These Are the Top-Rated Synthetic Oils for Protecting Your Engine (2024)

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?

Top-rated 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 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 breakdown
• Withstanding higher temperatures
• Flow 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 to 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 made up 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:

From one of the OG motor-oil brands, this synthetic oil is great for use in most domestic cars with 75,000-plus miles.

Ideal for on-highway fleets, construction and agricultural machinery, and diesel pickup trucks.

Royal Purple's API-licensed motor oil delivers superior protection and can improve performance in gasoline and diesel engines.

A blend of synthetic base stocks and a high-performance additive package.

Designed to minimize contaminants and sludge buildup.

Designed for today's high-performance engines.

Great for passenger cars, light trucks, performance vehicles, and even marine applications.