What is the Best Engine Oil for My Car?

Engine oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle’s engine, and as a car owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently and smoothly.

Of course, you must use the right engine oil to ensure this is the case. But there are so many options – i.e., different brands and types of engine oil – available that choosing the perfect one can be a chore.

This article highlights solid information you need to know about engine oil. 

You will be informed and capable of making an informed decision regarding the quality and type of engine oil that will boost your car’s performance and guarantee longevity.

What You Need to Know About Engine Oil

Engine oil is an essential component of any vehicle, as it serves to lubricate the engine and prevent it from overheating. 

When it comes to choosing the right type of oil for your engine, it is important to consider a few key factors. 

First, you need to ensure that the oil you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the viscosity rating, which indicates how thick the oil is and how well it can flow at different temperatures. 

Another important consideration is the oil’s API (American Petroleum Institute) rating, which reflects its performance characteristics and quality standards. 

Regular oil changes are also crucial for maintaining your engine’s health and extending its lifespan.

Oil Viscosity

Oil viscosity is perhaps the most prominent test for motor oil thickness at varying temperatures. 

The higher the viscosity of engine oil, the higher its density. Modern engine oils are made to work efficiently in relatively extreme temperatures. 

However, you should focus on the pour point the manufacturer outlines.

The pour point of the engine oil will inform you which high and cold temperatures you can pour out of the container.

API Terms

The API (American Petroleum Institute) has released information about how oil manufacturers can brand their products and the categories for oil performance. 

The common terms that relate to the standards of the API include:

• Resource conserving: This label is for engine oils in vans, cars, as well as light trucks that lead to greater fuel efficiency.
• International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee: The ILSAC follows API standards regarding oil licensing for quality. Current ILSAC classifications are GF-6A and GF-6B. Ensure whichever engine oil you purchase complies with these terms.
• Performance level: Engine oils are permitted to have several performance levels. The API updates this information as manufacturers continue to use advanced engine technology. The following are current engine terms:

Category	Vehicle Compatibility
SP	2020 and older motorized engines
SN	2020 and older motorized engines
SM	2010 and older motorized engines
SL	2004 and older motorized engines
SJ	2001 and older motorized engines

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is an essential component that keeps an engine running efficiently. It serves several vital functions, which are highlighted below:

Cooling

Motor oil helps cool an engine by efficiently absorbing the heat generated by friction during operation. The heat the oil absorbs is transferred to the oil cooler via circulation. This way, there is zero risk of overheating, and the engine keeps functioning at a safe operating temperature.

Lubrication

Lubricating the engine is the primary function of motor oil. It lubricates the moving components in an engine, such as pistons, crankshaft, bearings, etc. 

The constant movement of these engine parts makes them prone to friction and extreme heat.

Without proper lubrication, these engine components would wear out quickly, causing severe damage to the engine. 

But the presence of motor oil, which forms a thin layer between these engine components, helps minimize wear and friction.

Protection

Motor oil protects engines against corrosion/rust and oxidization by creating a filmy barrier between moisture and air, which are agents that cause corrosion and the engine’s metal components.

 It also helps seal every gap between engine parts, and this prevents oil leaks.

Motor oil also helps neutralize all the acids formed during the combustion process. 

This is why using the wrong motor oil type for your engine effectively compromises its protective qualities.

Cleaning

Motor oil is chemically composed of dispersants, detergents, and other hydrocarbons that work together to keep an engine clean. 

When the engine functions over time, debris, dirt, and contaminant build up inside the mechanism, forming sludge that may cause severe damage.

But motor oil effectively prevents the buildup of these contaminants by suspending all foreign particles in the oil. This is one of the effective preventive car maintenance techniques.

The oil filter does its job by trapping these particles, ensuring the engine’s optimal performance.

In addition to these primary functions of motor oil, it also plays a crucial role in minimizing emissions that harm the environment and boosting fuel efficiency. 

Furthermore, since it minimizes engine wear and friction, the engine can function more efficiently, improving fuel economy.

Moreover, some motor oils contain additives that help minimize harmful emissions. 

They work by neutralizing compounds often released during combustion, such as acids.

Types Of Engine Oil

Different motor oil types and brands exist today, and each has unique characteristics and properties that cater to the particular needs of different engines. 

This is why the importance of using the right motor oil type and grade for your car engine cannot be overstated.

The most common types of motor oil include:

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic motor oil is formulated using chemically modified non-petroleum-based and petroleum-based compounds. 

This type of motor oil possesses greater performance characteristics than conventional oil (discussed next). 

This includes better resistance to breakdown, longer change intervals, as well as improved fuel economy.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is the basic motor oil type obtained from crude oil. It is the most affordable motor oil, though it requires frequent changes and has limited durability.

