Categories: Reviews

15 Best 0w-20 Synthetic Oils

All the sections of a car are important but most folks would probably select the engine as the most important. If your engine has the slightest of troubles, whether it’s a small overheat or a complete breakdown, your movement will be in serious jeopardy. To ensure that your vehicle continues performing efficiently for as long as possible, quality motor oil is definitely important.

The engine in your vehicle is in constant need of lubrication in order to function at full capacity. The most important component of this lubrication process is engine oil. It will provide the necessary protection for all moving parts.

Conventional synthetic engine oil will do a good job in keeping your engine clean and lubricating all its components. But when you need something that will keep up with high-performance needs, full synthetic oil is the answer.

What Does 0W-20 Stand for?

0 stands for cold-start viscosity (oil viscosity at startup when the engine is still cold), W is for winter certification, and 20 for higher-temperature viscosity. Oil with a lower API number is thinner and has less friction. The reduced cold-start emissions that come with using thinner oil as a starter engine are an added bonus.

Is 0W-20 Better than 5W-30 and 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oils?

Lots of big car companies are moving away from conventional 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils in favor of the higher-quality but more expensive 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. The low-friction, slick 0W-20 lubricants help your engine get the most in terms of fuel efficiency and long-term potential, among others, albeit their synthetic mix makes them more costly.

Several manufacturers have previously claimed that 0W-20 full-synthetic oil achieved a 1.2 percent increase in fuel efficiency when compared to 10W-30. However, asking for 0W-20 oil at your next oil change is not mandatory, even if you want to save money on gas. This is because the manufacturer’s suggested oil for your engine is still your best option for keeping your warranty valid or ensuring your engine performs optimally.

How Much Does 0W-20 Cost Compared to Other Synthetic Oils?

The price of standard oil changes will vary according to location, but as a general rule, you should expect to pay around $25-$45 every time you need an oil change. Some workshops will offer free oil changes as a bonus for other more capital (and labor) intensive services.

At around $80, the cost of 0W-20 oil changes is a lot more than that of standard oil but many will argue that this is a price worth paying for all the perks you’ll get.

Can Thinner Oils Damage Your Car’s Engine?

The question of whether it’s okay to use oil that’s thicker or thinner than what the engine maker prescribes comes up often among consumers.

For example, many people wonder whether it’s safer to use 10W-30 oil instead of 5W-30 oil. For the most part, going one grade higher or lower than what’s suggested in your owner’s handbook won’t damage your vehicle in the long run.

The tolerances used to build modern engines are considerably tighter than those used in the past. As a result, modern engines may run on oil with lower viscosity, such as 0W-20 or even 0W-16.

When oil is cold, the lower the “W” viscosity, the easier it will run. Initially, 5W-30 will flow better than 10W-30 since it’s smaller. Hence, depending on the conditions, several manufacturers will let you use a lower viscosity oil.

What if you use much thinner oil than recommended by the Manufacturer?

If the oil is too thin, a lubricating layer will not form and metal-to-metal contact will occur, resulting in wear. The difficulty is exacerbated by high levels of tension and heat. The already-too-thin oil becomes much thinner when heated to high levels because oil thins as it becomes hotter.

If your vehicle is equipped with a variable valve timing system, thin oil may cause the oil pressure to drop too low, resulting in improper operation. Lifters not remaining in contact with cams due to low pressure may lead to noise and increased wear.

However, using the viscosity suggested in your owner’s handbook will ease any worries you have regarding engine protection and your car warranty.

Choosing the Best 0W-20 Synthetic Oil

Your engine’s longevity depends on the quality of the engine oil you use. Therefore, you should do your homework well so that you purchase oil that will not only keep your engine running, but also increase both its performance and lifespan.

Before you even start searching for oil, make sure your vehicle is up to date with its maintenance requirements by consulting the owner’s handbook. Among other things, the book contains the manufacturer’s recommendations for the kind of oil to use in your vehicle. Finding the correct engine oil is a cinch this way.

After your consultation, you may still have to select from a wide range of options. To help you select, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best 0W-20 synthetic oils in the market. So here they are.

1. Castrol 03124 Edge 0W-20 Advanced Synthetic Motor Oil

Castrol 03124 Edge 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is a premium oil recommended for use in most cars made by Honda, Toyota, Acura, and Lexus as well as other vehicles where the 0W-20 grade is recommended. It is engineered with Castrol’s patented fluid titanium technology. Because it resists the damaging effects of sludge buildup in engines, Castrol’s titanium technology delivers superior performance against deposits that rob power and cause leaks.

