A fundamental element in the maintenance of your vehicle, oil guarantees the proper functioning of the engine and above all a long life for your car. But choosing a quality motor oil can be complicated and should not be taken lightly. To help you make the right choice, we offer you in this guide the best motor oils on the market.
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Our selection
"If you want to give your engine the best without breaking the bank, this premium car oil from Total is what you need."
"To provide effective maintenance or oil change for your car, this car oil from Norauto is the right choice for a long life of your…"
"This top of the range motor oil from Castrol will be a real ally in the daily maintenance of your car, and to extend the…"
"High quality, this car oil from Norauto is the choice to make at all costs if you want to keep your car's engine in good…"
If you want to give your engine the best without breaking the bank, this premium car oil from Total is what you need.
27,10 £ on AmazonTotal Quartz 9000 5W40 motor oil is an excellent choice for optimal engine cleanliness. You have at your disposal 5 liters of 100% synthetic motor oil with a viscosity of 5W40. Moreover, it can be used for all types of engines, whether gasoline or diesel. This motor oil has also been developed for vans and commercial vehicles that are not equipped with particle filters.
This Total motor oil guarantees low oil degradation, even in severe use, thanks to its resistance to oxidation and its thermal stability which is truly exceptional. In addition, this oil increases the longevity of your engine because, during cold starts, it immediately lubricates the engine components. You can thus use it longer.
To provide effective maintenance or oil change for your car, this car oil from Norauto is the right choice for a long life of your engine.
21,56 £ on NorautoFrom the Norauto brand, which is the European leader in car maintenance, this Norauto 5W40 B4 Diesel motor oil is the right choice if you are specifically looking for a perfect yet affordable car oil. With a viscosity of 5W 40, it has been designed to provide effective maintenance for all types of car brands. Indeed, it offers several advantages to your vehicle's engine.
This engine oil allows you to save fuel because it considerably reduces consumption and harmful emissions, while keeping the engine clean. Moreover, it makes cold starts easier. With it, you won't have to regularly adjust the engine when you travel. Your vehicle's engine remains efficient in all circumstances.
This top of the range motor oil from Castrol will be a real ally in the daily maintenance of your car, and to extend the life of your engine.
38,24 £ on AmazonIf you are looking for performance and a high level of protection for your engine, this Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL automotive oil is the best solution to give your vehicle good maintenance and protection. Indeed, its lubricants are more powerful. In addition, it adopts strength technologyTM fluid to provide your engine with excellent care even in the most extreme conditions.
Apart from its basic function, this Castrol car oil offers several other very interesting advantages. With it, you'll enjoy great fuel economy. In addition, you will not have to make major repairs after each oil change. Another strong point of this engine oil is the fact that it reduces friction and ensures excellent performance of the mechanics. Despite its high price, the investment is well worth it.
High quality, this car oil from Norauto is the choice to make at all costs if you want to keep your car's engine in good condition over the long term.
11,96 £ on NorautoAny specific needs?
The best entry-level motor oil
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | VERY GOOD | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Total Quartz 9000 5W40
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NORAUTO 5W40 B4 Diesel
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Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL
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NORAUTO 10W40 Diesel
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If you want to give your engine the best without breaking the bank, this premium car oil from Total is what you need.
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To provide effective maintenance or oil change for your car, this car oil from Norauto is the right choice for a long life of your engine.
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This top of the range motor oil from Castrol will be a real ally in the daily maintenance of your car, and to extend the life of your engine.
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High quality, this car oil from Norauto is the choice to make at all costs if you want to keep your car's engine in good condition over the long term.
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Capacity
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5 L
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5 L
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5 L
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5 L
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Viscosity
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5W 40
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5W 40
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5W 30
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10W 40
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Performance
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Economy
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Engine protection
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As you will see throughout this guide, there are three types of motor oils, each with its own specific characteristics. Rest assured, the idea is not to make it difficult for you to choose, but rather to find the oil best suited to lubricate your car (or motorcycle). You will have the choice between :
To summarize, the nature of the oil is a determining parameter that should not be taken lightly, at the risk of causing oxidation, corrosion, wear or possible breakdowns during your journeys.
The viscosity of engine oil is defined by its degree of resistance to flow or in other words, the oil's ability to flow. It is measured using a unit of measurement represented by a "W" which stands for Winter, placed between two groups of numbers. The numbers before the "W" determine the fluidity of the liquid when cold, while the numbers after the unit indicate its fluidity at a high temperature. There are generally three viscosity indexes associated with the type of motor oil, which you will find on the can label:
That said, these first two criteria for choosing motor oil are interdependent and depend essentially on the frequency of use of your vehicle.