Racing Oil

Racing oil is a special motor oil type produced for high-performance engines that function efficiently under extreme conditions. This is the type of motor oil race cars utilize. Racing oil has extremely high levels of viscosity.

This makes racing oil provide better protection and lubrication to the race car engine under high-temperature and high-speed conditions.

High-Mileage Oil

High-mileage oil is formulated especially for engines that have covered up to 75,000 miles. It has additives that help prevent leaks, extend the engine’s lifespan, and minimize oil consumption.

Diesel Oil

Diesel oil is a motor oil type specially developed for diesel engines, known for their unique needs compared to gasoline engines. 

This motor oil type comes with an incredibly high level of additives whose primary job is to protect diesel engines from soot as well as other contaminants they generate.

To know the different types of engine oil, use the owner’s manual to check for the type your vehicle uses. Every car engine has a specified motor oil type with a recommended viscosity.

Bear in mind that changing your motor oil regularly is highly critical for your engine’s overall health. 

When motor oil is exposed to pressure, heat, and contaminants over time, it starts breaking down. 

This makes the motor oil lose its effectiveness due to the considerable viscosity loss.

Dirty motor oil causes engine parts to wear out prematurely, resulting in reduced performance as well as potential engine failure. 

This is a major reason many car manufacturers often recommend changing your motor oil every 6 months or 5,000 – 7,500 miles, whichever comes first.

Synthetic Blend

The most prominent downside to using synthetic motor oil is its cost. But a less costly option is a synthetic blend, sometimes known as semi-synthetic engine oil.

Synthetic blend motor oil provides the same benefits as full synthetic engine oil but without a high price. This motor oil blend is actually a mixture of conventional base and synthetic oils, including detergents and additives.

It remains one of the excellent choices for service shops and carmakers and is the minimum required engine oil grade in most vehicles.

How to Find Out What Engine Oil Your Car Uses

If you’ve just bought a brand-new vehicle but don’t really know the type of engine oil it uses, pay attention to this section.

Every carmaker has its own engine oil grade specification they recommend to their customers. 

So stick with only the engine oil product your carmaker recommends. 

The next section discusses more about the letters and numbers on engine oil and what they mean.

However, here are a few ways to discover the type of engine oil your car uses:

• Redex Oil Checker: Use this exclusive checker to find the engine oil recommended for your car model and brand. Enter your vehicle’s registration number or its model and make it into the car oil finder.
• Local Garage: Check with the local mechanic, who should be certified to tell you the ideal engine oil your car uses.
•  Vehicle Handbook/Guide: Check your automobile handbook or owner’s manual for recommended oil types. You may check online for a soft copy if you can’t find the original manual.
• Designated Motoring Retailers: You will find a handful of online motoring stores that allow visitors to search for the perfect engine oil for their vehicles based on their registration numbers. You can mention your dilemma when talking shop with in-store experts who will advise on the most compatible engine oil for your vehicle
• Owners’ Forums and Sites: Owner’s forums and sites are excellent spots for great recommendations about your car’s most suitable engine oil.

What Do the Letters and Numbers on Engine Oil Mean?

The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) successfully developed a grading system for engine oil. 

The grading system involves the use of the letters and numbers you see on the gallon of engine oil you purchase for your vehicle.

The most common grade of engine oil is 5W-30. The first part of this number –5W refers to how well the engine oil pours in cold weather. 

The “W” stands for Winter. The lower this particular number is, the better the engine oil flow in the cold.

The second part of grade number 30 – points to the weight of the oil at normal operating temperature. But the higher this number is, the thicker the engine oil when it’s warm.

The grade of the ideal engine oil for your car is most likely marked on your engine oil cap. 

You may also find this information online or by checking your car’s routine maintenance guide booklet.

If this manual offers 2 unique possible engine oil grades, the one with lower numbers are only intended for use during winter.

For instance, a vehicle can make use of 5W-20 grade engine oil during the summer but use 0W-20 oil in winter.

What’s the Difference Between Fully Synthetic, Part-Synthetic, and Non-Synthetic Oil?

Fully Synthetic, Part-Synthetic and Non-Synthetic oils are the three engine oil types used in cars and other vehicles. Here are the key differences between them, along with their pros and cons:

Non-Synthetic Oil

Non-synthetic or conventional oil is derived from crude oil and refined to meet API standards. It is perhaps the oldest and most common type of motor oil used in vehicles. Non-synthetic oil contains natural lubricants and additives but lacks the advanced technology of synthetic oils.

Pros:

•  Less expensive than synthetic or part-synthetic oils.
• Good for use in older vehicles with less sophisticated engines.

Cons:

• Not as efficient as synthetic or part-synthetic oils in extreme temperatures or high-performance engines.
• Needs to be changed regularly or much more frequently than synthetic oils.

