Synthetic motor oils have been around since World War II, although they were mainly used in the aviation industry back then. It wasn’t until decades later that the automotive sector pulled its finger out and started incorporating synthetic technology into the engine oil. Although more expensive, there is no doubt they offer much more significant benefits than conventional mineral oils for most automotive applications.
We will not bore you with Ester this or PAO that because it doesn’t have to be complicated; after all, the role of oil is to lubricate, cool, clean, and protect, and the best synthetic motor oils have one quality that makes them stand out from all other kinds of oil: they satisfy these four criteria very well. They can also withstand higher operating temperatures without breaking down while remaining effective at lower operating temperatures.
So you are looking for the best synthetic motor oil? Well, it doesn’t exist. What might be suitable for one engine may not be ideal for another, but we are discussing extremes here. Also, there are many similarities when comparing the highest quality synthetic blends. Many revered brands exist, such as Fuchs, Amsoil, Motul, Rock Oil, Millers, Mobil 1, Castrol, Red Line, and so on. However, it is vital that you trust the brand/supplier and then ensure that you choose the correct specification, approval, and viscosity for your engine, whether standard or modified.
Does a shear point difference of 180 versus 185 degrees matter when the oil temperature never exceeds 110 degrees, even during the most spirited driving? The very best engine oils exceed the recognized standards anyway. Our advice is if you want the best, gain trust in a brand and choose the best that the brand has to offer for your particular engine.
Why this approach? Being in the trade, we know what goes on firsthand behind the scenes. The consumer is oblivious, but we will reveal some truths because it’s one big con. This may upset a few, but we would be remiss if we told it to you any other way.
1. A £50 or $50 gallon of oil probably contains around £5 or $5 worth of ingredients.
2. There are strict controls on what base stock and additive pack you can use in order to meet the specifications set out by the vehicle manufacturer. This means that most approved and “meets the spec” engine oils are very similar or even identical in some cases.
3. This means an oil manufacturer can’t improve on many of these oils without blending out of spec, because they are limited on base stocks and must use the same additive pack as everyone else.
4. This means most approved oils are THE SAME, regardless of brand. It is just one big marketing competition!
5. Many oil specifications are inferior by design, and vehicle manufacturers want to keep it that way. Oil companies are trying to find ways to improve oils while still staying within the specs, but it is almost impossible when you are restricted to using the same additive pack as your competitors. This is why many now supply non-approved oils, which are superior to the approved range.
Remember, it’s a marketing competition, not a product performance competition. The best engine oil technology is reserved for specialist applications such as motorsport.
Again, if you are looking for the best motor oil, our advice is to research, gain the trust of a reputable brand, and ensure that you purchase from a legitimate vendor that will provide you with honest and accurate advice on the best oil for your particular engine needs.
