Rating of the best motor oils for cars in 2022

Based on the requirements for operating a car engine, engine oil is selected according to two main criteria: API performance level and SAE viscosity. Because of this, drivers have a lot of questions about which oil to choose is better. To do this, we have compiled a ranking of the best motor oils in 2022.

The problem of choosing engine oil

Each manufacturer tries to make oil with some unique features. Based on this, it is very problematic to compile a plausible rating, because there are a huge number of manufacturers on the market that manufacture 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 was made using catalytic hydrocracking technology, but each company calls it differently. One calls it synthetic, and the other calls it semi-synthetic. This is a kind of marketing ploy.

Hydrocracking is just one type of base compound. It is a little closer to synthetics, but this does not mean that the oil is synthetic or semi-synthetic. It is made from oil, but if additional elements are added to it, then it becomes good in quality. Such oil is not much inferior to synthetics in quality, but it is much cheaper.

Types of automotive lubricants

So, there are 4 types of motor oils:

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

mineral

These oils are produced very quickly. A composition of a huge number of additives cannot serve you for a long time. They are made from oil. They have several subspecies:

• Oil;
• Aromatic;
• Paraffin.

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

Synthetic

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 on the engine. Yes, the price may not be suitable for many, but the quality of the tool 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 oriented to use in medium engine load conditions.

Hydrocracking

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

Motor oil classifications

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

• ACEA;
• GOST;
• API;
• ILSAC;
• S.A.E.

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 fluid. This allows you to start the car in frosty weather. Winter look is indicated by the letter W. When the ambient temperature is above zero, 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 allows the use of this type at positive temperatures. Such oils are designated only by numbers. In the winter season, it will not perform its functions.
• All season. They are suitable for use all year round.This type of lubricant is designated by the following 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 separating oils into two categories - "S" and "C" has been preserved. Category “S” (Service) includes oils for gasoline engines, category “C” (Commercial) - oils designed 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 further the second letter is from the beginning of the alphabet, the better the quality of the product. For gasoline engines, the most modern is the SN marking, and for diesel engines - CF. To designate universal oils that are used for gasoline engines and diesel engines, a double marking has been adopted, for example, SN / CF.

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

ILSAC classification

This criterion was developed by the Americans and the Japanese. Such oils are better suited for Japanese cars. This type of lubricant is energy-saving. Can be used at any time of the year. 5 standards have been identified:

• ILSAC GF-1 - obsolete;
• 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 acting properties.

By viscosity:

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

They are indicated by numbers. The larger the numerical value, the greater the viscosity of the oil. In summer and winter, one number each, and in universal grease 2 numbers. The first means viscosity according to the winter type, and the second according to the summer type.

There are 6 groups of oils according to the scope of use. Where the number 1 is written on the package - this is for gasoline engines, the number 2 - for diesel engines.Numbers are not written on universal fluids.

ASEA classification

European car manufacturers have developed such a classification. Divided into 3 types and 12 groups:

• A / B - 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 companies that produce engine lubrication products is very wide. We will try to select the best options, as well as offer some cheap items.

The best motor oils

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

Rating of the best synthetic oils

Such funds must be used in cars that are recently 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 at refineries. Types of synthetic compounds:

• Esther;
• 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 even in abnormally high heat. Even if the engine overheats, these products will still not lose viscosity.Now we will analyze 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 lubricant can be used for both gasoline and diesel engines. The product has many quality certificates. The following car brands were allowed to use this particular liquid for their cars: Opel, Renault, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen and many others.

The lubricant belongs to the Low SAPS category. This means that the composition contains a minimum amount of sulfur, phosphorus and sulfate acid, which ensures the efficiency of cleaning 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 many fakes have been recorded on the domestic market. 4 liters of such liquid costs 1500 rubles.

• Useful in any conditions;
• Suitable for two main types of engines;
• They allowed the use of powerful automobile concerns.

• High price;
• There have been many fakes.

SHELL HELIX ULTRA 5W-40

In terms of motor 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 adversely affect the operation of the car. It is the best oil for diesel engines. Even the Ferrari company allowed to use it for their cars.

This tool is made both in Europe and in Russia, at the plant in Torzhok, which was built by Royal Dutch Shell. Included in the API classification. This grease is designed for the newest engines. This oil also received a lot of fakes 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 many permits from the most rated automakers;
• There are no harmful substances;
• The best choice for new cars.

• High price;
• Lots of fakes.

MOBIL 1 ESP Formula 5W-30

Lubrication can be changed after 30 thousand kilometers. This is a very impressive advantage compared to other oils. It also saves fuel consumption by about 2.5%. It contains little sulfur and phosphorus.

Can be filled in both types of engines. The oil is fully compatible with soot filters of diesel and gasoline engines. A 4 liter container will cost about 2000 rubles.

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

• Expensive.

The best semi-synthetic lubricants

Such lubricants are the best option for most machines. It is for the Russian fleet that semi-synthetics are useful, because more than half of domestic and foreign cars are used. 70% of these lubricants consist of mineral, carefully refined oil, 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 is worth mentioning hydrocracking.Such motor fluid can be offered as a semi-synthetic material. What oil is best 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 low cost. According to the API classification, it belongs to the lubricants of the third group. It starts up perfectly even at minus 25. It is well suited for regions with a warm and temperate climate. The viscosity of the fluid is not lost at high temperatures in a running motor. Even in worn engines, oil consumption is minimal. The grease has very good detergent, anti-wear, anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation properties, which saves fuel. A 4-liter bottle costs about 800 rubles, which is on average 2 times cheaper than any fully synthetic lubricant.

• Possesses washing abilities;
• cheap;
• Do not fake;
• Saves fuel.

• Not suitable for operation in cold winters;
• Only works on used cars.

Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W-40

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

Can withstand sudden changes in temperature. It is a universal tool, 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 changes in temperature.

• Needs frequent replacement.

Esso Ultra 10W-40

Has good characteristics for this price range. 4 liters costs only 650 rubles. This oily liquid is made in Finland. Has anti-oxidative 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 mentioned above. It is a universal tool for cars.

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

• Characteristics are weaker than more expensive firms.

conclusions

The domestic market can offer many high-quality motor oils, both budget and expensive companies. Expensive lubricants are synthetic, and cheap ones are semi-synthetic. But for domestic cars, semi-synthetic fluids such as ZIC A + are quite suitable. The “price-quality” ratio of this oil is the best of all the presented products.