12 best engine oils for Renault Duster

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

One of the most popular cars of the company in Russia has been on sale for more than a year, so the issues of self-maintenance of cars that have come out of warranty are relevant for many owners. Especially for those who, when buying, chose a post-styled car with a 1,5 dCi engine – this diesel engine, due to the installation of a particulate filter (not used on the Russian conveyor before restyling), has quite specific requirements for engine oil.

Speaking about the choice of engine oil, in any case, you need to build on the requirements of the factory instruction manual. For engines with which Renault Duster was sold and sold in Russia, they are as follows:

1. Petrol engines K4M (1,6L, 102PS), H4M (1,6L, 114PS), (2,0L, 135PS or 143PS after 2015 ): oils with SAE viscosity from 0W-30 to 15W-50 depending on climatic conditions, API quality class not lower than API SL / SM, according to ACEA – classes A1, A2, A3, A5, with Renault RN0700 approval.

2. K9K diesel engine (1,5 l, 90 hp until 2015, without particulate filter): oils with a viscosity of 0W-30 to 15W-50 depending on climatic conditions, API quality class not lower than CF, ACEA – B3, B4, with Renault RN0710 approval.

3. Diesel engine K9K (1,5 l, 109 hp after 2015, with particulate filter): oils with a viscosity of 0W-30 to 5W-40 depending on climatic conditions, strictly with Renault RN0720 approval.

4. Let’s highlight the last engine, for which the factory techno indicates only the factory tolerance, and not the standard quality classes according to API / ACEA. The fact is that for a K9K diesel engine with a particulate filter, the oil must be selected according to the characteristic requirements that overlap or are not specified in generally accepted standards (in particular, it supplements the requirements of the ACEA C3 class), and the oil must be selected strictly according to this tolerance (otherwise, no one does not guarantee a normal life of the particulate filter).

Rating of the best engine oils for Renault Duster

The best engine oils for gasoline engines Renault Duster

Elf EVOLUTION 900 SXR 5W-30

Rating: 4.9

“Native” for gasoline Renault Duster synthetic motor oil definitely deserves a mention. The reason is simple and understandable: the selection of oils by the plant itself is carried out not only according to its formal requirements, but also according to the results of its own tests, which allow the plant to count on the normal operation of the motor in various conditions, at least during the warranty period. The oil is certified for API SL and ACEA A5 / B5 quality classes, has an RN0700 approval, fully complying with the manufacturer’s formal requirements (which is not surprising).

The viscosity of SAE 5W-30 is optimal for most climatic regions of Russia all season. In the south, especially when the car is used hard, we can advise using the same oil, but with a higher high temperature viscosity index: it is also available as SAE 5W-40. For northern regions, where the car can be operated in severe cold in winter, this oil is usually enough: the declared pour point for Evolution 900 SXR 5W-30 oil is -36 degrees, an independent test of the well-known Oil-club.ru gave a figure of -42 degrees.

An important feature of the oil is a fairly high base number by modern standards – 10 mg KOH / g. Consequently, the oil is able to effectively counteract oxidation, the inevitable ingress of acid products of fuel combustion from the combustion chambers, has decent detergent properties – which, in fact, is confirmed by the experience of using it in dealer technical centers. The low intrinsic sulfur content (0,238% tested) indicates the high quality of the base oil – this is again a plus for the stability of performance over the service interval. The flash point (230 degrees declared, 227 measured) is sufficient for low oil consumption for waste through the crankcase ventilation, slow accumulation of deposits in the piston ring grooves, and is generally typical of hydrocracked synthetics.

Motul 8100 Xcess 5W-30

Rating: 4.8

The “visiting card” of Motul synthetic motor oils is the use of ester base oil production technology, which allows you to get a better and more stable “base” than popular hydrocracking. The other side of the coin is the price, so Motul does not forget about hydrocracked oils.

