14 best diesel oils

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Since a diesel engine operates in more severe conditions than standard gasoline counterparts, more stringent requirements are imposed on technical fluids for them. So, for engine oil, the key characteristics are resistance to oxidation and preservation of working properties in the long term, since in diesel engines there is a frequent breakthrough of gases into the crankcase.

Due to the popularity of this market segment, the magazine, together with in-house experts, conducted an independent study, during which a rating of the best diesel oils was compiled, for convenience, divided into four main categories. As the main criterion for the selection of goods, consumer reviews and the final assessment derived from them were taken.

Rating of the best oils for diesel engines

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best synthetic diesel engine oils	1	LIQUI MOLY Diesel Synthoil 5W-40	730 RUB
	2	SHELL Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40	840 RUB
	3	IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40	RUB 929
The best semi-synthetic oils for diesel engines	1	LIQUI MOLY Optimal Diesel 10W-40	RUB 624
	2	MOBIL Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40 (4 l)	326 RUB
	3	LUKOIL Standard SF / CC 10W-4	171
The best mineral oils for diesel engines	1	SHELL Rimula R4 L	–
	2	LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40	RUB 513
	3	Castrol Vecton 15W-40	RUB 218
The best diesel oils for winter	1	SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30	RUB 900
	2	Motul 8100 X-max 0W30	965 RUB
	3	TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30	742 RUB
	4	IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30	696 r
	5	Castrol Edge 0W-30 A5 / B5	RUB 1,020

The best synthetic diesel engine oils

LIQUI MOLY Diesel Synthoil 5W-40

Rating: 4.9

High-quality synthetics from the German company Liqui Moly, with balanced technical characteristics for the sake of the main operational feature. The composition of polyalphaolefins and an additive package interacts well with bad diesel fuel, the combustion products of which, entering the crankcase, contribute to the accelerated development of the fresh-fill resource. This effect is not observed here: special antioxidant modifiers act as suppressors of negative effects.

Diesel Synthoil 5W-40 has a total loss of fluidity of -45 ° C, which is similar to that of SHELL and significantly loses to the Japanese Zepro. The viscosity index of this composition fully corresponds to the class (170), and therefore the product provides a stable formation of a film on rubbing surfaces, protecting the latter from adhesions and dry friction (at 100 ° C the kinematic viscosity is 14.1 mm2 / s). This oil can often be seen in brand new diesel cars of the brand BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen, with which Liqui Moly has an exclusive supply contract.

Advantages

• excellent compatibility with engines equipped with catalysts and turbochargers;
• high resistance of the composition to oxidation;
• pronounced washing functions throughout the entire service life;
• low waste consumption.

disadvantages

• oil does not work well in engines equipped with particulate filters.

SHELL Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40

Rating: 4.8

Diesel oil from the title supplier Ferrari, recreated using the unique Shell PurePlus technology. Pure synthetics work great with catalytic converter and turbocharged engines, meeting API, ACEA specifications and even individual tolerance BMW. The use of Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40 is especially valuable for frequent off-road driving, where the diesel engine experiences the greatest overloads.

Among other things, this oil copes well with temperature changes, and therefore it is often recommended for use in Russia. Its freezing point is -45 ° C, and it flashes when it reaches 242 ° C, which is the best result among the competitors listed. Despite all the advantages of SHELL Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40 and the possibility of its use in diesel engines not equipped with a particulate filter, experts and users agree on the main disadvantage. Due to its excessive popularity, the product became interesting to counterfeit firms, which influenced the growth of counterfeits in retail. This situation has been haunting the company for a long time, but it has not taken any significant steps to prevent this.

Advantages

• high efficiency of engine support in proper technical condition;
• is resistant to oxidation;
• wide range of operating temperatures;
• performs an important function of neutralizing aggressive substances formed during the combustion of diesel fuel.

disadvantages

• a large number of fakes on the market.

IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40

Rating: 4.8

The only oil on the domestic market that cannot be counterfeited by unreliable companies. Supplied in a tin container, IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40 provides, perhaps, the most comprehensive protection of the engine against all negative factors of operation on diesel fuel. Moreover, even a frankly disgusting quality: the oxidation of the composition with the active breakthrough of gases into the crankcase occurs extremely slowly. So much the better for drivers – the interval between replacements can often reach 8 thousand kilometers.

Judging by user reviews, at first glance, IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40 behaves in exactly the same way as most competitors – no significant improvement in the softness of the engine is observed. But the little things, as always, are in the details. The fact is that this oil was developed taking into account the possibility of serious temperature changes due to which the freezing point was 'moved' to -50 ° C. An excellent result, especially for car owners from Siberian cities. As for the shortcomings, there are no such things either in the mechanism of work or in the technical characteristics – the only serious nuance is hidden behind the high price factor. The rest of the oil is perfect, for which it is rightfully included in the rating of the best.