Part-Synthetic Oil (Synthetic Blend)

Part-synthetic oil, also known as synthetic blend oil, combines non-synthetic and synthetic oils. The ratio of synthetic to non-synthetic oil varies by brand, but typically it contains around 20-30% synthetic oil and 70-80% non-synthetic oil.

Pros:

• Offers better protection and performance compared to non-synthetic oils.
•  More affordable than fully synthetic oils.
• Can be used in several engines and driving conditions.

Cons:

•  Not as advanced as fully synthetic oils.
• Needs to be changed more frequently than fully synthetic oils.

Fully Synthetic Oil

Fully synthetic oil is made from a combination of synthetic compounds and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different engines. It offers the most advanced technology and superior protection for high-performance engines.

Pros:

• Offers the best performance and protection in extreme temperatures and high-performance engines.
• Efficiently resists breakdown.
• Lasts longer than non-synthetic or part-synthetic oils.
• Requires less frequent oil changes.

Cons:

•  More expensive than non-synthetic or part-synthetic oils.
• Not necessary for use in older or less sophisticated engines.

5 Best Engine Oil for 2023

This is where you go through the top 5 engine oil money can buy, assembled after intense research. Here are the 5 best engine oil for 2023, arranged in no particular order:

1. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil

This full synthetic motor oil is primarily designed for the long haul. This formula protects critical engine components for up to 200,000 miles or one year, whichever occurs first. In addition, it has additives that prevent the engine oil from breaking down while providing strong deposit and sludge protection.

The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Oil holds the ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee) and API (American Petroleum Institute) GF-6A licenses. As a result, it is compatible with multiple General Motors and Ford lubricants.

2. Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 Motor Oil

This engine oil is composed of high-quality additives and synthetic high-tech. It offers high performance, the best engine protection, and cleanliness in order to minimize maintenance. What is more, Amsoil Motor Oil is also suitable for gasoline engines.

3. Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic Motor Oil

This fully synthetic oil is available at a pocket-friendly price. Therefore, if you are cash-strapped or on a budget and need fully synthetic engine oil, you just found it: Castrol GTX Magnatec Motor Oil.

This engine oil offers up to 6 times better protection than industry recommendations or standards. In addition, it works with vital engine parts by clinging to them throughout the drive circle. 

This helps minimize the extent or amount of wear and tear that usually occurs during stop-and-go driving and idling.

4. Royal Purple API-Licensed SAE 0W-20 High-Performance Synthetic Oil

Royal Purple’s engine oil combines proprietary additive technologies with premium base oils in order to create a high-performance synthetic oil product that efficiently optimizes engine performance. In addition, this motor oil carries the current ILSAC and API engine oil licenses, making it perfect for use in gasoline-powered vehicles.

5. Shell Rotella T6 Diesel Engine Oil (Full Synthetic)

If you own an automobile that runs on diesel and needs suitable motor oil, Shell Rotella is the perfect option. 

This formula, produced by a company based in the Netherlands, promises a 1.5% increase in fuel economy compared to regular 15W-40 oils.

Several additives are part of the Shell Rotella formula, and they help protect your engine against dirt, soot, and other debris that may harm it. It also has improved wear protection, far better than the older API CJ-4 oils.

These are the best engine oil in 2023, so make your choice based on your carmaker’s recommendation and budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the right or most suitable engine oil type for your car may take time and effort.

But it is highly essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and overall health. Therefore, you should always take the type of oil or grade, manufacturer’s recommendations, and viscosity into acute consideration in order to make an informed buying decision.

Once you find the ideal engine oil for your car, changing it regularly helps extend your engine’s lifespan. This ensures your car runs efficiently and smoothly for many more years.

Engine Oil FAQs

What’s the Difference Between Regular Motor Oil and Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is composed of artificial or synthetic chemicals with crude oil. The final product behaves quite similarly to traditional oil. On the other hand, regular motor oil occurs as a natural compound.

What are the Disadvantages of Synthetic Oil?

The only practical disadvantage associated with synthetic oil is the cost. Synthetic oil is typically 2 or up to 4 times the price of regular oil.

What Makes Synthetic Oil Better Than Regular Motor Oil?

Synthetic motor oil is much better than regular motor oil because it is more refined and loaded with chemically-modified compounds. This enables it to boost performance, minimize engine sludge, and lower friction.

If you live in a city or area with extreme temperature conditions or own a high-performance car, make lots of short trips often, or even drive an old vehicle that burns through motor oil quickly, then you need synthetic motor oil. This will make the vehicle last longer since synthetic oil also protects your engine.

How Do You Know What Oil is Best for Your Car?

There’s really no substitute for reading your own vehicle’s owner’s manual. The owner’s manual lists the type of motor oil your car manufacturer recommends for your model.

The manual may also recommend different motor oil types, depending on the prevalent climate where you live. But what is most significant is to use motor oil that is of the right viscosity or thickness for your vehicle’s engine.