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22 December 2025 Which engine oil is the best? Test, compare, and select the best engine oil manufacturers
Good engine oil is important to ensure that your vehicle's engine can function optimally at all times. But what exactly is the function of engine oil in a combustion engine? It lubricates all important moving parts and is also the working fluid of the engine lubrication system. All important parameters of the approved engine oils are specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. But how do you find the perfect oil from the huge selection of manufacturers and products available? We’ll be your guide and help you make the best choice for your car’s engine.
The classification of engine oil
A distinction is usually made between class "S" engine oils for petrol engines and class "C" for diesel engines in commercial vehicles. There is no special standard for diesel cars. There is also the class "GL", which stands for gear oil. Further letters are then used to indicate the respective performance of the product.
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Types of engine oil
There is a whole range of different engine oils. Generally, a distinction is made between mineral, fully synthetic, and semi-synthetic oils. While the former are inexpensive, you have to spend more money on fully synthetic oils. Nevertheless, their advantage is obvious: They have a precisely defined chemical composition and their quality is always at the highest level. In addition, the viscosity class is one of the most important distinguishing features when comparing engine oils. To help you find the best engine oil, we will introduce you to various brands and specific products. In terms of engine oil viscosity, for example, the designation 0W40 is used today. The number in front of the "W" (in this case 0) describes the engine oil viscosity at low temperatures (for example during a cold start). The number following the W (40 in this case), on the other hand, describes the value at high temperatures. A higher number indicates better protection at high temperatures. In the following, we will first show you the best engine oil brands.
Which is the best engine oil manufacturer?
In the following section, you will find the most important information on the best engine oil brands.
- Castrol engine oil. The Castrol brand originally comes from Britain. In addition to vehicle lubricants, the company also manufactures and sells products for industry. Headquartered in Liverpool, the company was founded in 1899 and has since been integrated into the BP Group. Many people also know the company as an important sponsor for various motorsport competitions and teams.
- Mobil 1 engine oil. Mobil Oil is the engine oil brand of the US mineral oil company Exxon Mobile. The company's headquarters are located in North America, and with over 40 years of experience, the brand is a well-known name in the industry.
- Liqui Moly engine oil. The German company Liqui Moly was founded in 1957. Today, it is the market leader on the German engine oil market. In addition to engine oils, the company also sells transmission oils, fuel additives, speciality lubricants, car care products, and engine oil additives. Engine oil production is carried out in Saarlouis by the subsidiary Megiun.
- Total engine oil. The Total Group has its headquarters not far from Paris. It is the world's fourth-largest oil company with almost 100,000 employees in well over 100 countries. In the European market, this group is primarily known for operating more than 12,000 petrol stations.
- Shell engine oil. This engine oil manufacturer is one of the big players on the market. The brand originates from the Netherlands. It belongs to the Royal Dutch Shell Group.
- Motul engine oil. Motul has 150 years of expertise in lubricant production. The company emphasises that it offers products that meet the most demanding market requirements. The brand has a reputation for outstanding lubricants of the highest premium motor oil quality.
- Aral engine oil. The Aral company was integrated into the British BP Group years ago. The company is based in the city of Bochum.
- Ravenol engine oil. Ravensburger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH has been selling motor oils under the Ravenol brand in Werther/Westphalia for over 70 years. The products are characterised by high engine oil quality.
- Valvoline engine oil. The motor oil brand Vavoline has been selling lubricants used in vehicle engines since 1866. The group Ashley Inc. is the owner of this lubricant brand.