Advantages

• excellent performance – leaves the engine in optimal operating conditions;
• the working life of additives and polyalphaolefin base is enough for 7-8 thousand kilometers;
• withstands frosts down to -50 ° C;
• not counterfeited in the secondary market.

disadvantages

• very high price.

The best semi-synthetic oils for diesel engines

LIQUI MOLY Optimal Diesel 10W-40

Rating: 4.9

Another representative of the Liqui Moly company, developed specifically in compliance with the specifics of the road conditions in Russia. The added package of additives provides an increase in efficiency in terms of fuel consumption (a small increase: up to 1.2%), makes it possible to actively protect the interior of diesel engines from corrosion, oxides and the formation of other solid inclusions, and also to clean them during the entire service life.

Perhaps the most striking illustration of the Optimal Diesel 10W-40's capabilities is its outstanding performance. The kinetic viscosity of the composition at 100 ° C reaches 14.4 mm2 / s, which is an indicator of the continuity of lubrication of rubbing parts even under the influence of high temperatures. In turn, the solidification of this semisynthetics occurs at -39 ° C – a fairly high performance even by the standards of pure synthetics. To complete the picture of superiority over competitors, we note that the Optimal Diesel 10W-40 has approvals from recognized auto giants (BMW and Volkswagen, as well as API CF and ACEA B3 approvals.

Advantages

• optimal technical characteristics: viscosity and heat resistance;
• active influence on the performance of engines: reducing fuel consumption by an average of 1.2%, as well as increasing the softness of their work;
• good cleaning ability;
• The best ratio of price and quality.

disadvantages

• not found.

MOBIL Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40 (4 l)

Rating: 4.8

The second line of the rating goes to the only representative of MOBIL – Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40 oil, which is one of the premium technical fluids on a semi-synthetic basis. But what makes this roster premium? Indeed, its components do not include additives like molybdenum disulfide, as is the case with the Liqui Moly product, or any other elements.

In fact, the manufacturers themselves came up with dubbing the product premium in order to increase its popularity and distinguish it from the gray mass of competitors. Yes, they squeezed the most out of a limited additive package, making the oil work for 5-6 thousand kilometers without any complaints. Yes, they have reached an excellent performance, even in the case of freezing point (-30 ° C). However, conceptually, the oil has no difference from the same Lukoil. Perhaps, in the rank of advantages of Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40, you can write down a moderate price, which is offset by a high proportion of fakes in the secondary market.

Advantages

• good temperature stability and protection of parts from overheating;
• satisfactory washing ability;
• the optimal level of prices in the secondary market and in the network of services;
• up to 5-6 thousand mileage on one fill;
• provides a comprehensive protective effect on old diesel engines.

disadvantages

• on the market you can find a low-quality counterfeit.

LUKOIL Standard SF / CC 10W-4

Rating: 4.7

The main supplier of oil for the conveyor lines of PJSC AvtoVAZ, Lukoil is highly popular among amateurs of a moderately budgetary and high-quality product. Despite being known primarily as a manufacturer of formulations for gasoline engines, products for diesel vehicles can also be found in its lines. The SF / CC 10W-4 standard is one of the brightest representatives of such, earning a line in the rating for good performance.

Freezing at -33 ° C, this oil is positioned as an all-season oil capable of providing reliable protection and lubrication of engine parts all year round. Judging by the reviews of consumers, its resource is enough for the same 5-6 thousand kilometers as in the case of the MOBIL product, however, the quality of cleaning sharply decreases after reaching a mileage of 4 thousand. As a second nuance, we can note a totally small number of approvals and approvals: in fact, in the first case, only API SF / CC appears, and in the second (approval) – the already mentioned PJSC AvtoVAZ. Despite all Lukoil's shortcomings, SF / CC 10W-4 is performing well, even if it belongs to the range of the most base oils on the market.

Advantages

• increased temperature of freezing (-33 ° С) and flash (224 ° С);
• high resistance to oxidation due to the presence of appropriate additives;
• retains properties with fluctuations in vehicle operating temperatures;
• is inexpensive, providing proper lubrication and protection of the diesel engine.

disadvantages

• the predominance of high quality mineral base in the composition – hence the noticeable drop in characteristics during the development of a resource by 80%.

The best mineral oils for diesel engines

SHELL Rimula R4 L

Rating: 4.9

The second representative of the SHELL company, which managed to win the title of the best in the segment of diesel oils of general consumption. All the superiority of the Rimula R4 L is based on a simple formula: the company was initially set up to release a product for heavy-duty engines that work mainly in off-road conditions or have additional components (such as turbocharging). Having compiled all the requirements into one concept, the engineers of the British firm took up the improvement of three operational components: prevention of increased wear, blocking of the mechanism of formation of solid deposits, and neutralization of acids. And, it should be said, they coped with the task perfectly.

