The best motor oils for a car in 2022

Motor oil is used in car engines, it is necessary to reduce the friction of moving parts. High-quality compositions help reduce wear, improve engine efficiency and save fuel.

There are 3 types of motor oils:

• mineral;
• synthetic;
• semi-synthetic.

Mineral oils have low fluidity and, accordingly, medium lubricity, and are prone to deposits on parts. Synthetic motor fluids demonstrate consistency of composition regardless of temperature and seasonality, thereby protecting engine parts more effectively. And semi-synthetic oils are created on the basis of mineral mixtures and synthetic elements. They have better lubricating properties than mineral ones and at the same time are characterized by a longer service life than synthetic ones.

There is also a seasonal classification. There are winter types of oils that remain fluid at low temperatures, making it easier to start the engine in cold weather. Summer ones have a high viscosity, but are unstable at sub-zero temperatures. All-weather oils have an optimal viscosity index that works stably, regardless of the air temperature outside. The last type of lubricant has practically replaced winter and summer ones from the market, as it is universal.

There are also engine oils for diesel and gasoline engines.

Typically, an engine oil change is carried out during maintenance. You can do this both on your own and contact the service for services.

Automakers in the operating instructions indicate the recommended brands and characteristics. However, car owners can independently give preference to one or another company. We have collected the best, in our opinion, motor oils that are on the market in 2022 with the pros and cons of specific formulations.

Editor’s Choice

Synthetic oil Mobil 1 FS 5W40

A successful oil that motorists have been choosing for more than one year. Molybdenum is present in the additive package, which has a positive effect on engine protection at high loads. The fluid performs well both in cold weather and under conditions of increased loads, suitable for difficult operating conditions and engines with high mileage.

Advantages and disadvantages

Rating of the top 15 best motor oils according to KP

1. Synthetic oil Mobil Super 3000 X1 5W40

The oil is suitable for all types of cars, it can be used in passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs and even light trucks. Provides long service life of the engine in city conditions, good start-up at low temperatures. Suitable for turbocharged engines.

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Lukoil Lux semi-synthetic SL / CF 10W40

Engine oil produced in Our Country is suitable for high-powered, diesel and supercharged engines. Can be used in minibuses and light trucks. Provides good start-up at low temperatures, protects parts from wear. It contains anti-wear additives based on zinc and phosphorus in large quantities, as well as detergent additives based on calcium.

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Semi-synthetic oil Gazpromneft Premium L 5W-30

The oil is made on a mineral basis of a high degree of purification. Only domestic components are used, which reduces the price of the product. Compatible with turbocharged and direct injection engines. It has stable properties over a wide temperature range.

Advantages and disadvantages

4. Synthetic oil Liqui Moly Optimal 5W-40

The oil provides uniform lubrication of engine parts and reduces friction, ensuring even wear. It shows itself well with different driving styles and operating conditions, suitable for both those who mainly drive in the city, and for those who spend most of their time on country roads. Retains its properties throughout the entire service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Availability of Sintec Super 10W-40

It is produced with a balanced use of additives. It has stable viscosity-temperature and antioxidant properties. Provides protection of engine parts against wear and corrosion. Molybdenum is present in the composition to reduce friction of parts and fuel efficiency.

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Synthetic oil Mannol Exreme 5W-40

Universal oil with a wide range of applications. It has a balanced composition of additives, which is achieved by strict control at all stages of production. Strong oil film provides wear protection and extended drain intervals. Keeps the engine clean, reducing friction and wear.

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Synthetic oil Rolf GT 5W-40 SN/CF

Oil with a combination of high-quality base components is positioned by the manufacturer as premium. Can be used in turbocharged vehicles equipped with an aftertreatment system. Recommended for both new and high mileage engines. It has thermal and antioxidant stability, which minimizes the formation of deposits.

Advantages and disadvantages

8. Synthetic oil Lukoil Genesis Armortech HK5W-30

The oil is recommended for use in gasoline and diesel (without particulate filters) engines. Suitable for vehicles equipped with a system that shuts off the engine during short stops (for example, at traffic lights). With low viscosity, it contributes to fuel economy.

Advantages and disadvantages

9. Synthetic oil Takayama 5W-40 API SN/CF

The oil is designed for gasoline engines, including those equipped with a turbocharger and exhaust gas aftertreatment system. It can also be used in diesel engines of light trucks. Contains a multifunctional set of additives that provide an extended service interval and prevent the formation of deposits.

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Synthetic oil Sintec Platinum 5W-40

The oil is produced with the addition of multifunctional additive packages that have anti-wear and detergent properties that remain throughout the entire service life. Can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines.