Be that as it may, according to the formal list of characteristics, it fully fits into the factory requirements: API SL, ACEA A3/B4, RN0700/0710. According to its properties, the oil can be called one of the best for gasoline Dusters, regardless of the climatic zone. The high quality of the synthetic base made it possible to achieve a pour point of -45 degrees, despite the fact that the kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees (this test simulates the operation of a motor warmed up to operating temperature) is 11,9 mm²/ s – this is closer to the upper limit of the declared viscosity class according to SAE. If the machine is operated on bad roads, with a loaded trailer, often in traffic jams, Motul will provide more comfortable working conditions for the engine – including for clutches of phase shifters and hydraulic compensators, will provide more stable oil pressure in used engines.

The base number is slightly higher than that of Elf: 10,2 mg KOH/g. Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about the really tangible superiority of Motul in terms of properties “tied” precisely to the alkaline number.

Shell Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-30

Rating: 4.7

According to the declared tolerances and quality classes, Shell fully fits into the requirements of the plant for Renault Duster gasoline engines. In addition, this brand has repeatedly been subjected to independent tests, both fresh and in the form of testing from a really working engine – which means that we can talk about it, having enough data.

First of all, the real high-temperature viscosity may be of interest: at 11,8 mm declared by the manufacturer²/ s real tests give numbers for fresh oil from 11,8 to 12,11 – that is, the oil retains a high viscosity at engine operating temperatures, providing a stable and durable film in friction pairs, normal pressure and the efficiency of hydraulic compensators, in this regard, it is The middleweight goes head to head with Motul. The pour point declared by the manufacturer at -48 degrees in practice, according to tests, turned out to be more modest: -43 degrees. Nevertheless, the oil still fully fits into the requirements of the declared viscosity class and is suitable for operation in a wide temperature range.

Based on measurements, the base number is more than 10 – this allows us to speak of the oil as sufficiently effective and durable, according to the tests of working off, the characteristics of the oil remain at levels suitable for operation during normal service intervals. However, it is worth mentioning that the sulfur content in the oil is noticeably higher than that of Elf – an average of 0,36% versus 0,24%, which, with prolonged use of the oil, may somewhat affect the catalyst resource and indicates a lower degree of purification of the base oil.

LUKOIL GENESIS ARMORTECH FD 5W-30

Rating: 4.6

The attractive side of domestic motor oil was its price – and at the same time it fits into the full list of technical requirements for petrol Renault Duster. The oil is produced in accordance with the requirements for quality classes according to API SL, ACEA A1 and A5, officially has an approval of RN0700.

The declared characteristics are not record-breaking, which is generally expected for a budget hydrocracking oil. So, the declared pour point is minus forty degrees Celsius, the kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees is 9,9 mm²/s, that is, the oil can be considered as close to the factory Elf. By the way, they are also close in terms of the mass fraction of sulfur (0,265% for Lukoil) – this allows us to talk about the use of a sufficiently high-quality base oil. Both oils also have a base number comparable (according to the results of the analysis, Lukoil showed 9,86 mg KOH / g, which is close to the passport 10, and the same 10 for Elf). The ash content of the oil is moderate, within the same limits as that of other participants in the rating, and in general, in our opinion, this engine oil can be considered at least an equivalent analogue of the “native”.

The best engine oils for diesel Renault Duster until 2015

Elf Evolution 900 SXR 5W-40

Rating: 4.9

This oil, having API CF and ACEA B4 quality classes, RN0710 approval, is the best choice in the Elf synthetic oil line for a relatively small-capacity turbocharged diesel engine. On the one hand, it has decent viscosity at high temperatures (14,7 mm²/ s according to the passport, 14,96 mm²/ s according to independent analysis), which increases the strength of the oil film during engine operation (and this directly affects the life of the crankshaft liners, camshaft beds and turbocharger bearings), on the other hand, the oil also has a decent margin for freezing temperatures for most climatic zones of the country (the declared freezing point is minus 42 degrees, according to tests – minus 44). Therefore, oil can be used in winter without a preheater almost everywhere, with the exception of the Far North and Yakutia.