The manufacturer says it is 42% better than conventional oils in fighting power-robbing deposits. This implies superior performance against deposits, wear, and oxidation as well as superior engine protection as a whole.

The high shear viscosity index allows engine parts to have greater lubrication efficiency for improved long-term performance and reduced friction levels for faster acceleration times. Castrol Edge 0W-20 is not your average automotive oil. Its formula outperforms any conventional engine oils in the market today!  This premium full synthetic oil is recommended by leading car manufacturers.

2. Pennzoil 550046127 Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Pennzoil 550046127 Platinum 0W-20 is a premium synthetic motor oil from Pennzoil, a company that pioneered PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology years ago with the introduction of Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil which is made from natural gas. This means that this oil is carbon neutral meaning that you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals from crude oil refining being released into the atmosphere as a result of using this product. Pennzoil has always been at the forefront of safe, sustainable products that help protect both your engine and the environment. 

With this product, you’ll also enjoy better fuel economy that will enable you to drive an extra 550 miles per year, on average, while reducing engine wear and tear. In addition, it keeps your pistons up to 45% cleaner than conventional engine oils. 

Pennzoil 550046127 Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil comes in a can or bottle that has an ergonomic design for easy handling and pouring. This oil also helps protect against extreme heat and is formulated to enable fast low-temperature oil flow for an easier startup. It is one full synthetic oil you should consider because it keeps engines operating at peak levels for longer periods of time with its proprietary formulations of advanced detergents. 

3. Amazon Basics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Amazon Basics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated for longer drain intervals and helps to prevent build-up that can cause rust and corrosion. The full synthetic nature of this product (and others) means it doesn’t contain any mineral oil or other traditional petroleum-based oils that will eventually clog up your engine parts. Hence, this oil will perform efficiently and reliably for a longer period of time.

Amazon Basics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated to reduce friction and increase fuel economy. It helps to protect against performance-robbing buildups caused by other fluids that were not designed for use in an engine. In addition, it is also resistant to viscosity breakdown and thermal breakdown so you don’t have to worry about any type of engine sludge which often leads to major issues with cars.

If you are tired of paying extra money for a premium branded motor oil that does not offer any better protection or performance than other less expensive alternatives, then Amazon Basics is your solution. It is fully compatible with dexos1-gen2 emissions standards and can help reduce exhaust emissions, thanks to its excellent resistance to viscosity changes.

Amazon Basics is a highly durable brand of full synthetic motor oil that is marketed by Amazon.com. It offers some of the most comprehensive protection in the industry.

4. Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

The Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil is a great choice for those looking for a precise balance of performance, protection, and value. It offers superior corrosion protection and prevents contact from metal-to-metal exceeding ILSAC GF-5, and Dexos1 specs, with patented ZDDP additives and an optimized emissions system.

This high-quality, low-cost synthetic motor oil is engineered for use in vehicles with gasoline engines. It provides exceptional protection against engine wear, the leading cause of premature engine failure, and improves fuel efficiency by reducing internal engine drag created by liquid petroleum distillates that are heavier than air. Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil meets requirements for top-level performance such as the above-mentioned ILSAC GF-5 and Dexos1.

The patented additives add to the life expectancy of your engine while protecting it from all types of metal contamination and wearing out quickly due to acidic fuels. In addition to these advantages, this oil also boasts superior protection against engine fuelling system components such as the catalytic converter and reduces pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions equipment by improving compatibility with ethanol content than any other oil in the market today.

The Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0W-20 synthetic motor oil is ideal for your vehicle. It comes with a formulation that offers superior protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) which occurs when fuel ignites very early in the combustion cycle before it should. 

5. Motul 5L Synthetic Motor Oil 8100 0W20 ECO-LITE

Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil 8100 0W20 ECO-LITE is 100% synthetic and minimizes oil friction, helping you have the best fuel economy, thanks to an optimized design on its molecules. Due to its high-quality synthetic lubrication, it provides the best oxidation resistance, excellent protection from deposits, and increases the cleanliness of your engine. It is also environmentally friendly.

Intended for use in all types of engines, this product combines differentiated performance classes, environmental protection, and durability, for optimal results in the long term. Its 100% synthetic composition means that it will not break down or seize up your engine during operation, which can be critical in some instances where high performance is required. Also, the minimization of oil friction improves fuel efficiency while reducing engine wear and tear.

The Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil will allow your engine to reach optimum operating temperature sooner than conventional oils, thanks to improved flow qualities at startup. It is an excellent choice for any driver who routinely puts their car through hard work. This oil is compatible with a number of performance standards including the Dexos1-gen2 standard and MS 6395 which means that it has undergone rigorous testing by GM and Chrysler to guarantee efficient performance in their vehicles. 