First, the SHELL Rimula R4 L defense mechanism operates over a wide temperature range: the oil begins to fully crystallize at -33 ° C, and the flash occurs at 227 ° C. In addition, the kinematic viscosity when the engine is heated to the boiling point of water is 15.5 mm2 / s – the best result among all representatives of the category. As a result, in terms of the combination of positive characteristics, this oil is the classiest of mineral oils, which confirms the high demand from consumers and the approval of experts.

Advantages

• technical characteristics at a high level;
• development specifically for diesel engines operating in a highly loaded state;
• an alkaline composition that neutralizes the effects of the acids formed;
• a huge list of approvals and approvals (about 20 positions).

disadvantages

• not found.

LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40

Rating: 4.8

A unique mineral diesel oil for all-season use, which occupies one of the leading positions in the rating due to a complex of additionally provided functions and properties. In addition to the high-quality mineral base and additives, LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40 contains molybdenum disulfide, which acts as an extreme pressure, frictional, noise-insulating component. In addition, contributing to engine cleanliness and active counteraction to the formation of deposits are also recorded in its asset, but it is also possible that these functions are performed by other components.

As the summary table of technical characteristics shows, LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40 has a high level of kinematic viscosity at 100 ° C – 14.5 mm2 / s. This means that the formed film with such heating of the oil is stable and does not lose its lubricating properties, remaining intact and preventing dry friction in the nodes. However, the amount of volatility is a little confusing, which is (with a run) 8.2% of the fill volume. As for the freezing point and flash point, these indicators are within the optimal range: -30 and 220 ° C, respectively. However, paying attention to the nuances, let's say: the optimal cost level compensates for all the shortcomings, and the additional component makes the oil unique among monotonous competitors.

Advantages

• increased level of protection against wear of rubbing engine parts;
• active positive influence on the performance of new and old diesel models;
• mineral oil is suitable for all modern systems;
• excellent viscosity when heated to the boiling point of water (14.5 mm2 / s).

disadvantages

• up to 8.2% of the total amount of oil goes to evaporation.

Castrol Vecton 15W-40

Rating: 4.7

The right to close the top three went to Castrol Vecton 15W-40 engine oil, built on the basis of System 5 technology. It allows you to comprehensively increase the manifested properties of the composition, affecting the most important operating mechanisms: protection from oxides, formation of sludge and sludge, increasing the efficiency of the diesel engine, and also extends the service life of the filling up to 6 thousand kilometers.

With a collection of 12 approvals and approvals, Castrol Vecton 15W-40 performs well in important technical metrics. In particular, the overall purity of the oil is impressive in terms of the content of impurities: the amount of ash in the composition does not exceed 1.36% of the total mass. In addition, the pH value is at the level of 10.5 units, which indicates a slightly alkaline environment and a suitability for neutralizing acids formed during the combustion of fuel. The final advantage of this 'mineral water' can be considered a high pour point, even by the standards of synthetics: the crystallization of the oil begins to occur at -42 ° C.

Advantages

• System 5 technology allows the oil to quickly adapt to changing operating conditions (climate change, temperature and humidity fluctuations);
• 12 official approvals and approvals (in particular from MAN and Volvo);
• active neutralization of acids and sedimentary solutions;
• proven increase in engine power and fuel economy.

disadvantages

• quite expensive oil, counterfeited in the secondary market.

The best diesel oils for winter

SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30

Rating: 4.9

A premium synthetic oil with a long track record of positive effects in winter use. Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 is equipped with Emission Compatible Technology, which allows for a more thorough cleaning of the inside of the engine along with the lubrication of the most critical components.

Through various bench and functional tests, it was proved that this composition significantly increases fuel economy (by 2.6% compared to the reference sample in the framework of ACEA M 111), and also provides 2 times better cleaning of pistons from carbon deposits than industry requires. norms. In fact, it seems that SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 marks the benchmark for the next few years, because other manufacturers have not yet expressed a desire to present products that significantly outstrip the rather strict requirements of the standards. Together with a set of 10 tolerances and a full baggage of experimental merits, this synthetics ascends to the first line of our rating.

Advantages

• increase in fuel consumption efficiency by 2.6%;
• three times more effective protection against corrosion;
• active counteraction to the formation of sludge;
• prolongs the service life of particulate filters due to the action of neutralizing additives;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

disadvantages

• not found.

Motul 8100 X-max 0W30

Rating: 4.8

French oil with a modest (albeit representative) number of approvals and approvals (MB-Approval 229.5, VOLVO VCC 95200356, VW 502 00 – 505 00), which received mostly good reviews from consumers in Russia. 8100 X-max 0W30 was developed on a synthetic base with a rich additive package, and, most importantly, taking into account the difficult road conditions in Russia. As a result, it perfectly tolerates temperature fluctuations, does not freeze where other oils have long passed into a solid state of aggregation (-51 ° C), and also provides high-quality engine protection throughout the entire service life.

