Best Motor Oils: Ensure Smooth and Reliable Performance
Keep your car running smoothly and reliably with one of these top-shelf options.

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Whether you're a road warrior who stacks up the mileage every year or you only use your vehicle for A-to-B-type stuff, having quality motor oil coursing through your vehicle's engine is an excellent way to keep it running in peak condition and ensure proper maintenance. And while you can just go down to your local auto-lube spot, why not opt for the best? Whether you are looking for great value, reliability, durability, or versatility, we've assembled a list of some of the best motor oils currently available on the market. Let’s get started.

Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
- Longer mileage rating means it's still in good condition when changed at a shorter interval
- Rated to protect against low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear
- Grade above other oil products
- Superior cleaning power that prevents sludge buildup
- Bottles may dent and leak during shipping
- Might not be the best choice for high-mileage engines with brittle and/or worn seals
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
- Includes anti-wear additives, which provide 50 percent more wear protection than industry standards
- Built to withstand both high and low temperatures
- Extra detergents to fight sludge and other deposits
- Reach out to the company for a replacement if you notice any damage upon delivery
- The five-gallon jug version can be annoying to pour
Liqui Moly Premium 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
- Keeps the engine quite clean and provides extra protection against premature wear
- Fosters rapid oil delivery at low temperatures, as well as high lubrication reliability at high and low temperatures.
- Helps prevent oil consumption
- Pricier than its competitors
- Cap is designed for easy filling but can be hard to operate
Summary List
- Best Overall: Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
- Best Value: Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
- Best Premium: Liqui Moly 2041 Premium 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
- Best Conventional: Castrol 03095 GTX 20W-50 Motor Oil
- Best High-Mileage: Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
- Best High Performance: Motul 109776 8100 X-Cess Gen2 5W-40
- Best High-Performance Honorable Mention: Royal Purple High Performance Motor Oil 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Motor Oil
- Best for Hybrids: Valvoline Hybrid Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil
Our Methodology
Surprisingly, it's not terribly easy selecting a solid list of the top motor oils on the market, even for old automotive hands like the author. There are so many to choose from and many different brands, all of whom use the same lingo to boast about how their oil is better than the others. We came to our choices by looking over more than 20 oils, taking current oil technology into consideration, and weighing out a well-rounded list that will benefit a wide range of consumers. Value came into play quite a bit as well, but the links we've included have the best prices online.
Best Motor Oils: Reviews & Recommendations
Mobil's 5W-20 full-synthetic motor oil is designed to reduce engine wear and make critical engine components run a lot smoother. It’s designed to adhere to important engine components when the oil drains down and provides a layer of protection when you warm up your vehicle. The oil works great if you frequently drive in heavy traffic or take several short trips during the week and it can make your engine quieter, smoother, and create a noticeable improvement on high-mileage vehicles compared to standard oil blends.
This oil is a quality above run-of-the-mill crude oils and has great cleaning power,. That said, bottles of Mobil 1 have been known to arrive with dents and small leaks. Also, vehicles with old, brittle seals may not take to the stuff as well as others.
Specs:
- Five-quart jug
- Different viscosities for different vehicles
- Full synthetic
Pros:
- Longer mileage rating means it's still in good condition when changed at a shorter interval
- Rated to protect against low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear
- A grade above normal, conventional oil products
- Superior cleaning power that prevents sludge buildup
Cons:
- Bottles may dent and leak during shipping
- May not be the best choice for high mileage engines with worn and/or brittle seals
As far as high bang-for-your-buck motor oil goes, it's tough to beat Valvoline's Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil. This oil is specially designed to provide excellent protection for your car, truck, or SUV, yet for a noticeably lower price than others. It's specifically formulated to protect against extreme engine stress due to stop-and-go driving, extreme temperatures, hauling, and towing, too.
This motor oil includes anti-wear additives, which provide 50-percent more wear protection than industry standards and this full synthetic formula is designed to withstand both high and low temperatures. Extra detergents can be found in this motor oil to assist with fighting against sludge and other deposits. High-quality antioxidants help to resist motor oil breakdown in extreme weather conditions. It isn’t without its issues, though, as the 5-quart jug can be a pain to pour, leaks during shipping are known to occur, and dents to the bottles are common. None are deal-breakers, but you should have all the facts.