Mechanical connoisseurs certainly know that motor oils are also classified according to standards. In addition to the nature and viscosity of the liquid, you should also find out about these beforehand. These include SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers) standards. Rest assured, it's not as complicated as it sounds because you don't need to decipher them to buy your motor oil. All you have to do is look in your vehicle's owner's manual and remember the acronyms listed at the time of purchase. The label on the can simply indicates the standards for the oil in question and all you have to do is shop.
You don't need to be a mechanical expert to know that an oil change is a crucial step in ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition. It is also important for the longevity of the engine and the functioning of the vehicle itself. You should know that the oil change of your engine must be done regularly, according to its specificities. Indeed, some engines require more frequent lubrication than others, but the objective remains the same: to ensure that it is not damaged by use and time.
That said, an oil change allows, among other things, to :
Remember that oil is an essential input for the engine of a car or motorcycle to function properly over the long term. It is therefore partly thanks to it that you will be able to cover thousands of kilometers, from the beaten track to the most tumultuous roads. But to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the engine that the manufacturer has chosen for your vehicle, oils have been classified into three major families.
There was a time when mineral oil was the most widely used as it was originally the best option for the types of cars and motorcycles that existed. This substance comes from refined crude oil, which more clearly explains its thick consistency. At first, mineral oil was referred to as "monograde" due to its unique viscosity index which made it difficult to balance cold and hot viscosity. To remedy this, mineral oil was treated and supplemented with additives.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
This oil is mainly suitable for collectors of old cars, such as cars over 12 years old. Indeed, the latter are equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine without turbo highly mileage that are simply compatible with a thick oil.
Much
newer than mineral oil, this one is the result of various treatments and chemical modifications. Synthetic oil is known for its high performance intended for recent cars whose mechanism is largely more "competitive". The transformation processes that this type of oil undergoes are closely related to the addition of additives that increase its performance (antioxidants, anti-foam, anti-corrosion, etc.).
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Who is it for?
It is ideal for heavy drivers, competition enthusiasts and drivers who make frequent stops in the city. The fluidity of this oil facilitates engine restart and prevents friction between vehicle parts.
As car manufacturers seek a balance between strength and performance, mixed motorization is increasingly used. This process therefore calls for a specific oil which is none other than semi-synthetic oil which is characterized by a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil. The idea is to transform the mineral oil so that it performs better and resists extreme temperatures. On the other hand, it is also an alternative that allows you to balance efficiency and price.
Advantages:
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Who is it for?
If your vehicle has a mixed engine
(10 to 30% synthetic and the rest mineral), semi-synthetic oil is for you. It is also the type of oil that is suitable for mixed traffic, sometimes in the city and sometimes on the road.
Synthetic oil is the most stable of all the variants. It also performs better and heats up less. It is the recommended lubricant for sports cars and commercial vehicles that travel several kilometres per trip.
However, it is more expensive than semi-synthetic and mineral oils and is not suitable for older cars.
This type of oil allows you to benefit from certain properties of a mineral oil and a synthetic oil at a lower cost. It is suitable for both old and new cars.
The concern with semi-synthetic oil is the frequency of the oil change. You should be vigilant about the interval between oil changes and constantly monitor your dashboard. Too many intervals could be harmful to the engine.
If you want to save money and at the same time want to optimize the performance of your vehicle, it is sometimes difficult to choose between a fully synthetic oil and a semi-synthetic oil. The 100% synthetic oil, because it contains many additives to improve the engine's performance, is the best choice. But you'll have to put a few extra bucks in your pocket. Semi-synthetic oil is cheaper, but you'll have to be on the lookout for an oil change.
To lubricate the various components of the engine
As the name suggests, a lubricant or engine oil is primarily used to lubricate the various parts that make up the engine. The fluid flows between the parts to form a protective layer all around. Its use reduces friction that can cause a temperature rise and protects the mechanisms from wear.
To cool the engine
Besides the coolant, engine oil is an essential element that helps cool the engine. Because of its ability to access different engine compartments, it helps lower the temperature and distributes heat evenly to areas that the coolant cannot reach.
