Rating of the best motor oils for cars in 2024

Based on the requirements for the operation of a car engine, engine oil is selected according to two main criteria: the level of API performance and the SAE viscosity. Because of this, drivers have many questions about which oil to choose the best. To do this, we have compiled a rating of the best motor oils in 2024.

The problem of choosing engine oil

Each manufacturer tries to make an oil with some unique characteristics. Based on this, it is very problematic to make a plausible rating, because there are a huge number of manufacturers on the market who are engaged in the manufacture of fluids for motors. To choose the right oil, you need to know its basic composition, which not every company discloses.

For example, there is a type of lubricant that turned out to be made using catalytic hydrocracking technology, but each company calls it differently. One calls it synthetic, while the other calls it semi-synthetic. This is a kind of marketing ploy.

Hydrocracking is just one type of base formulation. It is a bit close to synthetics, but this does not mean that such oil is synthetic or semi-synthetic. It is made from petroleum, but if you add additional elements to it, it will be of good quality. Such oil is not much inferior to synthetics in quality, but it costs much less.

Types of automotive lubricants

So, there are 4 types of motor oils:

• Hydrocracking;
• Semi-synthetic;
• Mineral;
• Synthetic.

Mineral

These oils develop very quickly. A composition of a huge amount of additives cannot serve you for long. They are made from petroleum. They have several subspecies:

• Oil;
• Aromatic;
• Paraffin.

In its pure form, this type of lubricant is used extremely rarely, and on rather old cars. Such compositions have a strong viscosity, but provoke rapid wear of parts in different places. Modern cars supply mineral oils only when they put the minimum load on the engine. But even with minimal loads, experts recommend using other types.

Synthetic

The overpriced is the main disadvantage of this type. But synthetics justify themselves 100%, because they are effective at any temperature extremes, and also transfer significant loads to the engine. Yes, the price may not be suitable for many, but the quality of the product has no equal.

Semi-synthetic

Compromise semi-synthetic options differ for the better from mineral ones. Because they are more fluid, have a more stable composition and, in general, are geared towards medium engine load conditions.

Hydrocracking

They are similar to synthetic in characteristics, but in composition they are practically identical to mineral ones.These mixtures need to be quickly replaced, like mineral ones. Marketers of this type advertise for the purpose of increasing sales as synthetic, but still they are not as effective. But they are better than minerals in work and cheaper than "synthetics" in price.

Engine oil classifications

There are 5 classifications of motor oils. These are varieties according to:

• ACEA;
• GOST;
• API;
• ILSAC;
• SAE.

SAE classification

According to this classification, the change in oil viscosity is determined depending on the temperature regime. According to this criterion, 3 types of lubricants are distinguished:

• Winter. They are the most liquid. This allows the machine to start in frosty weather. The winter view is designated by the letter W. When the ambient temperature is above freezing, this oil is not recommended at all. After all, it becomes too liquid and ceases to fulfill its functions.
• Summer. They have a fairly high viscosity, which makes it possible to use this type at positive temperatures. Such oils are designated only by numbers. During the winter season, it will not perform its functions.
• All-season. They are suitable for use all year round. This type of grease is designated by this combination: 15W-40.

API classification

The classification of oils according to the conditions of their use and levels of performance properties has been repeatedly supplemented, but the principle of dividing oils into two categories - "S" and "C", has been preserved. Category "S" (Service) includes oils for gasoline engines, category "C" (Commercial) - oils intended for diesel engines.

Oils in category "S" are divided into classes: (SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM and SN). The farther the second letter is from the beginning of the alphabet, the better the quality of the product. For gasoline engines, the most modern mark is SN, and for diesel engines - CF. To designate universal oils that are used for gasoline engines and diesel engines, a double marking is adopted, for example SN / CF.

Energy-saving lubricants include oils whose quality is higher than the SL class. These oils allow you to save more fuel.

ILSAC classification

This criterion was developed by the Americans and the Japanese. These oils are better suited for Japanese cars. This type of lubricant is energy efficient. Can be used at any time of the year. 5 standards are highlighted:

• ILSAC GF-1 - Deprecated
• ILSAC GF-2 - introduced in 1996;
• ILSAC GF-3 - introduced in 2001;
• ILSAC GF-4 - in 2004;
• ILSAC GF-5 - in 2010.

Classification according to GOST

There are 2 groups - by viscosity and by active properties.

By viscosity:

• for winter time;
• summer time;
• all Seasons.

They are indicated by numbers. The higher the digital value, the higher the oil viscosity. In summer and winter, one number each, and in universal grease 2 numbers. The first means the viscosity for the winter type, and the second for the summer type.

There are 6 groups of oils by area of ​​use. Where the number 1 is written on the package, this is for gasoline engines, number 2 is for diesel engines. Numbers are not written on universal fluids.

ACEA classification

This classification was developed by European automakers. They were divided into 3 types and 12 groups:

• А / В - designed for vans, minibuses and cars that run on gasoline and diesel engines;
• C - development for diesel and gasoline engines that have a catalytic convector;
• E - for trucks that run on diesel fuel.

Also, in this marking, they write the product number, the time of introduction into mass use, and also indicate the current technical requirements.

The choice of firms that produce engine lubricants is very wide. We will try to select the best options, as well as offer several cheap products.

The best engine oils

Here we look at two of the most popular types of oils: synthetic and semi-synthetic.

Rating of the best synthetic oils

Such funds must be used in cars that have recently been purchased and have a mileage of less than 100 thousand kilometers.