| Engine oil brand | Country of origin | Parent company | Known for | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castrol | United Kingdom | BP | High-performance engine oils, motorsport sponsorship | Conventional, synthetic, and high-performance engine oils. Popular product lines include Castrol GTX, Castrol EDGE, and Castrol Magnatec |
| Mobil 1 | United States | Exxon Mobil | Synthetic engine oil, long service life, protection against wear | Mainly synthetic engine oils. Different viscosities for different climate zones and driving styles. Popular product lines include Mobil 1 Extended Performance and Mobil 1 High Mileage |
| Liqui Moly | Germany | Liqui Moly GmbH | High-quality engine oils and additives, market leader in Germany | Wide range of engine oils, including conventional, synthetic, and specialty oils for high-performance vehicles. Also offers various additives and car care products. |
| Total | France | Total SE | Global oil and gas company, extensive petrol station network in Europe | Offers a variety of conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic engine oils under the Total Quartz brand. |
| Shell | The Netherlands | Royal Dutch Shell | One of the "big players" among the oil companies, global reach | Comprehensive range of engine oils, including conventional, synthetic, and speciality oils for various vehicle types. Popular product lines include Shell Helix and Shell Rotella |
| Motul | France | Motul S.A. | Premium motor oil, fulfils high performance requirements | Mainly focussed on high performance synthetic engine oils for motorbikes, cars and racing cars |
| Aral | Germany | BP | Part of the BP Group, popular brand in Germany | Offers a range of conventional and synthetic motor oils under the Aral brand name. Serves the German market |
| Ravenol | Germany | Ravensburger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH | High-quality engine oils, focus on German production | Offers high-performance synthetic and racing engine oils. Known for its focus on German manufacturing and quality |
| Valvoline | United States | Valvoline Inc. | Traditional American brand, long history in engine oil production | Offers conventional, synthetic, and long-life engine oils. Popular product lines are Valvoline MaxLife and Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic. |
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£18.49
£18.49
for 1 litre
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-14%
LIQUI MOLY Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 3707
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£71.35
£60.99
Price per item
£12.20
for 1 litre
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-14%
Article number: 15F7E5
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compared to
RRP
£50.65
£43.49
£10.87
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
MOBIL Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 150944
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£51.99
£10.40
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£47.99
£12.00
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The best motor oils in tests and comparison
In the following section, we discuss some examples of products that offer particularly high engine oil quality. Oils with the suffix "long-life" allow somewhat longer oil change intervals. This type of oil is therefore also used as standard by some vehicle manufacturers.
- Castrol Edge Professional Longlife III 5W30. This synthetic engine oil is a long-life product. However, the service interval display must be set to "long-life". This engine oil meets the specification ACEA C3. Castrol's approvals are 504 00 and 507 00 (Volkswagen) and C30 (Porsche).
- Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30. This product also impresses with its high engine oil quality. It can be used for many different engines. It has the following approvals, among others: 229.31 and 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz), 504 00 and 507 00 (Volkswagen), Dexos 2 (General Motors), C30 (Porsche) and B712290 (PSA Group). The following specifications are also achieved as a minimum: SN, SM, SL and SJ (API) as well as C2 and C3 (ACEA).
- Liqui Moly 5W30 Top Tec 4200. This oil is an engine oil for use all year round. It can be used for both diesel and petrol engines. The corresponding approval codes (engine oil specifications) are 507 00 and 504 00 (Volkswagen), C30 (Porsche), 229.31 and 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz) as well as API SN and ACEA C3. The manufacturer also recommends this engine oil as a replacement for Longlife-01, Longlife-01 FE and Longlife-04 (BMW up to model year 2018), as well as 9.55535-S1 and 9.55535-S3 (Fiat).
- Total Quartz 9000 5W40. This product from our engine oil comparison is characterised by a particularly low viscosity at low temperatures and an extremely stable engine oil film even at the highest engine temperatures. This protects the engine from wear for a long time.
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W30. This synthetic engine oil meets the specifications ACEA A3/B3, ACEA A3/B4, and APU SL/CF. You can use it if one of the following approvals is required in your vehicle: RN0700 or RN0710 (Renault), 502 00 or 505 00 (Volkswagen), 226.5 or 229.5 (Mercedes-Benz) or Longlife-01 (BMW).
- Motul 8100 X-CLEAN+ 5W30. This is a synthetic engine oil. It primarily meets the specifications CF and SM (API) and C3 (ACEA). The manufacturers have also issued the following approvals: Longlife-04 (BMW), 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz), 504 00 and 507 00 (Volkswagen), but also C30 (Porsche).
- Aral Supertronic Longlife III 5W30. The product achieves the engine oil quality of the specification ACEA C3. The approvals include 507 00 and 504 00 (Volkswagen), 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz), C30 (Porsche), and Longlife-04 (BMW).
- Ravenol VST 5W40. This synthetic oil meets the specifications A3, B4 and CF (ACEA) as well as SN (API). In addition, the manufacturer has issued the following approvals: RN0700 and RN0710 (Renault), 502 00 and 505 00 (Volkswagen), A40 (Porsche), 229.5 (Mercedes-Benz), and also Longlife-01 (BMW).
- Valvoline SynPower 5W30. This product is a synthetic oil with engine oil quality CF and SL (API) as well as A3 and B4 (ACEA). The approvals include RN0700 (Renault), 502 00 and 505 00 (Volkswagen), GM-LL-A-025 and GM-LL-B-025 (Opel), 229.5 (Mercedes-Benz), and Longlife-01 (BMW).