Advantages and disadvantages

11. Synthetic oil BP Visco 5000 5W-40

The oil contains components that neutralize combustion products, which helps to increase the life of parts. In cold weather, it is quickly pumped, providing a confident start of the engine at temperatures below -35 degrees. Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, can be used in premium brand cars.

Advantages and disadvantages

12. Synthetic oil G-Energy Far East Synthetic 5W-30

Oil, which is mainly intended for gasoline engines of Japanese and Korean cars. Can also be used in minibuses and light trucks. Suitable for engines equipped with catalytic converters.

Advantages and disadvantages

13. Synthetic oil Eneos Premium Touring SN 5W-40

The oil is recommended for powerful engines of European and Japanese production, including those with turbocharging. Manufactured using the company’s own patented technologies. In winter, it provides a confident start of the engine and its stable operation.

Advantages and disadvantages

14. Synthetic oil Windigo Synth HS 5W-30 Light

The oil is designed for severe operating conditions with sudden changes in temperature and urban driving style with frequent acceleration and braking. It has high thermal stability. Can be used for both cars and light trucks.

Advantages and disadvantages

15. Semi-synthetic oil Lukoil Genesis Universal 10W-40

All-weather oil for petrol and diesel engines. Suitable for operation in the post-warranty period. The high base number prolongs the life of the fluid, as well as inhibits the formation of deposits and provides detergent and neutralizing properties. Zinc and phosphorus are present in the form of antiwear additives, detergents – in the form of calcium and magnesium.

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose engine oil for your car

Each manufacturer indicates the recommended oil with the characteristics for a particular car model.

They are also selected according to the nature of viscosity. Low-viscosity are indicated by numbers from 0 to 25 after the letter W, and high-viscosity – from 25 to 60. Motor fluid should not be too viscous in cold weather, but at high temperatures, on the contrary, a high level of this parameter is appreciated.

It is better to buy oils in specialized auto shops or car services – this way there is less chance of buying a fake. At other points of sale, liquids of the same brands can cost significantly less, and this is an occasion to think about where they are actually produced.

Expert Comments

Roman Timashov, AVTODOM Service Director Altufievo:

The main task of engine oil is to reduce friction between engine parts, which is achieved by creating a uniform oil film. Each model and modification of a car requires an individual approach to maintenance, including the choice of lubricant for the engine. The main variables are the brand of the car, the type of engine (diesel or gasoline), age and mileage, as well as the time of year. Each automaker publishes its own list of recommended oils, and the largest concerns advise using original liquid components.

For example, BMW and Mercedes-Benz produce mixtures with a unique formula that is precisely matched to the vehicles of these brands. They guarantee longer engine life, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. Other brands – including Porsche – also recommend oils from reliable manufacturers such as Mobil1. Synthetic versions of this manufacturer are excellent for high output engines that are installed in such cars.

The type of engine is also important when choosing an oil. Grease for diesel units loses its properties more slowly, but oxidizes faster. In addition, the choice also depends on the mileage, age and season.

With a run of up to 50 thousand km, oil of the 5W-30 or 10W-30 type should be used, regardless of the season. If the mileage is more than 100 thousand km – 10W-40 or 15W-40 in summer and 5W-30 or 10W-30 in winter. If the engine mileage is more than 300 thousand km, oil with a viscosity of 15W-40 or 20W-50 is suitable as a summer option, and 5W40 or 10W40 as a winter option.

In addition, engines with such mileage should be filled with semi-synthetic oil, which has a high viscosity and a number of synthetic additives that protect the unit that has been in operation for a long time.

Azat Timerkhanov, head of the press service of the analytical agency AUTOSTAT:

First of all, when choosing an oil, you need to focus on the “Car Operation Manual” – it contains motor lubricants that can be used according to the recommendations of the automaker. And then a lot depends on your financial capabilities.

As for whether to change the oil yourself or in the service, this is a matter of your own choice: if it is convenient for you to do it yourself (moreover, you know how to do it) and you have the appropriate opportunities for this (garage, viewing hole, overpass) , then why not. And someone does not like to do such a time-consuming business, so he goes to the service – he will pay the money and everything will be changed there.

Almost all car owners use multigrade motor oils. Their replacement is tied not to the time of year, but to the mileage. Naturally, this is much more convenient. But even if you do not have time to drive the required number of thousands of kilometers during the year, then once a year it is still better to change the oil.

As for whether to use expensive liquids or choose cheaper ones, a lot depends on the thickness of your wallet. There is money for expensive oil – please. If you want to save money, you can find cheaper options. The main thing is that the oil meets the recommendations of the automaker.

Popular questions and answers

Together with experts, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions from readers about the choice and use of motor oils: