14 best diesel oils

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

Due to the popularity of this market segment, the magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ together with staff 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 were taken and the final assessment derived from them was taken.

Top Diesel Engine Oil Ratings

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

The best synthetic oils for diesel engines

LIQUI MOLY Diesel Synthoil 5W-40

Rating: 4.9

High-quality synthetics from the German company Liqui Moly, which has balanced technical characteristics for the sake of the main operational features. The composition of polyalphaolefins and the additive package perfectly interacts with poor diesel fuel, whose combustion products entering the crankcase contribute to the accelerated development of a fresh fill resource. There is no such effect here: special antioxidant modifiers act as negative suppressors.

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

SHELL Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40

Rating: 4.8

Diesel oil from the title supplier of Ferrari, recreated by the unique technology of Shell PurePlus. Pure synthetics work perfectly with catalysts and turbocharged engines, complying with API, ACEA specifications and even BMW individual approval. Especially valuable is the use of Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40 with frequent off-road driving, where the diesel is experiencing the greatest overload.

In addition, this oil perfectly copes with temperature fluctuations, and therefore it is often recommended for use in Russia.Its freezing point is -45 ° C, and the flash occurs when reaching a mark of 242 ° C, which is the best result among these competitors. Despite all the advantages of SHELL Helix Ultra Diesel 5W-40 and the possibility of its use in diesels that are not equipped with a diesel particulate filter, experts and users agreed on the relative main disadvantage. Due to excessive popularity, the product became interesting to counterfeiters, which influenced the growth of fakes in retail sales. This situation has been haunting the company for a long time, but it has not taken any significant steps to curb this.

IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40

Rating: 4.8

The only oil in the domestic market that is not susceptible to counterfeiting by unreliable companies. Supplied in tin containers, IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40 provides, perhaps, the most comprehensive protection of the engine from all the negative factors of work on diesel fuel. And even frankly disgusting quality: the oxidation of the composition with the active breakthrough of gases into the crankcase is extremely slow. So much the better for drivers - the interval between replacements can often reach 8,000 kilometers.

Judging by the user reviews, at first glance IDEMITSU Zepro Diesel 5W-40 manifests itself in exactly the same way as most of its competitors - no major improvement in the softness of the engine is observed. But the little things, as always, lie in the details. The fact is that this oil was developed taking into account the possibilities of serious temperature drops due to which the freezing point was “pushed” to -50 ° C. Great result, especially for car owners from cities of Siberia. As for the shortcomings, there are no such problems either in the mechanism of work or in the technical characteristics - the only serious nuance lies behind the factor of high prices. The rest of the oil is perfect, for which it is rightfully included in the top ranking.

The best semi-synthetic oils for diesel engines

LIQUI MOLY Optimal Diesel 10W-40

Rating: 4.9

Another representative of the company Liqui Moly, designed specifically to comply with the specifics of the road conditions in Russia. The added additive package provides increased efficiency in terms of fuel consumption (small increase: up to 1.2%), allows you to actively protect the internal part of diesel engines from corrosion, oxides and the formation of other solid inclusions, as well as to clean them during the entire period of operation.

Perhaps the most vivid illustration of the capabilities of the Optimal Diesel 10W-40 are outstanding technical specifications. The kinetic viscosity of the composition at 100 ° C reaches 14.4 mm²/ sec, which is an indicator of the continuity of lubrication of moving parts, even under high temperatures. In turn, the freezing of this semi-synthetics occurs at -39 ° C - a rather high rate even by the standards of pure synthetics. On top of the picture of superiority over competitors, we note that Optimal Diesel 10W-40 is approved by the recognized auto industry giants (BMW and Vlokswagen, and also has API CF and ACEA B3 tolerances.

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

Rating: 4.8

The second line of the rating is assigned to the only representative of MOBIL - Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40 oil, which is among the premium technical fluids on a semi-synthetic basis. But what makes this composition bonus? Indeed, additives such as molybdenum disulfide, as in the case of the product Liqui Moly, or any other elements are not among its components.