Specs:
- Five-quart bottle
- Comes in multiple viscosities
- Full synthetic
Pros:
- Includes anti-wear additives, which provide 50 percent more wear protection than industry standards
- Built to withstand both high and low temperatures
- Extra detergents assist with fighting against sludge and other deposits
Cons:
- Leaks or damage to their motor oil containers can occur
- Check for damage upon delivery
- The five-quart jug version can be annoying to pour, causing spills
While synthetic is great for new cars, sometimes conventional motor oil is the ticket for older engines. Older rides might run best on conventional motor oil due to their tolerances, the design and age of their seals, and their resistance to burn. And Castrol's 03095 GTX 20W-50 Conventional Motor Oil is a high-quality motor oil from one of the industry's most reputable manufacturers.
This motor oil provides better protection against volatility burn than its competitors and is specifically designed to prevent the harmful buildup of sludge. It also performs above industry standards when it comes to protection against new oil splatter formation. Castrol's offering has proven to extend the life of your engine through the inclusion of anti-wear additives. It's also filled with additives that provide advanced protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown. The five-quart size is ideal for most vehicles, especially older trucks and SUVs. Be sure to check your user’s manual for your vehicle's specific oil capacity.
Specs:
- Conventional oil
- Five-quart container
- Comes in multiple viscosities
Pros:
- High-quality motor oil from a reputable manufacturer
- Proven to provide better protection against volatility burn off
- Specifically designed to prevent the build-up of sludge within your engine
- Advanced protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown
Cons:
- Dents and leaks can occur during shipping
- Make sure to inspect the motor oil upon delivery, and reach out to Castrol regarding any issues with damage
Best High-Mileage
Valvoline High-Mileage With MaxLife Technology 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
See ItThis synthetic blend oil from Valvoline contains seal conditioners that restore aging engine seals to help stop and prevent oil leaks. Extra protection prevents engine wear, and extra detergents remove sludge and deposits to keep high-mileage engines cleaner. In addition, antioxidants help prevent the oil from breaking down and clogging the engine with sludge and deposits. The quality of this motor oil is excellent for the price, and it has some of the benefits of full-synthetic oil at a much cheaper price.
It does a great job at stopping and reducing leaks thanks to its various seal-renewing additives. It holds up well over time and makes the engine run quiet, smooth, and happy. Valvoline says it does a great job at suspending debris and engine deposits, allowing them to be flushed out at its next change interval. But this motor oil won’t improve performance on severely worn engines, nor does it meet General Motors' Dexos standard, and it features a slightly higher price than some of its competitors.
Specs:
- Five-quart jug
- Comes in multiple oil viscosities
- Synthetic blend
Pros:
- Provides more than enough protection for any vehicle's factory oil-change interval
- Extra detergents for removing sludge and deposits to keep older engines running cleaner
- Contains added seal conditioners that restore aging engine seals to help prevent oil leaks
Cons:
- Does not meet GM's Dexos oil standard
- Leaky caps
- Higher in price than some competitors
Motul's 100% synthetic oil takes the top spot when it comes to performance. The brand boasts that it's been a top name for a long time, as well as that its 8100 X-Cess Gen2 is specially formulated to far exceed manufacturers' requirements
Specs:
- 5W-40 (be sure to check your vehicle's oil weight requirements
- Fully synthetic
- 5 liter container
Pros:
- Excellent reviews
- 5 liter container size provides great value
- Reasonably priced compared to other top-tier full synthetics
Cons:
- May not work for every vehicle application
- Some reviewers report receiving leaky containers
Enthusiasts and tuners the world over know the Royal Purple brand. It’s synonymous with high-quality motor oil designed and engineered to keep your high-performance engine running on all cylinders and increasing its longevity and horsepower. That’s why we recommend the brand’s High Performance 5W-30 motor oil for those high-tolerance, high-horsepower vehicles we all love so much.
Royal Purple’s High Performance motor oil is fully synthetic and comes in a number of motor oil weights. It’s available in multiple sizes for easier application selection, and offers increased thermal performance, better fuel economy and emissions, corrosion resistance, and increased compatibility with those engines that use differing fuels. It is, however, one of the most expensive motor oils on this list, though it’s also one of the best.
