Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by John Robinson
Adverse weather conditions can take a toll on your vehicle. If you stay in a region with extreme cold or heat, your vehicle will most certainly need extra protection and care. Traditional motor oil may do a decent job throughout spring and fall, but as soon as the winter or summer hits, your vehicle will show signs of wear. To avoid this scenario, use 5W30 fully synthetic oil all year round. This post will help you find the best 5W30 synthetic oil.
Best 5W30 Synthetic Oil
1. Castrol 03084 Edge
After years of research and experimentation, in 2019, Castrol discovered a groundbreaking new fluid titanium technology. Over the years, the researchers at Castrol have contributed a lot to the industry. The fluid titanium technology is a game-changer. The primary purpose of fluid titanium technology is to reduce friction and improve the performance of the engine.
You will be surprised to learn that the Castrol 03084 Edge 5W30 motor oil reduces friction between engine parts by 20 percent. This is one of the reasons why leading car manufacturers recommend this product.
Modern engines have to work under heavy pressure. No matter how durable the engine parts are, they are always vulnerable to physical damages due to friction. This is where Castrol 03084 Edge comes into the picture.
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This synthetic motor oil is capable of changing its physical properties with changes in temperature and pressure. This is a multi-viscosity oil. It is thick and viscous in winters, whereas flows like water in summers. To be precise, the viscosity of Castrol 03084 Edge motor oil in winters is five, and in summers is about 30. Hence, heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, cars, etc. can especially benefit from it.
Castrol 03084 Edge is Suitable For –
This oil works best for those who reside in regions with extreme weather conditions. Dry starts are one of the most annoying problems a vehicle owner staying in the northern hemisphere faces. This oil is liquid engineered to become more slippery during winters. Although it gets thick as honey, it manages to reach and stay in touch with every section of the engine.
Pros:
- Stops commonly occurring problems like “piston slap.”
- Dexos gen 2 approved.
- Equipped with revolutionary fluid titanium technology.
- Works great even in adverse weather conditions.
- Stays stronger under heavy engine pressure.
Cons:
- The names of compatible vehicles are not mentioned on the container.
- This fully synthetic oil may not suppress lifter noise.
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2. Castrol 03087 Edge
Most premium synthetic motor oils become impure or contaminated after 6-7 months of use. Or, vehicle owners are told by the manufacturer to change the oil after every 7000-10,000 miles. Such is not the case with Castrol 03087 Edge– you can drive 20,000 miles on a single oil change.
This synthetic motor oil has a longer drain interval than any other product in this category. This is why it is the best for those who do not fancy an oil change very often. Just like Castrol 03084 Edge, this product, too, is equipped with fluid titanium technology.
The oil film strength is 30 percent more than any other synthetic oil. Due to this, performance-robbing friction is also reduced considerably. The company claims that the viscosity stretch of this product is three times stronger than Mobil 1.
Also, this product is rigorously tested to make sure that it exceeds the quality and performance standards set by the API. It has passed tests such as Seq IIIH, Seq IVA, and Kurt Orban.
Castrol 03087 Edge is Suitable For –
This synthetic motor oil works best for vehicle owners who do not like to change the oil every 7,000-10,000 miles. Ordinarily, if you drive your vehicle for more than 300 miles a day, you will have to change the motor oil once a month. No one likes to waste their precious time in rudimentary auto maintenance tasks such as oil change– that too once every 30-40 days. With Castrol 03087 Edge, you can drive 20,000 miles on a single oil change.
Pros:
- Provides six times more wear protection.
- Improves fuel efficiency.
- Passed tests such as Seq IIIH, Seq IVA and Kurt Orbahn.
- Long drain interval oil. Change oil just once a year.
- Oil film strength is 30 percent more than other synthetic oils.
Cons:
- The quality of packaging needs to be improved.
- The names of compatible vehicles are not mentioned on the container.
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3. Valvoline – 881147
Valvoline is an American oil company based in Lexington, Kentucky. For more than a century (since 1866), Valvoline has been the first choice of vehicle owners. Valvoline – 881147 is a full synthetic motor oil for gasoline engines. It has a dexos gen 2 rubber-stamp. The American Institute of Petroleum too approves of this product.
The package comes with a five-quart container and an information manual. Unlike other oil manufacturers, Valvoline pays extra attention to the packaging and user-friendliness of its products. This is why the Valvoline – 881147 full synthetic motor oil is equipped with an easy pull tab, precision pour tab, and an anti-glug tube.
It provides excellent protection from rust and corrosion. The build-up of contaminants such as sludge and dirt, can interact with the metallic engine parts. The Valvoline – 881147 keeps the engine parts shielded for more than 7,500 miles. Moreover, this 5W30 motor oil flows well, even at a lower temperature.
Valvoline – 881147 is Suitable For –
Pros:
- The “natural oil color” of this product makes it easy to detect when dirty or contaminated.
- Excellent wear protection.
- Enhances the performance of the vehicle even in harsh winters.
- Betters fuel economy. You can drive around 7,500-10,000 miles with a single oil change.
Cons:
- The quality of container material needs to be improved.
- Has a slight “burnt oil” smell.
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4. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is liquid engineered with the revolutionary PurePlus Technology. This is one of the rare motor oils made with 100 percent natural gas. The PurePlus Technology is a distillation process that converts pure natural gas into synthetic base oil– which is later used for the production of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum.
The base material derived from pure natural gas has less than one percent contaminants. Combined with the advanced additive technology, this oil becomes extremely potent against rust and corrosion. This motor oil exceeds the quality and performance standards set by car manufacturers in the United States. It is approved by ILSAC GF-5, dexos1, and Ferrari.
Compared to conventional oil or a cheap full synthetic oil, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum offers 550 miles more per year. No need to drive with a dirty engine anymore. It is not only detrimental to the engine parts but also fuel economy. This product helps you save money in the long run. Further, this 5W30 motor oil remains perfectly fluid in extreme temperatures (-40F to 400F).
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is Suitable For –
This product is created to keep your vehicle on the road without breaking down due to adverse weather conditions. Not only that, but the viscosity range of this oil (5W30) ensures that you won’t face trouble starting the vehicle in cold weather. Even city dwellers can benefit by adding motor oil to their vehicles as it is perfect for stop-and-go driving.
Pros:
- Outperforms conventional and synthetic blend oils.
- Improves fuel efficiency.
- Gets a better performance from the engine despite adverse weather conditions.
- Made from pure natural gas. It contains fewer impurities.
Cons:
- You may find some residue left at the bottom of the container. Although this is quite common with synthetic oils, you must shake the container well, before use.
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5. AmazonBasics High Mileage
AmazonBasics is Amazon’s private label brand for high-demand products in almost every category. The automotive lubricants from AmazonBasics are popular for their efficiency, affordability, and ease-of-use. AmazonBasics High Mileage full synthetic oil is one of the popular products in this category.
Amazon does not manufacture this product in its own facility. This product is made by Warren distribution, the same company that makes Wally World Syntec full synthetic motor oil. You should also know that Warren’s distribution has world-class manufacturing facilities. Some of the top players in this industry prefer getting their products done at Warren distribution.
This product is dexos1 Gen 2, API SN, and ILSAC GF-5 approved. Amazon recommends that you use this oil as top-off or during a complete oil change. Do not expect immediate results after an oil change. It might take a few miles of driving before you see the results. This motor oil creates a protective coating on the engine parts that prevents rust and corrosion.
AmazonBasics High Mileage is Suitable For –
This product works best for engines over 75,000 miles. It is a different thing if you have managed to keep an older engine clean and highly-functional. Premium quality full synthetic oil once every six months does make all the difference.
However, if you haven’t and wish to perform a quick detox, this product might be the right choice. It is affordable, complies industry standards, and is marketed by a company known for its excellent customer service.
Pros:
- Prompt customer service.
- Provides protection from wear.
- Comes with oil certifications such as dexos1 Gen 2, API SN, and ILSAC GF-5.
- Reduces friction between engine parts.
Cons:
- This product is marketed by Amazon but not manufactured by Amazon.
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6. Royal Purple 51530
Royal Purple 51530 is considered to be the best American-made engine oil. They have been in the business for more than 200 years and are considered a specialist in engine lubrication. Royal Purple 51530 consists of premium quality base material combined with advanced additives. This product is suited for gasoline and diesel engines.
You should also know that this motor oil is purple. There is no particular reason behind the choice of color, but it becomes easy to measure the quantity on a dial. You always know the exact amount you are putting in the engine tank.
Furthermore, this product is licensed by the American Institute of Petroleum. It also meets ILSAC GF-5 and Dexos1 performance requirements. Reduction in the formation of sludge is the primary benefit of this full synthetic motor oil. It also keeps the engine well lubricated. As you continue using this oil, you will see a massive upward spike in the fuel economy.