In fact, manufacturers have come up with a premium product to baptize themselves in order to increase its popularity and distinguish among the gray mass of competitors. Yes, they squeezed the maximum out of a limited additive package, forcing the oil to work for 5-6 thousand kilometers without any complaints. Yes, they reached the specifications for excellent performance, even in the case of the freezing point (-30 ° C). However, conceptually, the oil has no difference from the same “Lukoil”. Perhaps the rank of advantages of the Super 2000 X1 Diesel 10W-40 can be recorded at a moderate cost, which is leveled by a high proportion of fakes in the secondary market.

LUKOIL Standard SF / CC 10W-4

Rating: 4.7

The main supplier of oil to the conveyor lines of PJSC AvtoVAZ, Lukoil enjoys high popularity among amateurs to the best of budget and high-quality product. Despite fame, first of all, as a manufacturer of compositions for gasoline engines, in its lines you can find products for diesel technology. The standard SF / CC 10W-4 is one of the brightest representatives of those, who deserved a line in the rating with good performance indicators.

Frosting at -33 ° C, this oil is positioned as all-season, 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 is sharply reduced already upon reaching a run of 4 thousand. Here, a totally small number of tolerances and approvals can be noted here: in fact, in the first case only API SF / CC appears, and in the second (approval), the above-mentioned AvtoVAZ PJSC. Despite all the shortcomings of Lukoil, the SF / CC 10W-4 standard performs well, even if it belongs to the circle of the most basic oils on the market.

The best mineral oils for diesel engines

SHELL Rimula R4 L

Rating: 4.9

The second representative of SHELL, who managed to win the title of the best in the segment of consumer diesel oil. All the superiority of Rimula R4 L is based on a simple formula: the company was initially set up to release a product under heavy-loaded engines, operating mainly in off-road conditions or having additional components (such as turbocharging). Having compiled all the requirements in one concept, the engineers of the British firm set about improving three operational components: preventing increased wear, blocking the mechanism of formation of solid deposits, and neutralizing acids. And, it should be said, they coped with the task perfectly.

First, the protective mechanism SHELL Rimula R4 L operates in a wide temperature range: full crystallization of the oil begins at -33 ° C, and a 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/ sec - the best result among all representatives of the category.As a result, in terms of the combination of positive characteristics, this oil is the coolest of minerals, which confirms the high demand from consumers and the approval of experts.

LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40

Rating: 4.8

Unique mineral diesel oil for all-season use, which occupies one of the leading places in the rating due to the complex of additionally provided functions and properties. The composition of LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40, in addition to high-quality mineral base and additives, was introduced molybdenum disulfide, acting as an extreme-pressure, friction, noise-insulating component. In addition, his asset also records promoting cleanliness of the engine and active resistance to the formation of deposits, 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/ sec. This means that the film formed during such heating of the oil is stable and does not lose its lubricating properties, remaining solid and avoiding dry friction in the nodes. However, a little confused by the amount of evaporation, which constitutes (with a run) 8.2% of the fill volume. As for the freezing temperature and flash, these indicators are in the optimal range: -30 and 220 ° C, respectively. However, paying attention to the nuances, let's say: the optimal level of cost compensates for all the shortcomings, and an additional component gives the oil a uniqueness among monotonous competitors.

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 mechanisms of operation: protection against oxides, sludge and sludge formation, increase in diesel engine performance indicators, and also extends the service life of the casting to 6 thousand kilometers.

With a collection of 12 tolerances and approvals, Castrol Vecton 15W-40 shows good results for important technical indicators. In particular, the overall purity of the oil is impressive in terms of the impurity content: the amount of ash in the composition does not exceed 1.36% of the total mass. In addition, the pH-indicator is at the level of 10.5 units, which indicates a weak alkaline environment and the ability to neutralize the acids formed during the combustion of the fuel. The final advantage of this "mineral water" can be considered a high pour point even by the standards of synthetics: the crystallization of oil begins to occur at -42 ° C.