To clean the engine
With all the driving a car does, dirt accumulates in the engine. As the main component that drives a vehicle, it needs to be clean and well maintained. The engine oil helps by sending all deposits to the oil filter.
To protect parts from corrosion
Generally, a vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine. This means that when the car is started, the engine burns some of the fuel. This inevitably produces acid that attacks metal parts. This corrosion phenomenon is slowed down by the additives present in the lubricants.
To save fuel
A quality lubricant reduces fuel consumption through its cleaning and protective properties. Indeed, it acts by reducing friction between parts and keeps the engine clean. This not only increases engine performance, but also significantly reduces fuel consumption.
In our opinion, the best brands of car engine oils in 2022 are :
Castrol is a company specialized in the design and sale of engine lubricants created in 1899 in the United Kingdom. The quality of its engine lubricants is well known: it is so good that it "accompanied" the Nasa Curiosity astromobile on its mission to Mars. It manufactures engine oils suitable for all kinds of vehicles.
Total is a French multinational company founded in 1924 and is best known as a fuel supplier. But it also designs lubricant products that are highly appreciated on the market. Total develops engine oils for all vehicles at affordable prices, whether they are old or new.
Shell was founded in 1907 and specialises in the exploration, production, refining and marketing of oil and natural gas. It also manufactures and markets multi-purpose oils that can be used on both petrol and diesel engines. With Shell lubricants, you will be able to travel many miles without fearing for the performance of your car.
A brand that has been present in motor racing for decades, Elf produces lubricants that can withstand enormous pressure, are environmentally friendly and, above all, very efficient. The motor oils produced by the firm guarantee good protection for your engines and a reduction in fuel consumption.
This brand of petroleum and motor oil additives is known for its quality products in all areas. In fact, it is highly sought after by commercial car owners because of its ability to keep engines from overheating. With 80 years of experience, this brand is the most reliable.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Check the engine oil level regularly
The maintenance of a vehicle consists of checking the oil level on a regular basis. If you think you do not have the ability to do this, rest assured, because it is a mechanical gesture that consists only of checking whether the oil is still sufficient or not. You will notice that if the oil level is too high, there is no great risk to the engine. However, if there is not enough oil, your engine will be damaged very quickly and you risk all sorts of problems along the way (overheating, corrosion, foaming, deterioration, etc.). We therefore recommend that you check the oil level every 1000 to 2000 km driven.
Always consult the user manual before buying your oil
Automakers are particularly strict about the standards to be met when purchasing motor oil. The rules are just as important as when you buy any other equipment for your vehicle, and failure to follow them systematically generates more damage than you might think. As a reminder, this type of damage is generally not covered by insurance, as the choice of motor oils is clearly specified in this owner's manual.
Choose a quality oil
For
fear of spending a large sum of money on their engine oil, many drivers minimize the quality of
their oil.
Just as not enough oil can damage an engine, quality is also blamed for wear and overheating. So recommend the most reputable brands, without failing to learn about the product in question before you buy.
Observe oil change intervals
Each type of engine and vehicle has its own oil change frequency. Older cars and vehicles with high mileage should have their oil changed more often (at least every year) than newer cars. If the oil level should be checked every 1000 km, the oil change should be done every 15,000 km.
Consult a professional when in doubt
Once again,
no car insurance policy takes into account engine deterioration due to irregular oil changes or poor oil selection. If you are not initiated in the world of mechanics, if you cannot find your user's manual or if you are unsure of the brand and references to select, it is better to consult a professional beforehand.
The best motor oil depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
Besides the appearance of wear, rust or foam, forgetting to change the oil can store a large amount of deposits in your engine. On the other hand, the extent of the damage can be more severe as the air in the tank would cause moisture.
While the oil level should be checked every 1000 km, there are other checks that should be done at the time of the oil change. These include checking the filters (air filter, fuel filter, cabin filter and oil filter). If they are worn, it is essential to replace the parts and accessories as soon as possible.
The price of an oil change usually depends on the services offered by the car repairers. In addition, the type of car you have. You can choose a complete package where the oil change includes the engine oil as well. However, many car and motorcycle owners prefer to buy the oil separately to save money. In any case, don't hesitate to ask for quotes before making an appointment and deciding on your oil purchase.
As the choice of motor oil is already conditioned by criteria that must be respected to the letter, you should know that the use of other types of oil is formally forbidden. Under no circumstances should you use vegetable oil, edible oil or brake fluid as a replacement for engine oil.
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