Royal Purple 51530 is Suitable For –
Royal Purple 51530 is best suited for gasoline and diesel engines; however, do not use this product with a brand new engine. Drive the gasoline vehicle at least 2,000 miles before you pick up the Royal Purple 51530 container. Whereas, wait for 8,000 to 10,000 miles before using the oil in diesel engines. Allow for proper break-in of the brand new engine.
On the other hand, for older engines, Royal Purple suggests keeping the first two drain intervals short (about 3,000 miles). Later, you can extend it to 10,000 miles and beyond.
Pros:
- One of the top brands in America.
- Protects the engine from the harmful effects of rust and corrosion.
- Improves fuel economy.
- Compatible with ethanol-laced fuels.
Cons:
- It is difficult to tell when the oil is dirty as the oil is dark purple.
- Not recommended for brand new engines (need to wait till you hit the 2,000 miles in gasoline engines and 8,000 miles in diesel engines).
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Is Synthetic Oil Better Than Conventional Oil?
Yes, synthetic oil has proven itself to be far better than conventional oil. Synthetic oils are made with the same type of base material as that of the traditional oil, but it is extracted from deep within the earth. Where a conventional oil is left with a lot of microscopic impurities and natural minerals in it, synthetic oil is processed till it is 99.99 percent clean.
Furthermore, advance additives are used to change or enhance the properties of the processed base material. These additives improve the oils ability to withstand extreme temperatures, remain fluid even amid high engine pressure and extend the drain intervals by thousands of miles (or a few months).
What Is Viscosity Grade 5W30?
Before digging further into this subject, you must know what the terminology 5W30 actually means. Fully synthetic oils are multi-viscosity (also known as multi-grade). They are capable of changing their physical properties with the external temperature. The alphabets (W) indicate winter season compatibility, and the numerical (5 and 30) show the oil’s viscosity in winter and summer, respectively.
Why Should You Pick 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil Over Other Grades?
The low-temperature characteristics of the 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil are considered to be excellent. It enables the engine to start even during extreme cold weather conditions— minus 30 degrees Celsius to be precise. The 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil is also known for its high pumpability compared to oils of other grades. Meaning, it is capable of reaching every corner of the engine. Hence, the engine stays clean, crisp, and highly-functional.
Benefits of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil
- Less Friction and Wear
Synthetic oils come with additives capable of working even when the engine is turned off. Keeping the vehicle idle in the garage for long periods or not using it very often is one of the primary causes of friction.
Like every other mechanical device on earth, an engine needs to be in frequent motion. This is where a full synthetic motor oil comes into the picture. It keeps the engine fresh and functioning irrespective of the frequency of use.
- Boosts Fuel Economy
The fuel economy is a graph of the distance traveled by a vehicle against the fuel consumed. Refer to the above chart to understand this relationship. Fuel economy is one of the most critical factors contributing to environmental pollution. A low fuel economy means your vehicle is consuming more fuel per mile— you are paying more per mile. Using synthetic oil can lower fuel consumption by more than 20 percent.
- Prolongs the Life of an Older Engine
Barring a few older engines (those designed in the 80s and before), most are compatible with synthetic motor oil. Older engines are more likely to have existing engine wear. There is also a strong possibility of sludge-buildup. Synthetic oil comes with inherent cleaning properties. It not only makes the engine parts cleaner than before but also coats them with a protective film.
- It Is Cleaner Than Conventional Oils
Conventional oils use mineral oil or crude oil as the base material. Before hitting the lube stores, they are not refined to the same degree to which synthetic oils are. The microscopic impurities present in a conventional oil leads to the build-up of sludge in the engine parts.
Such is not the case with synthetic oils. Synthetic oils undergo a series of filtration and distillation processes. Further, they are also tested (to meet industry standards) by the relevant authorities.
- Longer Drain Intervals
A drain interval is a period starting from oil change to the point where the oil becomes so impure that it fails to get the job done. A conventional oil already contains a lot of impurities. On top of that, when drenched in sludge, dirt, and other contaminants, it expires within three months (or 3,000 miles).
Such is not the case with synthetic oil. No matter the driving conditions, synthetic oil maintains the drain interval between 7,000 and 10,000 miles. Also, extended performance oils like Castrol 03087 Edge allow you to go for 20,000 miles without an oil change.
Conclusion
Don’t settle for an affordable conventional oil when you can turbocharge your engine by investing a few more dollars. Synthetic oils not only protect the engine from wear but also keep them ruining on the road longer. From the above list, I would pick Castrol 03087 Edge as it allows you to go 20, 000 miles between drain intervals. Also, it is liquid engineers for heavy-duty vehicles.
