented additive technology that is helpful in preventing metal to metal contact within the engine. The coefficient friction is low so in turn, this oil increases fuel efficiency while preventing rust formation at the same time.
It also prevents lubrication starvation and white sludge that is most common in cars that use ethanol fuel. Since this oil is compatible with API motor oil, it can be used in most cars around the United States. It is also easy to change oils with Royal Purple as this is compatible with all types of conventional motor oils.
What We Like:
- It protects your engine from wear and tear.
- It can be used in different vehicles.
- It helps in fuel efficiency.
- Protects your engine from corrosion.
- It works well with ethanol-based fuels.
What we don’t like:
- It’s mad expensive compared to other brands.
6. AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil
This is a synthetic oil that performs better than most oils that can be found today and if you want an oil that you can actually rely on to provide your engine with the amount of protection that it deserves then this is the ideal choice for you as it would protect engines which can run up to 75, 000 or more miles. When carrying out maintenance, you can use this oil to in topping off especially during oil changes and it doesn’t matter whether it is a new vehicle or an old vehicle as this synthetic oil will offer it the protection it requires.
Being able to offer convenience and exceptional quality is another factor that makes this synthetic oil quite reliable and outstanding while its high resistance helps in preventing thermal breakdown and viscosity. It is the only synthetic oil tasked with the reduction of harmful emissions and deposits found in engines as well as cutting down on friction which is capable of wearing off one’s engine.
What We Like:
- Not low on quality
- Can be gotten at a very good price
What we don’t like:
- This synthetic oil seems watered down
7. AmazonBasics Synthetic Motor Oil (SN Plus) – 5W-20
This is far different from every synthetic oil you have ever come across as this synthetic oil is capable of forming some sort of protective coating which helps in the prevention of engine wear and also it helps in reducing the amount of friction found in most moving parts so as to ensure your engine performs better and also boosts the fuel economy. Whether you intend carrying out an oil change or you just want to do some oil toppings, this is the one true synthetic oil that would be ideal for your car.
This high mileage synthetic oil can also help in fighting corrosion and rust, cutting down on the number of emissions and also being resistant to thermal breakdown and viscosity. Another feature that customers would tend to love about this high mileage synthetic oil is its ability to reduce low-speed ignition.
What We Like:
- This synthetic oil comes well bottled
- Has a high lubricating power
- Some customers believe this is the perfect synthetic oil product
- Comes at a reasonable price
What we don’t like:
- Not advised to be used in turbo GDI engines
- Doesn’t have an oil amount indicator
- Engines tend to make some noise when cold
8. Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
This synthetic oil is able to do a two in one job when used as it can act as improving the flow of lubricant and also helping to reduce friction thanks to the combination of this synthetic oil and technology that involves friction modifying additives which results in the improvement of the fuel economy of your engine. No matter the condition, this synthetic oil clamps down on the formation of unwanted deposits as well as reducing engine wear.
That isn’t just all this oil has to offer as it can also be trusted when it comes also to reduce the number of emissions that your engine gives and also reducing the amount of oil that your engine consumes. This, however, helps in maintaining a clean piston which would also prevent the piston from getting damaged sooner.
What We Like:
- High quality that comes readily affordable
- Delivers exceptional results when used in a Honda Accord Sport
- Formulated to meet customers expectations
What we don’t like:
- Less noticeable improvement
9. Valvoline MaxLife Technology 10W-40 Motor Oil
The name of this synthetic oil actually tells you what this oil is capable of as this is one of the most trusted brands of oil ever to hit the market. It is one that is designed especially for use in high mileage engines as it is believed that it has the ability to perform better compared to mineral oils. This synthetic oil helps to boost engine seals so as to fight against oil leaks as well as fighting against engine wear.
One action that this oil carries out which most customers can’t seem to stop talking about is its impressive extra detergents which effectively eliminates deposits and sludge and it also features anti-oxidants that fights against the formation of deposits and clogging caused by sludge.
What We Like:
- Guarantees that Ford vehicles that go for as long as 300,000 miles
- Doesn’t get dirty with ease
- Its right blend provides the required thickness
- The best solution in old cars
What we don’t like:
- Not so easy to find
- Doesn’t stop oil leaks permanently
10. Castrol 03094 GTX 10W-40 Motor Oil, 5 Quart
If your engine faces a lot of engine sludge problems then this is just the right oil that you need as this well-formulated oil would provide superior protection to the formation of sludge in your engine. That isn’t just all about this oil as it also has the right formulation that would help in protecting against thermal breakdown and viscosity.
Being able to protect the engine in various ways also ensures that the life of your engine gets extended and it would also make sure that the level in which your engine consumes oil is reduced or minimized.
What We Like:
- Unmatched protection against sludge
- Would boost mileage
- Excellent shipping service
- Timely arrival
What we don’t like:
- This product has some misleading information
11. Castrol 03111 10W-40 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
When talking about reliable synthetic oils, there are brands that one could actually trust to deliver the right results and one brand with such a tendency is the Castrol oil brand. This synthetic oil is mostly for cars that are able to cover up to 75,000 miles and one factor which makes this synthetic oil far from the normal is its ability to prevent emission system failure and catalytic converter.
Fighting off the formation of sludge is also another notable benefit associated with making use of this synthetic oil and not only would it fight off the formation of sludge but it would also help to prevent unnecessary leakages using its seal conditioners. It is the kind of synthetic oil that would also enhance fuel economy in your vehicle as well as reducing engine wear.