The base number of the oil at the standard level is 10 mg KOH / g, like the oil of the same brand, but with a viscosity of SAE 5W-30. Similarly, the oil also demonstrates a low sulfur content – 0,219% according to the analyzes of the Oil Club. As a result, we get a high-quality engine oil with a good service life that is uniquely suitable for the requirements of the engine, which can be poured into a diesel Duster without a particulate filter without fear.

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 SN Plus A3/B4

Rating: 4.8

But Shell, in terms of alkaline number, is just perfect for using diesel engines in Russian conditions: 12,44 mg KOH / g according to the results of analyzes in 2019 (moreover, oil produced in Russia was taken as a sample, which is also important). At the same time, Shell demonstrates a low pour point (-52 degrees) and a decent viscosity at high temperatures: 13,14 mm²/With. Of course, at the operating temperature of the engine, it is somewhat “thinner” than factory-filled oil, but at the same time it fits into the requirements of its viscosity class, and it is definitely preferable in terms of low-temperature properties.

Since the oil is produced from natural gas and not from oil hydrocracking, it exhibits not only excellent low temperature properties, but also a high flash point (245 degrees) and low volatility. As a result, for a long time you can not be afraid of the appearance of a critical amount of carbon deposits in the grooves of the piston rings, “overgrowing” of EGR. The use of zinc-phosphorus additives and a fairly high sulfate ash content (1,24%) will not allow the use of this oil in Dusters with particulate filters, but it suits the pre-styling K9K engine without restrictions.

G-Energy F Synth 5W-40

Rating: 4.7

Domestic synthetic oil attracts attention at the same time due to its low price and prevalence on sale thanks to the network of Gazprom’s branded gas stations, where it is hardly worth fearing the presence of counterfeit goods on sale. The oil has the required RN0710 approval and meets the required API and ACEA quality classes, and the manufacturer claims that the degree of engine wear protection exceeds the requirements specified by the European standard.

Traditionally, we compare the declared characteristics with the results of an independent analysis. With a pour point promised by the manufacturer of -42 degrees, a real test showed -38: it still fits within the permissible “discrepancy” in batches, but in cold regions of the country it makes sense to think about more “liquid” oils, the same factory Elf has a reserve several degrees – not to mention 0W-40 class oils. High temperature viscosity at 14,6 mm claimed²/ s measured was 14,14 mm²/ s – the deviation is insignificant, the viscosity itself for the diesel “Duster” is adequate. The measured alkaline number is 10,44 mg KOH / g with the passport 10,4, in general, you can not be afraid of the “durability” of the oil in this regard, it will withstand normal operation from replacement to replacement no worse than the “original”. In terms of ash content and sulfur content, G-Energy is somewhat worse than factory-filled oil, but in reality it will be impossible to notice the difference during car operation, fuel quality and driving style will affect the resource much more strongly. In general, oil can be recommended for a temperate and warm climate without restrictions.

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100 5W-40

Rating: 4.6

This engine oil is directly recommended by the manufacturer, including for cars for which the manufacturer indicates the presence of RN0710 approval among the requirements – as in our case. Its basis is traditional hydrocracking synthetics. In terms of pour point, high-temperature properties, the oil is on a par with Elf, which we, as a factory filling oil, again took as a kind of “reference point”. However, the oil definitely loses in terms of base number (7,5 mg KOH / g, declared by the manufacturer – these are figures at the level of the minimum allowable threshold), therefore, we can recommend this oil only if we are sure of the quality of the fuel and, if possible, with slightly reduced drain intervals – therefore in terms of the combination of properties, it loses to the original, even despite the very low ash content, potentially increasing the life of the catalyst. These features of the oil would actually be more relevant for the post-styling Duster with a particulate filter – but, alas, Liqui Moly does not have the necessary approval for this.