According to users, its resource is enough for a stable 10 thousand kilometers. However, in order to avoid the launch of destructive mechanisms for the formation of sludge and corrosion, it is best to replace it 1-2 times up to the nominal value, especially on old units that have seen better times. Thanks to a careful study of the composition to preserve the flow properties in winter, the engineers managed to significantly increase the percentage of fuel savings compared to other products of the line (up to 1.7%). If you plunge into the topic in more detail, then in the Motul 8100 X-max 0W30 you can see almost ideal indicators for all main and secondary characteristics … with the exception of the price parameter. However, in relation to quality and durability, it does not seem to be something negative.

Advantages

• freezing point is -51 ° С;
• Provides fuel savings by an average of 1.7% compared to reference samples within the main tolerances;
• the service life is 10 thousand kilometers;
• good combination of price and quality.

disadvantages

• not found.

TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30

Rating: 4.7

Another synthetics occupies the third line of the rating, this time – produced by TOTAL. Once it was Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30 that was the leader of the segment, but a series of falsifications and strengthening of the main competitors threw it into the ranks of “one of the best”. Indeed, in its original form, this oil contributed to an increase in the efficiency of diesel engines (and significantly), and also optimized fuel consumption (by an average of 2.0%), while keeping the interior completely clean.

Unlike its main competitors, TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30 is not an acid neutralizer in its pure form – pH 8.8 hardly allows it to act effectively in such an important role. However, manufacturers have corrected this situation by introducing special additives that prevent the formation of solutions, acids and oxides inside the engine. Good run, moreover, in all operating temperatures – from -45 to 226 ° C. If it were not for the susceptibility to falsification, this composition could claim a higher place. But do not consider this an insoluble problem – fortunately, there are a lot of instructions on how to distinguish a fake from the original now.

Advantages

• has a beneficial effect on a diesel engine, increasing its efficiency by 1.5-2.0%;
• excellent engine protection against carbon deposits and oxides;
• the cost is lower than that of competitors;
• Ability to operate over a wide temperature range under all driving and road conditions.

disadvantages

• a large percentage of counterfeits in the retail market.

IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30

Rating: 4.6

The composition is nominally Japanese in origin, meeting the stringent requirements of Asian standards, and at the same time perfectly passing the certificates of European manufacturers. IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30 strikingly differs from competitors in the degree of purification from harmful impurities: less than 1% sulphated ash, up to 0.5% sulfur and 0.08% phosphorus. This degree of purification has a beneficial effect on the performance of the additives that make up the synthetic product.

Speaking about the safety of Japanese oil for diesel engines, it should be noted that it is completely neutral in terms of base number: pH 7.84 does not harm the unit's parts, but it also turns out to be unable to neutralize acids. Fortunately, for this, the basis was crammed with a large number of modifiers and other elements, the action of which was intended for cars with modernized diesel engines. Another advantage of IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30 is expressed in its low freezing point: the oil is excellent for regions where frosts often exceed -40 ° C. As a final fact, we note that the guaranteed working resource here is 8 thousand kilometers or 300 hours (engine operating hours).

Advantages

• the actual absence of counterfeits on the market;
• the resource is calculated as 300 engine hours or 8 thousand kilometers;
• formulated to meet strict Asian standards;
• very high degree of purification from harmful impurities.

disadvantages

• high price.

Castrol Edge 0W-30 A5 / B5

Rating: 4.5

A synthetic-based universal motor oil capable of operating in gasoline and diesel engines, created using modern technical solutions. It is based on the TITANIUM FST technology, the essence of which is to add titanium-based additives to the composition. The active particles of this additive significantly increase the oil's resistance to various influences, and also allows maintaining the viscosity and integrity of the oil film over the entire operating temperature range.

Despite an overall mediocre flash point, Castrol Edge 0W-30 begins to freeze at a whopping -60 ° C. This allows the composition to be worked out without problems even in conditions close to the Far North, where the leading role is given to concentrates and other powerful technical fluids. Among other things, it should be recognized as one of the cleanest in this collection: the content of sulphated ash hardly exceeds 1% of the total mass. Unfortunately, the emphasis on versatility has taken away a significant amount of the working resource, which is so necessary for normal and long-term operation in a diesel engine. In fact, production begins here already with a run of 7 thousand kilometers, and in terms of value, this is not the best result.

Advantages

• the freezing point is at -60 ° C;
• a sufficiently high degree of purification from harmful impurities (no more than 1.18% of sulphated ash);
• the presence of a titanium additive in the composition (TITANIUM FST technology);
• high quality of work (at least in the first period of operation).

disadvantages

• in diesel engines, the universal oil has a reduced service life.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.