6. Shell Rotella Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

Shell Rotella Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is tested and manufactured with exclusive additives designed to clean engine components without compromising vital protection even when driving in extreme temperatures. This protection includes the prevention of sludge and other damaging deposits. as well as unsurpassed wear protection. It is also designed for extended drain intervals, increased horsepower, and improved fuel efficiency – all with a gas-saving formula that meets the latest low emissions standards.

The high-performance Shell Rotella Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil offers excellent protection for gas trucks and SUV engines in all kinds of driving conditions. Due to its water resistance capability, it protects against marine growth and its quality detergent provides resistance to detritus buildup on piston tops so you can maintain peak performance when pulling or towing trailers or boats.

The clever engineers at Shell have come up with a product that goes beyond just meeting the needs of light truck owners who haul trailers or tow large loads occasionally on short trips. This engine oil has been proven to protect vehicles better than conventional oils. 

7. Pennzoil – 550045193 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

Pennzoil – 550045193 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is made from natural gas, thus providing better wear protection than standard oils. This high-performing, low-maintenance oil also comes with verified nature-based carbon credits that make it carbon-neutral, making it an eco-friendly product.

With the Pennzoil – 550045193 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil, you are guaranteed better fuel economy (an extra 550 miles per year), much cleaner pistons, and unsurpassed sludge protection so that your car can stay in great shape for much longer periods of time.

Furthermore, the bottle’s ergonomic design is perfect for quick and easy pouring while also providing great handling when you’re in a hurry. It is based on Pennzoil’s patented gas-to-liquid PurePlus technology. 

With its exceptional wear protection and drain intervals that are three times longer than conventional mineral base oils, the Pennzoil – 550045193 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is definitely one of the best oils in the market, thanks to its many benefits and low cost. This product is meant to help drivers cut down on the costs and environmental impact that come with fueling their vehicles with crude products.

8. Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

The high-performance Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil is designed to provide effective engine protection and best-in-class performance for both modern and classic cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks. It’s great for fuel economy and protects against wear. Mobil 1 is formulated with a blend of performance synthetic base stocks strengthened with a balanced additive component system and added cleaning power that helps deliver a smoother and quieter performance. It comes with a technology that helps protect engine components at lower temperatures.

This product also has special formulations to help combat sludge and deposits which many motorists experience after longer oil change intervals. 

9. Pennzoil Quaker State Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

Pennzoil Quaker State Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is a high-performance product for motorists looking for higher equipment protection. One of its many uses is to protect engines against the effects of LSPI. Pennzoil has an extremely high resistance to oxidation, lasts longer than other oils, and offers far greater coverage.

The company claims that its superior lubrication flow and pump ability at high and low temperatures allow for a much stronger bond in your engine’s moving parts, which in turn gives off a much smoother ride. Designed to provide superior lubrication, this full synthetic formulation is one of the most powerful lubricants in the market today.

It provides excellent resistance to friction-induced wear while offering protection against deposits, allowing your engine to function at maximum horsepower. It also provides strong protection against sludge formation. 

10. Castrol 06006-6PK GTX Magnatec Green Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

The Castrol 06006-6PK GTX is one of the best synthetic motor oils in the market. But what exactly makes it so great? Let’s break it down for you. This is a product that has several attributes needed by your car engine to perform efficiently. For example, It helps to prevent viscosity breakdown of engine parts. and harmful sludge build-up. Another feature is superior protection against wear to engine parts that helps fight against damage to your engine.

It has a lot of additives and other chemical properties that make it different from other oils. The antioxidants, for instance, will help prevent faster breakdown. It will make sure your vehicle complies with specifications that can reduce fuel consumption as well as emissions.

Developed for turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled petrol engines,  Castrol 06006-6PK GTX 0W-20 Motor Oil offers improved performance, contains precision manufactured gasoline, and is designed to provide excellent gasoline economy. Castrol is one of the world’s leading makers of lubricants, and this particular high-tech product has a long list of benefits for owners.

11. Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil is a premium grade high-performance engine oil formulated to provide outstanding protection against engine wear and is specifically designed with advanced friction modifying additive technologies for maximizing fuel economy. It is suitable for use in cars, light trucks, and SUVs that require a 0W-20 viscosity rating. The detergent chemistry in this oil is optimized to minimize LSPI formation and increase engine cleanliness.