What We Like:
- The best for use in older cars
- Has a high level of protection
What we don’t like:
- Not very effective
- Some customers also complained about the availability of this product
12. Valvoline High Mileage 10W-30 Motor Oil
The Valvoline high mileage synthetic motor oil 10W-30 is also another standard synthetic oil for every car as it features a special formulation that ensures it tackles issues relating to high mileage engines. This is a rare synthetic oil as it boasts of a blend of conventional and synthetic base stocks combined with cleaning agents, sealing agents, conditioning agents, friction modifiers and even anti-wear additives.
Improving the performance of high mileage engines is what this synthetic oil is capable of doing and this is why it is a preferred choice for both old and new cars. Having this synthetic oil in your engine also steps up your fight against unwanted engine breakdown and it is a preferred choice for cars with about 75,000 miles.
What We Like:
- Deals with every engine leakage issue
- Doesn’t burn off as most oils do
- Very efficient synthetic oil
- Minimizes oil consumption in vehicles
- Has a reasonable price tag
What we don’t like:
- Bottle leaks
- Poor marketing
13. Havoline 10W-40 Motor Oil
The Havoline 10W-40 motor oil is aimed at providing adequate protection against wear for all engines, fighting against thermal breakdown and this oil stands out from other synthetic oils as it is able to wipe clean positive crankcase and engine ventilation system. It does this so as to get rid of deposits which can result from a stop and go and other extreme driving conditions.
Having an impressive temperature control is also another factor that must be taken into note when considering this high-quality synthetic oil and when compared to other similar synthetic oils, it was discovered that this oil was properly formulated to exceed warranty requirements.
What We Like:
- Maintains an ideal pressure gauge level
- Great price
- Quality synthetic oil that meets and exceeds expectations
- Looks good
- properly delivered
What we don’t like:
- Badly packaged product
14. Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil
The Castrol brand is one of the brands the world trusts so much in and one problem that most engines tend to face nowadays is the issue of sludge formation which is quite capable of causing engine breakdown or hindering engine performance. To help solve this sludge issue, the Castrol03093 synthetic oil is effective to fight against the formation of sludge thanks to its GTX double action formula.
Engines undergo various problems every day and the build-up of thick sludge is actually one of them. However, whatever your engine oil problem might be, be rest assured that the Castrol 03093 synthetic oil is well formulated to fix any situation.
What We Like:
- Formulated to meet the right standards
- Perfect for new and old cars
- Doesn’t gum up
- Doesn’t cause smoking
What we don’t like:
- Results are not as exciting as described
15. AmazonBasics Conventional Motor Oil – 5W-30 – 5
If you want a high-quality synthetic oil with the capability to effectively reduce low pre-ignition speed then the AmazonBasics 5W-30 conventional oil is just the right choice for you. It is a well-formulated oil with the mandate to provide optimal protection against wear as well as enhancing a car’s fuel economy. Having a high resistance to thermal breakdown and viscosity is also another major boost of using this oil during oil changes or toppings.
With this oil, car owners no longer have to be worried about the generation of smoke as this oil greatly reduces emissions at the exhaust as well as eliminating engine deposit formation and this, in general, helps in ensuring that your engine performs at a very high level.
What We Like:
- A less expensive oil product
- Has the right certifications
- Makes the car runs slick and smooth
- Upgrades engine’s performance
What we don’t like:
- Issues of dry starts after using this oil
- Its container isn’t transparent so it is difficult to see where the oil is
- Poorly packaged product as one of the bottles already spilled
What Are the Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil?
Now if you are still wondering why many people are using synthetic oil for their vehicles then perhaps it’s time that you know the best benefits of using one. Here’s why:
- It helps keep your engine clean – as oil in your engine circulates, certain dirt can deposit in it. If you are using conventional oils, sludge may develop and this then reduces the efficiency of your engine thus reducing its life span. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, has lesser impurities compared to conventional oils. They work better and sludge formation is not entirely present so it does not deposit anything in your engine.
- It also offers protection to your engine – synthetic oils retain their wear and tear protection properties longer and therefore increase engine life even when it is moving at high speeds or in extreme weather conditions.
- It flows better even at low temperatures – synthetic oils flow easily and quickly even at low temperatures so you can start your engine immediately.
- It works well on high temperatures – compared to conventional oil that breaks down or evaporates when exposed to high temperatures, synthetic oils can resist high temperatures and can work even on hot climates or weather conditions.
- It protects the turbocharging parts of your engine – since conventional oil breaks down fast, synthetic oil helps in protecting these parts so your engine can operate at its peak and boost its power.
While all of these benefits are great for your engine, keep in mind that not all synthetic oils are created to work the same. That is why you should only choose the best synthetic oil that you can find in the market so you can avoid spending money on something that does not work well with your car’s engine.
When it comes to choosing the right kind of synthetic oil buy, make sure to remember these:
- It should be something that many users recommend. The more popular the brand of synthetic oil is the more trusted it is by its users.
- If you can’t find the right kind of synthetic oil, start with the most well-known brand. You can never go wrong with it.
- Always compare the features and functions of synthetic oil. This way you know if it is what your car needs.
- Compare prices too. Keep in mind that not all expensive synthetic oils work well and just because they are cheap, it does not mean that it cannot work exactly the way you want it to.
- Always do your research before purchasing anything. This way you can avoid wasting your time.
So now that you know the top five synthetic oils in the market, go ahead and pick one that suits you best. We hope that you find this review helpful, enjoy and good luck!
Other Resource
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