Top-Rated Synthetic Oils for Protecting Your Car's Engine
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 of 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 breakdownWithstanding higher temperaturesFlow 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 7,500–15,000 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 comprised 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 Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-40 is used in:
McLaren 570, 600LT, 720S, SennaPorsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, MacanChevrolet Corvette Stingray, Z06, ZR1 (Note: There are multiple formulations of Mobil 1 oil. The version pictured here is “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 if the manufacturer requires a specific version of Mobil 1 for your vehicle.)
Best for Chargers and Challengers
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 is used in:
• Ford F-150 Raptor
Best for Mustangs
Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-50 is used in:
• Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, GT350R
Best for Jaguars
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 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
One of the OG motor oil brands, this synthetic oil is great for use in most domestic cars with 75,000+ miles (note the Dexos label).
Best for Diesel Engines
Ideal for on-highway fleets, construction, and agricultural machinery, and diesel pickup trucks.
Best for 2nd Oil Changes
Royal Purple’s API licensed motor oil delivers superior protection and can improve performance in gasoline and diesel engines.
Great for Harleys & Jeeps
A blend of synthetic base stocks and a high performance additive package.
Pair With K&N Oil Filters
Designed to minimize contaminants and sludge buildup.
Great for Hi-Po Engines
Designed for today’s high performance engines.
Best for Cold Weather Vehicles
Great for passenger cars, light trucks, performance vehicles, and even marine applications
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