The best engine oils for diesel Renault Duster after 2015

ELF EVOLUTION FULL-TECH FE 5W-30

Rating: 4.9

The installation of a particulate filter required a significant restriction on the permissible choice of engine oil for diesel Dusters produced after restyling: now only low-ash (lowSAPS) oils with a specific approval of RN0720 are allowed for them. For the manufacturer, this moment is so important that he did not even begin to indicate the usual quality classes according to API or ACEA in the technical documentation: the oil should be selected only according to a specific tolerance.

Naturally, ELF EVOLUTION FULL-TECH FE 5W-30 has it: this oil was developed for Renault “soot” diesel engines (except for 2,2 dCi) and was not even certified for compliance with any API quality class or any tolerance other manufacturers. Well, if the oil is made “under the motor”, then you can safely use it in this motor. But for comparison with competitors, we still list the main properties.

The base number of the oil, unfortunately, is low – 7,4 mg KOH / g. This is generally normal for low-ash diesel oils, but it is worth keeping in mind in any case: the oil has little “reserve” in terms of resource. This was also confirmed by an independent analysis of the Oil Club, where, on a run of just over 10 thousand kilometers, the oil had already “fell out” of the base number tolerance: at the minimum allowable 2,5 mg KOH / g, the measurement showed only 0,9. At the same time, however, we note that the viscosity of the oil remained within the requirements of the class with a margin (11,29 mm²/ s at the minimum allowable 9,3 and “passport” 12,2), so that the oil did not turn into water – and the stability of viscosity with increasing mileage is also a good indicator of oil quality.

The pour point is quite low – minus 46 degrees, in this regard, we have no complaints about the oil, taking into account the declared viscosity class. The high flash point (242 degrees) and low volatility also make it unambiguously classifiable as an oil suitable for DPF diesel engines.

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4400 5W-30

Rating: 4.8

The oil was developed specifically for the requirements of the RN0720 approval on a hydrocracked basis. This is immediately evident in the flash point (220 degrees vs. 242) and the higher pour point (-39 degrees). In terms of high temperature viscosity and base number, Liqui Moly oil is almost identical to the original: 12,2 mm²/s and 7,6 mg KOH/g, respectively. Therefore, in general, both in terms of characteristics and the experience of owners of diesel Dusters, we can call Liqui Moly an almost equivalent replacement for the original engine oil, especially if you live in central Russia or in the south of Russia.

G-Energy Service Line R 5W-30

Rating: 4.7

The oil was developed as a specialized service product for Renault cars and, accordingly, received the necessary approval RN0720. However, we cannot call it a full-fledged replacement for the original one, if only because of the extremely low base number – 6 mg KOH / g is acceptable only under sterile laboratory conditions, where all gas stations sell exclusively high-quality fuel. For Russian conditions, Elf and Liqui Moly are preferable in terms of durability, but the more affordable G-Energy oil can be changed more often.

The pour point of the oil is at a good level compared to competitors: -39 degrees. In most areas of Russia, this will allow the engine to start confidently without the need for preheating or garage heating. At the “conditional operating” temperature of the engine, the kinematic viscosity of the oil is almost in the middle of the standard tolerance field: 11,6 mm²/With. This is less than that of other participants in the rating, so we can once again repeat the recommendation to reduce service intervals when using G-Energy oil in the Duster in order to prevent a critical decrease in viscosity as the oil ages.

MOTUL SPECIFIC RN 0720 5W-30

Rating: 4.6

The name of this engine oil directly indicates that it was also developed under the specific Renault approval. But, unfortunately, in all main positions this oil loses to the original one, despite the budget-sensitive price. Base number 6 mg KOH / g, pour point -36 degrees, lower viscosity at high temperatures (even declared – 11,9 mm²/ s versus 12,2), the lower flash point (224 degrees – the same result according to the analysis was shown by the development of Elf, which had served 10600 km at the time of sampling!) definitely puts Motul far behind the original oil in the list of possible purchase options.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.