Full Synthetic - this is the inscription that should be indicated on the label.

This type is very expensive. It is obtained from light hydrocarbon fractions as well as from natural gas. Light and heavy fractions are separated in oil refineries. Types of synthetic compounds:

• Ester;
• Essential;
• Hydrocarbon;
• Polyorganosiloxane;
• Polyalphaolefin.

In addition, there are other classifications of synthetic oils, but they are so popular. Virtually all types of synthetic lubricants have a high viscosity from 150 to 170 units. They can tolerate severe frosts below -45 degrees. Also, they will not deteriorate in an abnormally high heat. Even if the engine overheats, these products will still not lose viscosity. Now let's take a look at the best types of synthetic motor oils.

MOBIL Super 3000 X1 5W-40

ExxonMobil produces the best motor oils, according to Russian motorists. By the way, this company was the first in the world to start producing synthetic oils. This grease can be used for both gasoline and diesel engines. The product has many quality certificates. Such car brands as Opel, Renault, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen and many others allowed to use this fluid for their cars.

The grease is classified as Low SAPS. This means that the composition contains a minimum amount of sulfur, phosphorus and sulfate acid, which ensures the efficiency of treatment systems. In addition to gasoline and diesel engines, this lubricant can be used in turbine engines. Purchase this tool for the motor only in large and specialized stores, because recently a lot of fakes have been recorded on the domestic market. 4 liters of such liquid costs 1,500 rubles.

• Useful in any conditions;
• Suitable for two main types of engines;
• Allowed to use powerful automobile concerns.

• High price;
• Many fakes have appeared.

SHELL HELIX ULTRA 5W-40

In terms of engine oil sales, the Anglo-Dutch company ranks 4th in the world. Synthetic lubricants are made from natural gas. Thanks to modern technology, there are no impurities that could negatively affect the operation of the car. It is the best oil for diesel engines. Even Ferrari allowed it to be used for their cars.

This product is made both in Europe and in Russia, at the plant in Torzhok, which was built by Royal Dutch Shell. It is included in the API classification. This grease is designed for the newest engines. This oil also received many counterfeits in the Russian Federation. This product has a different volume: from 1 to 4 liters. For example, a 4-liter bottle costs about 1800 rubles.

• Has a lot of permissions from the most rated car manufacturers;
• There are no harmful substances at all;
• The best choice for new cars.

• High price;
• A lot of fakes.

MOBIL 1 ESP Formula 5W-30

The lubricant can be changed after 30 thousand kilometers. This is a very impressive advantage over other oils. Also saves fuel consumption by about 2.5%. It contains little sulfur and phosphorus.

Can be poured into both types of engines. The oil is fully compatible with soot filters in diesel and gasoline engines. A capacity of 4 liters will cost about 2,000 rubles.

• Has good quality;
• Minimum of harmful substances such as sulfur and phosphorus;
• Suitable for two types of motors.

• Expensive.

The best semi-synthetic lubricants

These lubricants are the best option for most machines. It is for the Russian vehicle fleet that semi-synthetics are useful, because more than half of domestic and foreign cars are used. 70% of these greases are composed of mineral oil, thoroughly refined, and only 30% of the composition are synthetic components. But the amount of synthetics can be increased, at the discretion of the company.

Separately, it should be said about hydrocracking. Such a motor fluid can be offered as a semi-synthetic material. What is the best oil for a used car? The best oil in this group is South Korean ZIC.

ZIC A + Gasoline VHVI 10W-40

This type of lubricant has gained its popularity among Russian citizens because of its cheapness. According to the API classification, it belongs to the third group of greases. It starts up perfectly even at minus 25. Well suited for regions with warm and temperate climates. The viscosity of the fluid is not lost at high temperatures in a running motor. Even with worn out motors, oil consumption is minimal. The grease has very good detergent, antiwear, anti-corrosion and antioxidant properties, and saves fuel. A 4-liter bottle costs about 800 rubles, which is on average 2 times cheaper than any fully synthetic lubricant.

• Has detergent properties;
• Cheap;
• Do not fake;
• Saves fuel.

• Not suitable for use in cold winters;
• Works only on used cars.

Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W-40

We present to your attention another 1 budget option for semi-synthetic motor oil. Produced in Italian and Finnish factories. The composition of this oil protects the engine very well. A special component that contributes to oxidation resistance prolongs the engine life. After 7.5 thousand kilometers, this oil should be changed if you drive on Russian fuel.

Can withstand extreme temperature changes. It is a universal product, that is, it can be used on both gasoline and diesel engines. 4 liters of liquid costs about 900 rubles.

• Has detergent properties;
• Cheap lubricant;
• Resistant to oxidation;
• Works with sudden temperature changes.

• Needs frequent replacement.

Esso Ultra 10W-40

Has good performance for this price range. 4 liters costs only 650 rubles. This oily liquid is made in Finland. It has anti-oxidation properties. Among the advantages over other oils, it is worth highlighting the fact that it almost does not burn out, and also has good protective properties, but is slightly inferior to the lubricants indicated above. It is a universal product for cars.

• The cheapest;
• Practically not used up;
• Protects against corrosion and oxidation.

• The characteristics are weaker than more expensive firms.

conclusions

The domestic market can offer many high-quality motor oils, both budgetary and expensive firms. Expensive lubricants are synthetic, and cheap ones are semi-synthetic. But for domestic cars, semi-synthetic fluids such as ZIC A + are quite suitable. This oil has the best price-performance ratio of all the products presented.