Are you looking for the best motor oil for your vehicle? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the worst motor oil brands to avoid and what to look for when choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle.
From synthetic blend oils with low additive concentrations to conventional motor oils with high levels of contaminants, we’ll cover it all. So, whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle running smoothly, keep reading to learn more about choosing the best motor oil for your needs.
The Worst Motor Oil Brands To Avoid
Motor oil is essential for the proper functioning of your vehicle, but not all brands are created equal. In this section, we will discuss the worst motor oil brands that you should avoid using. These brands have been identified as the top 10 worst oil brands based on their performance, ratings, and customer feedback. The brands on this list are Xpress Lube Pro, Questron Motor Oil, Liberty Motor Oil, Q10-40 Motor Oil, Petrola Motor Oil, Quaker State Q Motor Oil, Bullseye Motor Oil, Mileage 365 Motor Oil, Mag 5 Star Motor Oil, and Everclear Motor Oil.
These brands have received negative reviews for several reasons, including poor quality, high viscosity index additives, low additive concentrations, high levels of contaminants, and high levels of friction modifiers. Using these brands of motor oil can cause engine damage, reduce performance, and even void your vehicle warranty. Therefore, it’s important to avoid using these brands and instead opt for more reliable brands.
On the other hand, there are several reliable motor oil brands that you can use to ensure your vehicle’s engine is properly lubricated. The top 5 most reliable motor oil brands include Royal Purple, Mobil 1, Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Castrol. These brands have received positive reviews and are trusted by many drivers.
Comparison of best motor oil brands
| Brand | Oil Type | Viscosity | Additive Concentration | Contaminant Levels | Friction Modifier Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Purple | Synthetic | 5W-30 | High | Low | Moderate |
| Mobil 1 | Synthetic | 0W-20 | High | Low | Moderate |
| Valvoline | Synthetic Blend | 5W-20 | High | Low | Moderate |
| Pennzoil | Conventional | 10W-30 | High | Low | Moderate |
| Castrol | Conventional | 5W-30 | High | Low | Moderate |
Motor Oils with High Viscosity Index Additives
When it comes to choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle, it’s important to consider the viscosity index additives. In the past, it was common for vehicles to require higher viscosity oils such as 20W-50s, 10W-40s, and 10W-30s. These oils were necessary to protect the engine from wear and tear. However, as engine technology has advanced over the years, the size of engines and pathways in the engine that oil flows through have gotten smaller and thinner. As a result, higher viscosity oils can cause problems in newer engines.
Motor oils with high viscosity index additives can be problematic for newer engines. These oils are designed to maintain their viscosity at a range of temperatures. However, when used in smaller and thinner engine pathways, these oils can become too thick and cause problems. The oil may not be able to flow through the engine properly, which can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.
Using motor oils with high viscosity index additives can also reduce fuel efficiency. The thicker oil can cause the engine to work harder, which can increase fuel consumption. This can result in more frequent trips to the gas station and higher fuel costs.
Synthetic Blend Oils with Low Additive Concentrations
When it comes to choosing motor oil for your vehicle, synthetic blend oils with low additive concentrations should be avoided. Synthetic blend oils are a mix of synthetic and conventional oils. They are designed to provide better performance than conventional oils but are not as expensive as full synthetic oils. However, some synthetic blend oils may have low additive concentrations, which can cause problems.
Additives are chemicals added to motor oil to enhance its performance. They can improve the oil’s ability to clean and protect the engine, reduce friction and wear, and maintain its viscosity. When synthetic blend oils have low additive concentrations, they may not provide the same level of protection as other oils. This can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.
Synthetic blend oils with low additive concentrations may also have a shorter lifespan. The low concentration of additives means that the oil may not be able to maintain its properties for as long as other oils. This can result in more frequent oil changes and higher maintenance costs.
Conventional Motor Oils with High Levels of Contaminants
Conventional motor oils with high levels of contaminants should be avoided when choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle. Contaminants are particles that can accumulate in the engine oil, such as dirt, dust, and metal fragments. Over time, these contaminants can cause engine damage and reduce performance.
In normal operation, engine oil temperature needs to be at least 212 degrees F to get rid of destructive moisture and combustion contaminants. Moisture comes from the atmosphere and from the fuel, and combustion contaminants come from the engine’s operation. When the engine oil is not able to reach this temperature, these contaminants can accumulate in the oil and cause problems.
Conventional motor oils with high levels of contaminants can reduce the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine properly. This can cause increased friction and wear on engine components, leading to engine damage and reduced performance. Contaminants can also cause oil to become more viscous, which can prevent it from flowing properly through the engine. This can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased engine wear.
Motor Oils with High Levels of Friction Modifiers
When it comes to choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle, it’s important to consider the level of friction modifiers in the oil. Friction modifiers are chemicals added to motor oil to reduce friction between engine components. However, motor oils with high levels of friction modifiers can cause problems.
The vast majority of friction modifiers in use today are designed to reduce friction or increase lubricity for better fuel economy. Recently, the U.S. government increased fuel economy standards with the goal of raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) to 54.5 miles per gallon. This has led to an increase in the use of friction modifiers in motor oils to help achieve better fuel economy.
However, motor oils with high levels of friction modifiers can cause problems such as reduced engine performance and increased engine wear. The high levels of friction modifiers can cause the oil to become more viscous, which can prevent it from flowing properly through the engine. This can cause increased friction between engine components, leading to engine damage and reduced performance.
Using motor oils with high levels of friction modifiers can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency. While friction modifiers are designed to increase fuel economy, high levels of these chemicals can actually decrease fuel efficiency. This can result in more frequent trips to the gas station and higher fuel costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle is essential to keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently. By avoiding the worst motor oil brands and understanding what to look for when choosing motor oil, you can protect your engine from damage and reduce maintenance costs.
