Car manufacturers use these oils in their most powerful engines to ensure their reliability.
Engine oil has evolved from a simple brown goo refined from crude oil to a brilliantly engineered, meticulously developed blend of refined petroleum and sophisticated additives that retains its protective properties through many months and thousands of miles of hard driving. Today’s highest-performing, longest-lasting engine oils are synthetics, which are typically engineered and manufactured from chemically modified petroleum components. What are the best synthetic oils?
How We Chose the Oils on This List
We looked to car manufacturers for guidance, because they don’t want to take any chances with engine protection. We surveyed them to see which synthetic oils they pour into their most powerful high-performance engines. Those engines demand maximum protection, as they operate with huge internal stresses and potentially high oil temperatures that punish lubricants. If the following oils are good enough for their ultra-high-performance cars, they’re good enough for your car. Just be sure to use the viscosity (that’s the “XW-XX” designation on the label) that is right for your vehicle.
[In May 2022, we added a few top-rated OEM and aftermarket synthetic oils to the bottom of this list.—Ed.]
When to Change Your Oil
Car and Driver suggests regular oil changes according to manufacturer recommendations, with the same brand and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity as the factory fill. Not all the synthetics here will be available in the viscosity recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Not to worry. The use of the oils on this list by carmakers in their highest-performance engines indicates that they’re all among the best you can buy. Because some oils are available in multiple formulations, check to be sure the one you’re buying is designated for your particular vehicle. You can find that information in your owner’s manual and, often, under the hood of your vehicle.
Advantages of Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil has some advantages over regular motor oil, especially if you drive an older car, make a lot of short trips, and/or drive in an area with very hot or very cold seasonal changes. Synthetics can:
- Resist breakdown
- Withstanding higher temperatures
- Flow better in cold temperatures
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between synthetic oil and regular motor oil?
A: Regular motor oil is a naturally occurring compound. Synthetic oils combine synthetic or artificial chemicals with crude oil to create a petroleum product that behaves similarly to conventional oil.
Q: Is synthetic oil really better than regular motor oil?
A: Generally, yes. Unlike regular car oil, synthetic oil is more refined, which can lower friction, reduce engine sludge, and increase engine performance. If you drive a high-performance vehicle, live in an area with extreme temperature conditions, make a lot of short trips, or drive an older car that tends to burn through oil quickly, a synthetic oil will last longer and protect your engine better.
Q: How many miles can you go on synthetic oil?
A: Depends on where, how, and what you drive. Most car (and oil) manufacturers recommend you change synthetic oil every 7,500 to 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the type of synthetic oil used.
Q: Are there any disadvantages to synthetic oil?
A: The only real downside of synthetic oil is the cost, generally two to four times the price of conventional oil.
Q: What happens if you mix synthetic oil with regular oil?
A: Conventional and synthetic oils are mainly made up of compatible components, so while you can safely mix synthetic and conventional oils, it’s not recommended—all you’re doing is diluting the performance of the synthetic oil.
Top-Rated Synthetic Oils:
Best for McLarens, Porsches, and Corvettes Mobil 1’s 0W-40 Synthetic
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-40 is used in:
- McLaren 570, 600LT, 720S, Senna
- Porsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, Macan
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Z06, ZR1 (Note: There are multiple formulations of Mobil 1 oil. The version pictured here is labeled European Car Formula. The Mobil 1 for Corvettes carries a Dexos designation, which means it meets GM’s particular specifications. Check your owner’s manual to see whether the manufacturer requires a specific version of Mobil 1 for your vehicle.)
Best for Chargers and Challengers Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-40 is used in:
• Dodge Charger SRT, SRT Hellcat
• Dodge Challenger SRT, SRT Hellcat, SRT Demon
Best for F-150s Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W-30
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W-30 is used in:
• Ford F-150 Raptor
Best for Mustangs Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-50
Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-50 is used in:
• Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, GT350R
Best for Jaguars Castrol Edge Professional OE Full Synthetic 0W-20
Castrol Edge Professional OE Full Synthetic 0W-20 is used in:
• Jaguar F-type, F-type R, XE, XF, XJ, XJR-575, F-Pace, F-Pace SVR, E-Pace
Best for Ford GT Castrol Edge Supercar 5W-50
Castrol Edge Supercar 5w-50 is used in:
• Ford GT (Note: This oil is currently not available at retail in the U.S. in this viscosity, but is available in the pictured 10W-60 viscosity.)
Best for Older American Cars Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 5W-30 Motor Oil
Amazon
Valvoline
Now 30% off
$22 AT AMAZON
From one of the OG motor-oil brands, this synthetic oil is great for use in most domestic cars with 75,000-plus miles (note the Dexos label).
Best for Diesel Engines Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Amazon
Shell $110 AT AMAZON
Ideal for on-highway fleets, construction and agricultural machinery, and diesel pickup trucks.
Best for 2nd Oil Changes Royal Purple API-Licensed 0W-20 High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
Amazon
Royal Purple $55 AT AMAZON
Royal Purple’s API-licensed motor oil delivers superior protection and can improve performance in gasoline and diesel engines.
Great for Harleys and Jeeps Lucas Oil Synthetic 5W-30 High Performance Motor Oil
Amazon
Lucas Oil $52 AT AMAZON
A blend of synthetic base stocks and a high-performance additive package.
Pair With K&N Oil Filters K&N Ultra Premium 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil
Amazon
K&N $36 AT AMAZON
Designed to minimize contaminants and sludge buildup.
Great for Hi-Po Engines AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Motor Oil
Amazon
Amsoil $28 AT AMAZON
Designed for today’s high-performance engines.
Best for Cold-Weather Vehicles Red Line 5W-30 Full Synthetic Ester Formula Car Engine Oil
Amazon
Red Line $57 AT AMAZON
Great for passenger cars, light trucks, performance vehicles, and even marine applications.
From: Car and Driver
Keyword: Top-Rated Synthetic Oils for Protecting Your Car's Engine