It is engineered with high piston cleanliness in mind, optimized to prevent oil burn-off, minimize the formation of deposits and reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions as well as enable engines to achieve maximum levels of efficiency, torque, and horsepower. 

Also, the innovative properties of this new generation lubricant give it unsurpassed protection against harmful sludge build-up which, if untreated, could result in catastrophic engine failure.

12. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil (550036541-6PK) is yet another excellent option from a quality manufacturer. It is made of gas that has been converted into liquid petroleum, making it incredibly clean, efficient, and eco-friendly, unlike conventional oils. With its fuel economy benefits, this pure synthetic product will help you drive an extra 550 miles per year, on average.

Not only does it protect your engine from heat and offer more lubricity than other oils, but Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 also keeps your pistons up to 45% cleaner with its superior wear protection properties. The additive package inside provides excellent wear protection from friction and helps minimize piston ring sticking. The ingredients in this oil are all designed for performance and durability under all conditions.

You can use Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 motor oil with confidence because it’s backed by Pennzoil’s industry-leading policies, including its patented gas-to-liquid PurePlus technology. It is formulated to provide faster low-temperature oil flow and protection in high-temperature conditions. This Pennzoil product is a  breakthrough formulation that delivers the ultimate in lubrication protection.

13. Liquimoly 2208 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Liqui Moly 2208 0W-20 is a full synthetic motor oil that will help maximize the performance of your cars’ newest engines while also being compatible with some older engines that are more heavily used or have a high mileage count. This low viscosity oil will keep your vehicle running smoothly if you use it in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

It is designed to provide excellent protection against wear caused by friction, oxidation, and thermal cycling at extreme conditions. It also helps to ensure engine cleanliness while lowering oil and fuel consumption. This oil was developed to meet the high demands of premium class vehicles.

It will help guarantee efficient engine performance, low viscosity, and low fuel consumption. This makes it one of the products in the market that has these three crucial features. Liqui Moly 2208 0W-20 Motor Oil is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when synthetic oils are done right. It is one product that provides enough lubrication during extended oil change intervals as per manufacturer recommendations.

To summarize, Liqui Moly 2208 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil is one of our favorites because it has a very high viscosity grade for modern gasoline engines; is especially suited for gasoline direct injection (GDI) and turbocharged engines; ensures engine cleanliness; guarantees wear protection, and helps ensure low fuel consumption.

14. Valvoline Advanced Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil

The Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil from Valvoline is a popular choice that provides optimal engine performance in a variety of driving conditions. This advanced technology formula increases engine longevity with cutting-edge anti-wear additives and offers high and low-temperature resistance, helps fight sludge and deposits and is formulated to help ease the stress on the engine from both stop-and-go driving and hauling and towing situations.

With the new Valvoline Advanced Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil, you can be sure of giving your engine the best protection and moving it to the next level of performance. Valvoline has developed a proprietary blend of high-performance additives that provides superior lubrication for all driving conditions. The series of anti-wear additives are intended to increase your engine’s resistance to wear by up to 50%. Best of all, this product comes at an affordable price.

15. K&N – 104090 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

This K&N 0W-20 is a premium-grade motor oil mixed with a unique blend of common and high-performance additives to help protect your vehicle from harmful contaminants and sludge buildup. It will give your vehicle the protection it needs to keep it working like new and offers the best performance in both normal and extreme (cold and hot weather) conditions, making it very versatile. It meets the demands of many carmakers meaning that it can be used in certain engines without voiding warranty coverage.

This eco-friendly product made of low-viscosity synthetic oils will help resist wear and tear as well as make your engine run cleaner, cooler, quieter, and more efficiently. As noted above, this high-quality synthetic base stock resists breakdown under extended high-temperature use. The K&N is a more qualitative product than many other oils in the market.

How Often Should You Change Your Synthetic Oil?

The general consensus is that synthetic oil should be changed every 10,000 miles or less. This is because the oil in your car changes over time and needs to be refilled. Changing it more often can make for relatively cheaper bills in the long run (in terms of engine problems and maintenance), but one of the immediate impacts is making sure any leftover deposit in the engine breaks down properly instead of sitting there until something goes wrong later on.

Strictly speaking, the recommended time frame depends on how badly your engine is running. If you’re getting between 10-15% drop per month, then you’ll be better off changing the oil within an interval of about 5,000 miles or less.

 

 

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About Us

I am Derek Patrowsky, editor of AutoSportCatalog.com. I have over 17 years of experience in the automotive service industry and am part owner of a service facility in his hometown. Together with other writers, I hope this website will help you with your auto repair needs making better decisions when it comes to your vehicle.

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