Specs:
- 5W-30
- 5-quart container
- Fully synthetic
Pros:
- Excellent for high-performance vehicles
- Increased longevity
- Excellent thermal protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- Isn’t necessary for normal vehicles
- Jug design could be bettered
Hybrid vehicles are not the same as normal combustion-only ones. These vehicles feature different engine tolerances, operating cycles and conditions, and require different maintenance intervals. Valvoline understands that and is the reasoning behind its full synthetic motor oil designed specifically for hybrid vehicles.
Aimed at reducing the time between cold start and at operating temperature, the fully synthetic oil is meant to keep your ride humming along and happy even when the gasoline-driven engine turns off, then on, then off again. And it shields your engine from heat, friction, and other issues that can plague hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs. This specific oil is 0W-20 but comes in a variety of different oil weights to satisfy your vehicle’s predetermined weight requirements.
Specs:
- One-quart container
- Comes in multiple viscosities
- Fully synthetic
Pros:
- As good or better than factory supplied oil
- Protects against sludge and deposits
- Excellent temperature protection
Cons:
- You may be ok using regular synthetic
- Damaged quart containers are common
Our Verdict on the Best Motor Oils
For high-quality motor oil, consider Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil, which is designed to reduce engine wear and make critical engine components run a lot smoother. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil is a budget-friendly option, specifically formulated to protect against extreme engine stress due to stop-and-go driving, extreme temperatures, track driving, hauling, and towing. Liqui Moly Premium 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil is a premium oil that stands up to the high power output and heat of high-performance engines. It's an excellent choice for modified engines with more-than-stock power.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: What are some tips and tricks for selecting the right oil and performing this kind of maintenance?
A: Before you choose a motor oil, read your owner's manual. It will contain specific information from the manufacturer about your vehicle's engine and the recommended motor oil specific to the model, including the same SAE viscosity and possibly even the brand that the factory recommends.
While you may be tempted to use the best oil brand, it's more important that you use the best oil type for your vehicle. This is based on the make, model, year, mileage, and other requirements.
Less expensive, generic oils may meet SAE ratings, but they may not be as high quality as other brands. Generic products may not be as resistant to heat or have the same lubricating and cleaning qualities.
If your vehicle leaks oil on your garage floor, it could possibly be due to the front or rear (or both) crankshaft main seals, which can harden, lose flexibility, and crack. High-mileage oil has to seal conditioners that aid in restoring the strength and flexibility of this engine part.
You will also need to replace your oil filter when changing your oil. Check with your vehicle's manufacturer to ensure you use the proper filter. Also, it's a good idea to become familiar with the style of filter your vehicle uses, such as a cartridge or conventional.
Q: What does the label on a motor oil container mean?
A: The API label lets you know if the oil meets the current service rating as determined by laboratory and engine tests. There is also the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) star logo with the viscosity number and information on whether the oil has passed the energy-conserving test.
Q: What’s the difference between oil brands?
A: There actually isn't a lot of difference between motor oil brands. As long as you consistently use a top-rated, name-brand oil that's well-matched for your vehicle's engine and stay on top of maintenance, your vehicle should perform efficiently.
Q: How often should I change the oil in my car?
A: Check your owner's manual to determine the best maintenance schedule. Most newer cars can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, if you tow heavy items, do a lot of stop-and-go driving, drive your car on a racetrack, or go off-roading frequently, it's a good idea to change your oil more often, as the engine is working harder than usual.
Q: Is it worth it to use specialty oil?
A: Some motor oils have an extended-life feature, which purports users can wait for 15,000 miles between oil changes. However, it's crucial to check your owner's manual to determine how often you need to change your oil instead of relying on the recommendation of an oil brand.
Q: Is it OK to change my car oil from conventional to synthetic?
A: Be sure to check with your vehicle's manufacturer before you make the switch from conventional to synthetic oil. A trusted mechanic will also advise you about the best motor oil for your car or truck.
Q: What is a motor oil’s shelf life?
A: It depends on how the motor oil is stored. If the product is unopened and kept in a temperature-controlled environment, it should last for several years. If the oil is left in an open container in a garage that experiences drastic shifts in temperature, it could have a much shorter lifespan.

Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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