The best diesel oils for winter

SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30

Rating: 4.9

Premium grade synthetic oil with a huge track record of positive effects when used in the winter. Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 implements Emission Compatible Technology, which allows for more thorough cleaning of the inside of the engine along with lubrication of the most critical components.

By means of various bench and functional tests, it was proved that this composition significantly improves fuel economy (by 2.6% compared to the reference sample within ACEA M 111), and also provides 2 times better cleaning of pistons from carbon than the industry requires. norms. In essence, it seems that SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 marks the rank of the standard for the next few years, for other manufacturers do not yet express a desire to introduce products that are significantly ahead of the rather stringent standards. Together with a set of 10 tolerances and a full baggage of experimental merit, this synthetics goes back to the first line of our rating.

Motul 8100 X-max 0W30

Rating: 4.8

French oil with a modest (albeit representative) number of tolerances 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 basis 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 been converted into a solid state of aggregation (-51 ° C), and also provides high-quality engine protection throughout the entire life cycle.

According to users, its resource is enough for a stable 10 thousand kilometers. However, in order to avoid the launch of the destructive mechanisms of sludge formation and corrosion, it is best to replace them by 1-2 before the nominal rate, especially in older, best-in-time units. Thanks to a careful study of the composition to preserve the flow properties in the winter, the engineers were able 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 Motul 8100 X-max 0W30 you can see almost perfect indicators for all the main and secondary characteristics ... except for the price parameter. However, in relation to quality and durability, it does not seem to be something negative.

TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30

Rating: 4.7

Another synthetic takes the third line of the rating, this time - produced by TOTAL. Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30 was once the leader of the segment, but a series of falsifications and strengthening of the main competitors threw him 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 maintaining the interior in complete cleanliness.

Unlike the main competitors, TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy 0W30 is not a neutralizer of acids 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 inside the engine and solutions, and acids, and oxides. A good move, moreover, in all temperature conditions of operation - from -45 to 226 ° С. If it were not susceptibility to fraud, the composition could claim a place higher.But do not consider this an unsolvable problem - good, there are a lot of instructions on how to distinguish a fake from the original.

IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30

Rating: 4.6

The composition is nominally of Japanese origin, complying with the strict requirements of Asian standards, and at the same time excellently passing under 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% of sulphate ash, up to 0.5% of sulfur and 0.08% of 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 alkaline neutral: pH 7.84 does not harm the components of the unit, but it is also incapable of neutralizing acids. Fortunately, for this, the base 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 a low freezing temperature: the oil is excellent for regions where frosts often overcome the -40 ° C mark. As a final fact, we note that the guaranteed working life here is 8 thousand kilometers or 300 hours (engine hours).

Castrol Edge 0W-30 A5 / B5

Rating: 4.5

Synthetic-based universal motor oil capable of operating in gasoline and diesel engines, created using modern technical solutions. It is based on the technology TITANIUM FST, the essence of which lies in the introduction of additives based on titanium. The active particles of this additive significantly increase the resistance of the oil to various influences, and also allows you to maintain the viscosity and integrity of the oil film in the entire range of operating temperatures.

Despite the generally moderate flash point, Castrol Edge 0W-30 starts to freeze at a whopping -60 ° C. This allows the composition to work without problems and in conditions close to the Far North, where the leading role is given to concentrates and other potent technical fluids. In addition, it is necessary to recognize it as one of the cleanest in this selection: the content of sulphated ash hardly exceeds 1% of the total mass. Unfortunately, the emphasis on universality has picked up a significant amount of the working resource, which is so necessary for normal and long-term work in a diesel engine. In fact, the development comes here already with a run of 7 thousand kilometers, and in terms of value, this is not the best result.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.