Best Synthetic Motor Oils 2022 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

It’s known as the lifeblood of the engine.  Without it, you’d be lucky to get from A to B, let alone leave your driveway.

What we’re referring to of course, is motor oil.  It cleans, cools, lubricates and keeps your engine running at peak performance.

You’ve probably come to this article because you realize that when it comes to motor oils, synthetic oil is the best of the best.

But the problem is that it can be a tough job determining which synthetic oil is truly the best.

That’s where we come in.  We’ve gone through dozens of products to bring you the top ten best synthetic motor oils for 2022.

But first….

Factors to Consider

Here are some things you should be aware of as well as factors we’ve considered in determining our rankings.

Viscosity:  This refers to the oils resistance to flow and practically refers to the oil thickness.  Synthetic oils have this measurement clearly stated on the bottle.

For example, ’10W – 40′.  The first part is the viscosity at 0 ° F (W is for winter).   The second part is viscosity at 212 ° F.

Motor oil thickens as it cools and thins when it is hot.  The lower the first number, the more resistant the oil is to thickening in low temperatures.  On the other hand, the higher the second number, the more resistant the oil is to thinning at high temperatures.

Manufacturers must strike a balance between the two as oil that is too thick can cause fuel economy issues since the fuel pump needs to work harder.  Oil that is too thin won’t be stable enough to provide adequate lubrication between the moving engine parts.

Additives:  These are substances that are added to the oil to improve it in some way.  Virtually all synthetic motor oils contain additives to boost things like viscosity, increase cleaning properties and improve lifespan.

Cost and Mileage:  Lastly, the cost of the synthetic oil is a big factor as well as the mileage you get out of it.  A sweet spot is a good synthetic oil that is relatively low in cost and can run through your car for as long as possible.  Combine this property with a good oil filter and you got yourself a winning combination.

Apart from these factors, we also consider things like customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Best Synthetic Motor Oils 2022

 1.  AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Oil – The very best (probably) synthetic oil

It’s hard work to objectively judge synthetic oil.  There are many tests that can be done to determine an oils effectiveness on engine economy, wear and tear, emissions, oil change intervals…the list is endless.  Where one oil is good at something, it may not be good at something else.

Despite this, many reviewers and customers agree that the synthetic oils provided by AMSOIL are as good as it gets.  The AMSOIL signature series in particular is a class of synthetic oils that you should consider and for good reason.  Independent tests have verified just how effective it is compared to most other brands out there.

AMSOIL signature series synthetic oil is one of the best, if not the best, synthetic oil for protecting your engine from wear. 

We all know a motor oils ability to prevent wear on your engine is one of the most important factors you need to consider.  From the moment you start your engine there are over a dozen moving parts which create friction between each other.  You need a good motor oil to prevent the wearing out of these components as much as possible, and AMSOIL have the answer.

In terms of compatibility, you can use AMSOIL signature series with other synthetic or conventional oils, but for best results, you’re better of draining them out first.

AMSOIL rose to fame in 1972 with the introduction of the first synthetic motor oil to meet the stringent requirements of the American Petroleum Institute.  Since then, they’ve been a leader in the field and have continually out shined their competitors.  The bottom line is you need to give this oil a try, if not for yourself, than for your vehicle.

2.  Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Exceptional cleaning abilities

This is a fully synthetic motor oil that your car is sure to thank you for using.  Why?  Well, it’s known among car enthusiasts for its amazing lubrication and cleaning abilities.

The results are astonishing to say the least.  Tests show that your pistons will be up to 25% cleaner than Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and 35% cleaner than similar products from Valvoline.  This equates to amazing fuel economy, minimal engine energy loss and top grade protection from friction.

It’s so good that Pennzoil is willing to bet you with warranty that covers up to 500,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first) as long as you exclusively use their synthetic oil.

Pennzoil’s attention to purity demands that this product be at least considered.  After all, if it gives your car more fuel economy, then it will also save you money.  In fact, Pennzoil guarantee that you’ll get an average of 550 more miles per year out of your vehicle versus a dirty engine.  Now that’s impressive.

3.  Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – Best synthetic motor oil for the money

Mobile 1 has its origins from over a century ago and are one of the most popular and widely trusted brands in the automobile industry.

The Mobil 1 extended performance synthetic motor oil – as the name suggests – is specifically formulated for longer oil change intervals.  You’ll be able to get at least 15,000 miles of use before an oil change.

Mobil 1 proved this point in 2006 by getting the worlds fastest ute (HSV Z Series Maloo R8 Ute) to trek around Australia – totaling almost 23,000 miles – without an oil change. The result?  The engine was found to be as clean as when the journey started.

The responsibility lies with the integrated SuperSyn technology that keeps the oil anti-wear properties working at the highest level in extremely low and high temperatures.  It sports a cocktail of additives that offers outstanding thermal and oxidation stability.

If you need a motor oil that performs reliably in all temperature environments, then this product is a great choice.

For whatever grade you need, Mobil 1 will having something for you.  They have anything from 0W-20 all the way up to 10W – 30 and more.

Overall, this full synthetic motor oil is very affordable, offers unparalleled longevity and is extremely reliable for everyday use.  If you want to keep your vehicles engine happy, then you can’t do wrong by considering this entry from Mobil 1.

4.  Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – Top choice for high performance vehicles

Royal Purple have developed into one of the most trusted and reliable brands when it comes to auto-care.  Their high performance synthetic motor oils are another top product and are a great choice when it comes to high performance vehicles.

See, many synthetic oils struggle to keep shape when under the pressure of increased engines speeds, temperature and load.  This leads to reduced fuel economy and degradation of the engine.  This dilemma has gotten manufactures scrambling to create an oil that can hold itself under extreme environments.  In comes Royal Purple’s high performance solution.

On top of this, the oil is also compatible with conventional, blended and other synthetic oils.  You can pretty much starting using it straight-away without having to drain the existing oil.

If you have a high performance vehicle or live in harsh conditions, or simple put your engine under a lot of stress, this synthetic oil is for you.  It’s also something you should consider even if you use your vehicle for everyday tasks.  Regardless of your situation, Royal Purple offer a complete solution that will keep your engine purring as it if were brand new.

5.  Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Excellent under high engine temperature

Castrol EDGE is another full synthetic motor oil that – like Royal Purple’s entry – excels in keeping shape under high engine stress.

It is also reported to reduce the amount of deposits in the engine by up to 42% compared to other synthetic oils.

With this synthetic oil you’ll have a product that maintains its viscosity and does an excellent job at keeping your engine clean.

The team at Castrol also guarantee that you’ll be able to get 15,000 miles out of their product before you need an oil change.  That doubles and even triples the typically recommended oil changes of 3,000 – 7,000 miles (depending on the vehicle).

Like all the other mentions on this list, Castrol also provide multiple grades of their synthetic oil so you’ll have no issue getting the recommended viscosity for your specific vehicle.

Castrol are a tried and true British company that have earned the adoration of millions of fans around the world.  Their automotive lubricants are second to none, and they have proved why they are the number 1 choice for so many people.

6.  Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Motor Oil – Perfect for older engines

This blended synthetic oil is all about keeping your older engine running like it was brand new.

The secret sauce lies in Valvoline’s exclusive formula which contains additives that are perfect for aging engines.  These include:

• Anti-oxidants to prevent oil breakdown
• Extra detergents for a powerful engine clean
• Extra wear protection to prevent future engine wear
• Seal conditions to rejuvenate engine seals that have weakened over time

In effect, the additives target the four main causes of engine breakdown – leaks, deposits, friction and sludge.  The team at Valvoline recommend using this oil once your engine exceeds 75,000 miles.

This oil has been extremely well received amongst new and older customers of the Valvoline brand.  And don’t worry if your vehicle does not match the specific SAE of 5W-30, as there are multiple grades available.

It’s as simple as this:  If you’ve got an older engine that needs a boost, then Valvolinee MaxLife is a great choice.

7.  Liqui Moly Premium Synthetic Motor Oil – Excellent for prolonging the life of your engine

Ah, this list would would never be complete without at least one entry from a German company.  Alas, we introduce the Liqui Moly premium synthetic motor oil.  When it comes to lubrication, the German boys at Liqui Moly sure know how to make an excellent product.

The additive effectively smooths out the metal friction points throughout your engine – such as the pistons – which results in effortless lubrication and engine longevity.  So much so that you can expect to get at least 15,000 miles of use out of one application.

On top of this, this synthetic oil is also compatible with different engine setups including petrol, LPG engines, diesel and multi-valve arrangements.  Whatever vehicles you have, Liqui Moly will have a compatible motor oil for it.

8.  Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Engine Oil – A favorite amongst motorcyclists

In the Shell Rotella T6 synthetic oil, we have a heavy duty solution for a heavy duty problem.

Shell have also included a bunch of additives to squeeze out every performance metric increase you can dream of.  There are advanced multi-functional dispersant additives to provide protection against dirt, soot, debris and other contaminants.  You’ll also find a low-ash additive to help lower emissions and maintain fuel efficiency.

This is a robust and heavy duty oil that will keep your engine in tip top condition.  Shell is one of the biggest and popular oil brands in the world and it comes as no surprise to us that they also provide one of the best synthetic oils on the market today.

If you’ve got a motorcycle, you need to give this oil a try – you won’t be disapointed.

9.  Lucas Oil Synthetic High Performance Motor Oil – Another top choice for motorcyclists

Lucas Oil is a household name when it comes to the oil of choice for ET racing.  They’ve had over 100 years to perfect their high performance motor oil blend, and the results show.

A poorer quality oil will produce deposits leading to less efficiency and poor performance.  Not Lucas Oil though.  This lubricant will keep your engine parts moving effortlessly with minimal wear as well.  We can thank the exclusive lubricity and anti-seize additives that protect the metal components in your engine.

Yes, this oil is marketed towards racers but everyday road drivers will find something to love as well.  It comes in a range of grades which are suited to all types of commuting.  In any case, you’ll be able to find a grade that suits your manufacturer’s recommendations.

10.  Red Line Synthetic Oil – Best for turbocharged or hot-running engines

Red Line produce a range of synthetic oils that can withstand the pressures brought about from a high performance vehicle.

Tests show that evaporation loss during high temperatures is lower than most competing brands out there.  Because of it’s stable viscosity, it’ll also help reduce engine noise by up to 40%.  They’ve also thrown in a high dosage of detergency additives for good measure.

Red Line is a favorite amongst customers of high performance vehicles in auto and motorcycle racing.  However; it is also suitable for everyday vehicles – they doesn’t discriminate.

It’s really a no-brainer.  If your engine is going to run hot, you simply need to get Red Line synthetic oil.

They’ve been around for almost 40 years and are a trusted brand, especially within the racing industry.  If you are within this industry and haven’t tried this beast of a synthetic oil, we implore you to do so.

Synthetic Motor Oil Buyer’s Guide

Here is a guide to help you choose which synthetic oil is best for your car.  As said earlier, most synthetic oils are good at things like lubrication and cleaning your vehicles engine.  However; some should be considered over others due to their specific properties which are applicable to certain situations.

If you like a brand of synthetic oil, be sure to check out the other products in their line up as most do offer variations.  For example, you may find specific oils for:

• High mileage / older engines
• Engines that will experience very high or very low temperatures
• Certain vehicles like trucks and motorcycles
• High performance engines like those founds in auto racers

What the Heck is Synthetic Motor Oil?

In case you were wondering, synthetic oil is oil that is made from a chemical process within a lab environment.  Unlike conventional or blended oil, it is not derived from crude oil.  Due to this process, it can be tailored to have none of the impurities (and ineffective properties) that come with crude oil.  The end result?  A superior motor oil for your vehicle.

Manufacturers develop motor oils by using a base stock and then adding additives to produce a lubricant with certain properties.  There are 5 categories of base stock according to the American Petroleum Institute.  Oils from Categories I and II are derived from crude oil.  Categories III to V are considered synthetic but it can be said that only IV and V are truly synthetic.

The Benefits of Synthetic Oil

You may be wondering why people are prepared to pay a premium for synthetic oil over conventional and even synthetic blends.  There are several reasons:

Pretty much anything you can think that conventional or synthetic blends do, full synthetic oil does even better.  For those who take car maintenance and performance seriously, you can’t skip on synthetic oil.

Things to Look Out For

Now that we know why synthetic oil is superior, here are things you should look out for when considering buying synthetic oil for your vehicle.

Switching to Synthetic Oil

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and get your first batch of synthetic oil, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of.

Before switching over, check with the manufacturer as not all synthetic oils are compatible with other types of oil.  If this is the case, you’ll have to drain the existing motor oil first.

On the other hand, some synthetic oils are actually compatible with conventional and synthetic blends.  In this case, it’s OK to add the synthetic oil with the older oil.  In some other cases, manufacturers will recommend a certain engine mileage or ‘break in’ period, before switching over.

Viscosity Grade

Viscosity is definitely the most important criteria to consider when purchasing synthetic motor oils.  As mentioned earlier, the viscosity or ‘consistency’ will vary depending on the operating temperature of your engine.  Temperatures inside the engine fluctuate due to engine stress and the temperature of the outside environment.

In general:

• High temperature and/or high engine stress:  If your vehicles engine is going to experience high temperatures, it’s a good idea to go with an oil that is thicker.  The oil will start at a higher viscosity and won’t become too thin when the engine heats up further.  Think of things like racing, towing on a hot day, or just driving around in very hot weather.  You want something around a grade of 10W – 40.  You’ll commonly find motorcycles using this grade.
• Typical engine stress and temperatures:  For general commuting such as on paved roads in suburbs or cities you want to go with oil that is better in a more moderate environment.  Something like 5W – 30 will be a good viscosity for cold, warm and hot temperature when an engine is under typical stress.
• Cold weather:  The previously mentioned 5W – 30 is also good for cold temperatures.  However; you might even go further and get something on the lines of 0W -30.

Additives

Additives are added to synthetic oil to increase certain properties.  For example, some additives work very well in ensuring oil doesn’t get too thin at high temperatures.  Others give the oil a great cleaning boost.  Let’s take a look at some of the common types:

• Viscosity-index Improvers:  These additives reduce the oils thinning tendencies at higher temperatures.
• Detergents:  Oil helps clean your engine, and these detergents ensure it does a better job.  For example, they help with hard to remove debris and gunk.
• Dispersants:  This helps prevent particles from clumping together which can cause issues like sludge build up and partial blockages.
• Corrosion inhibitors:  These help protect metal parts of the engine from corrosive elements like acid.
• Anti-wear agents:  As the name suggests, anti-wear agents prevent the metal moving components from wearing out.  A common anti-wear additive is known as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (or ZDDP) and up until recently the exact mechanics of how it works were unknown.
• Antioxidants:  Good for your body…and your car?  It turns out motor oils use antioxidants to prevent the decay of the base oil through oxidation.
• Conditioners:  This additive is especially more common in motor oils used for older engines.  They cause old (and loose) seals to swell, thereby preventing oil leaks.
• Anti-foam agents:  These agents help prevent the build up of bubbles and foam which can cause the oil to lose several of its properties, including the all important lubrication.

You can usually find the additive information on the manufacturer’s website or booklet or on the back of the bottle.

Over to you

We hope you enjoyed reading our best synthetic motor oils for 2022 buyer’s guide and top ten list.  Our goal is to make the whole decision process easier for you so you can make the right purchase.

Have any questions or comments?  Maybe there is another synthetic oil that you swear by that didn’t make it?  Or maybe you had some bad experiences with some of them?  Feel free to join the discussion.