- Fuchs Titan GT1 Pro C-3 5W30. This semi-synthetic engine oil does not fulfil any special API or ACEA specifications. Nevertheless, it has the following approvals: 507 00 and 504 00 (Volkswagen), C30 (Porsche), 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz), and Longlife-04 (BMW).
The best engine oils for diesel vehicles
Here is a selection of the five best engine oils for diesel vehicles, including their classification:
- Shell Rotella T6: Fully synthetic oil, offers excellent protection and performance, especially at low temperatures. Ideal for demanding diesel engines.
- Mobil Delvac 1 ESP: High-performance synthetic oil, protects against wear and efficiently prevents the formation of deposits. Ideal for extreme conditions.
- Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme: Developed for use in difficult conditions. Provides exceptional protection and extended oil change intervals. Suitable for modern diesel engines.
- Castrol Vecton: Especially for lorries and commercial vehicles, improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Formulated for demanding operating conditions.
- Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech Diesel: Synthetic oil for passenger car diesel vehicles, offers excellent wear protection and ensures clean engine performance. Ideal for modern diesel cars.
The best engine oils for petrol vehicles
Here are five of the best engine oils for petrol engines:
- Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4: Fully synthetic oil, offers excellent protection and performance at high temperatures. Manufacturer approvals for BMW, VW, and Mercedes-Benz.
- Mobil 1 FS 0W-40: High-performance synthetic oil, protects against wear and keeps the engine clean. Suitable for many European and Asian vehicles.
- Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40: Fully synthetic engine oil with excellent lubricity and long service life. Manufacturer approval for various vehicles of European manufacture.
- Valvoline SynPower 5W-30: Fully synthetic oil that ensures maximum protection and performance. Suitable for a wide range of petrol engines.
- Total Quartz 9000 Future NFC 5W-30: Synthetic oil, offers optimum protection with high fuel economy. Manufacturer approval for Peugeot, Citroën, and other European brands.
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£42.99
£8.60
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-34%
MOBIL Engine oil
0W-40, 1l
Article number: 153668
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£21.41
£13.99
£13.99
for 1 litre
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Valvoline Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 872375
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£9.70
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MOBIL Engine oil
5W-30, 4l
Article number: 151453
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£31.99
£8.00
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-70%
Article number: 2195305
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£130.29
£38.99
£7.80
for 1 litre
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The best 5W30 engine oils
Here are five of the best 5W30 engine oils, including their manufacturer approval:
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL: Fully synthetic engine oil with manufacturer approval for VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Provides excellent protection and improved engine performance, even under extreme conditions.
- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30: High-performance synthetic oil with manufacturer approval for many European vehicles, including VW and Mercedes-Benz. Reduces deposits and protects the engine efficiently.
- Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30: Recommended for Peugeot and Citroën vehicles. Offers optimum protection with high fuel economy. Ensures extended oil change intervals and reduces emissions.
- Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30: High-performance oil with numerous manufacturer approvals, including VW and BMW. Provides excellent wear protection and maximises the service life of the engine.
- Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30: Synthetic oil with approvals for BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Developed for maximum efficiency and engine cleanliness, ideal for modern vehicles.
The best 5W40 engine oils
Here are five of the best 5W40 engine oils, including their manufacturer approval:
- Castrol EDGE 5W-40: Fully synthetic oil that offers maximum protection and performance at the same time. Manufacturer approvals for VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, ideal for modern high-performance engines.
- Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40: High-performance synthetic oil, protects against wear and prolongs engine life. Suitable for heavy diesel and petrol engines.
- Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40: Fully synthetic engine oil with excellent wear protection. Manufacturer approvals for numerous vehicles from European car manufacturers. Ensures clean engine running.
- Valvoline SynPower 5W-40: Fully synthetic oil, developed for maximum protection and performance. Suitable for a wide range of petrol and diesel engines.
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40: Synthetic oil that guarantees excellent protection and efficiency at the same time. Manufacturer approvals for BMW, VW and Mercedes-Benz, ideal for high-performance vehicles.
Conclusion
Don't skimp where you shouldn’t! Of course, higher quality engine oils are significantly more expensive than budget products, but a certain premium can pay for itself in the long run. If you invest in good engine lubrication today and always pay attention to the change intervals, you will enjoy your vehicle for a long time and avoid serious engine damage.
A useful video on this topic:
