A diesel engine, like a completely standard internal combustion engine, needs special care and maintenance. In particular, regular oil changes are required. This substance is a special composition that protects the motor from the occurrence of corrosion processes, with its help, excess heat is removed. It also removes carbon deposits and wear products from power units. It is worth noting that the engine has to work in rather harsh conditions due to exposure to high temperatures and accelerated combustion of fuel. This requires a special approach to the choice of oil, taking into account seasonal characteristics, viscosity index, and so on.
Unfortunately, not all motorists know how to choose the right products. Our editorial staff decided to help readers solve this problem and developed a rating of the best oils for a diesel engine. As part of this review, we will analyze in detail the key characteristics of the most popular products among drivers, as well as give some useful tips on choosing them.
How to choose the right oil for a diesel engine in 2022?
During operation, such a composition takes on a huge number of various functions that allow you to stabilize the normal operation of the engine and extend its life. The oil envelops and lubricates all the main moving parts, removes excess heat from the engine elements, protects it from corrosion processes, and removes carbon deposits from the power unit. Due to exposure to extreme operating conditions, oil wears out over time.
Unlike motor oil in the usual sense, such a consumable must withstand a number of increased loads. First of all, diesel fuel has a higher combustion temperature than gasoline, which leads to coking or burning of low-quality oil, which negatively affects its performance. In addition, a significant amount of soot is formed during operation, since the fuel burns completely in the engine. Exhaust gases fill the oil with a significant amount of sulfur, which leads to accelerated wear. The composition begins to oxidize and lose its original qualities.
When choosing oil for a diesel engine, a number of determining factors should be taken into account — type, presence of additives, seasonality. According to the type of oil, they are mineral, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic — in principle, as in conventional internal combustion engines. Synthetic oils have improved performance at lower temperatures. With their help, even in cold weather, the engine can be easily started.
In modern oils, additives are detergents, anti-corrosion agents, extreme pressure additives, and so on. With their help, the pour point is significantly reduced, and the viscosity index is also improved. Diesel oil also has an increased base number, which is very important when working with an engine whose cylinder-piston group is worn out, as well as when working with low-quality diesel fuel.
The quality of additives is also higher than that of similar products for gasoline engines. This oil retains soot well and removes excess substances from the engine that will linger on the filter element.
Although the overall operating temperature is lower on average compared to classic internal combustion engines, at certain points this figure is higher. As a rule, this happens with turbocharged engines. Another feature of the engine running on diesel fuel is the increased load on the crank mechanism even at low speeds, when the pressure drops to the lowest values.
When we selected these products to include in our review of the best diesel engine oils, we paid attention to all of the factors listed above. However, we also took into account some other points, such as value for money and user reviews. Here we tried to tell as much as possible about the capabilities of each composition and the duration of its operation.
Synthetic oils
4. Lukoil Genesis Claritech 5W-30
All-weather products developed by domestic specialists specifically for engines running on diesel fuel. When creating this engine oil, only the most advanced technologies were involved. As a result, products with reduced ash content appeared on the market — this parameter is one of the key parameters for extending the life of particulate filters. Special modern ActiClean additives have been added to the oil, which significantly increased its dispersing and cleaning qualities.
Such a lubricant will not only protect the engine elements from soot and slag, but also remove them. Technical performance at the highest level, both under the highest loads, and when operating at too low temperatures. Thanks to this oil, the power unit of the vehicle receives reliable protection, moreover, it has low consumption due to reduced volatility.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Economic consumption;
- Can be used at any time of the year;
- Reliably protects the engine even under extreme loads.
Disadvantages:
- Counterfeit products are often found on the market.
Lukoil Genesis Claritech 5W-30
3. TOTAL Quartz 9000 5W-40
In the case when the vehicle is operated in the most difficult conditions under extreme loads, this oil will come in handy. At its core, it is a complete analogue of the composition from the French manufacturer ELF. The formula of this oil allows for a long time to maintain the operation without repair of such engine components as turbines and compressors. The high heat capacity of the composition does not allow the engine to overheat. The detergent additives contained in the composition actively dissolve and remove slag and soot deposits from the motor. It is because of them that the operation of the engine is difficult, and the friction force between the moving elements also increases.
The engine on such oil functions as smoothly as possible, no unnecessary noise and vibration is felt. Products are able to level the factor of low-quality fuel, which contains a high concentration of sulfur. It perfectly protects the motor during start-up and peak loads, largely due to its resistance to temperature fluctuations.
Advantages:
- The engine does not overheat even at peak loads;
- There are a large number of high quality additives;
- Easily copes with low-quality diesel fuel.
Disadvantages:
- It’s pretty expensive.
TOTAL Quartz 9000 5W-40
2. General Motors Dexos2 Longlife 5W-30
A very popular composition, which was developed by specialists from a world-famous American company, however, such oil is produced both in European and Russian factories. It was developed taking into account the increased needs for additional protection of the motor from pollution and wear. Such a synthetic type lubricant is designed for use on diesel engines throughout the year, as it is able to easily resist even very large temperature fluctuations. Sulfur and phosphorus are not included in the composition, which allows for a long time to do without engine overhaul.
The oil is characterized by excellent penetrating ability, so all engine elements receive high-quality protection. It can be poured into absolutely all engines running on diesel fuel.
Advantages:
- Qualitatively lubricates all elements of the engine;
- High product reliability;
- Suitable for any engines running on diesel fuel;
- Allows the motor to do without major repairs for a long time.
Disadvantages:
- There are too many fakes on the market — finding original products is quite problematic.
General Motors Dexos2 Longlife 5W-30
1. IDEMITSU Zepro Euro Spec 5W-40
In the first place in this section is high-quality synthetic products made in Japan. With its help, it is possible to reliably protect not only diesel, but also gasoline internal combustion engines from accelerated wear. The oil can be used for filling into highly accelerated power units, which are also equipped with a turbine. The synthetic composition is produced using Idemitsu Kosan’s unique patented technology.
The formula combines a whole range of unique additives, thanks to which it was possible to provide very high washing characteristics and lubricating properties at very high temperatures, at significant negative temperatures the composition retains a stable viscosity. The oil will protect the engine elements from wear and corrosion, it is also able to maintain the catalytic converter and particulate filter in good condition.
Advantages:
- High quality products;
- Developed using unique technologies;
- Promotes fuel economy;
- Quite affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- Pretty high cost.
IDEMITSU Zepro Euro Spec 5W-40
Semi-synthetic oils
4. TNK Revolux D1 15W-40
Products of domestic production, it was developed by domestic engineers specifically for Russian and imported cars. The basis here is pure synthetic oil and mineral additives. High quality additives allow you to achieve the highest performance characteristics of the composition. This motor lubricant is an excellent choice when using fuels with a fairly high sulfur content.
Anti-friction and anti-wear active compounds have been added to the formula. With their help, it is possible to cope with oxidative processes and prevent the formation of deposits on the walls of a diesel engine. The products are perfectly combined with all other lubricants, it maintains a stable viscosity regardless of temperature conditions and loads. Even in very cold weather, the car will start almost instantly.
Advantages:
- Quite high-quality composition;
- It withstands peak loads and extremely low temperatures;
- Does not overheat;
- Works great with other lubricants.
Disadvantages:
- At a temperature of -45 degrees, it thickens, therefore, in the conditions of the Far North, such oil should not be poured into the engine.
TNK Revolux D1 15W-40
3. ELF Evolution 700 STI 10W-40
The latest generation of semi-synthetic oils from a well-known French manufacturer. It was developed specifically for filling both diesel and gasoline engines, which are equipped with direct fuel injection. With this composition, you can easily go on fairly long trips or spend whole days behind the wheel, which is very important, for example, for taxi drivers or delivery men. In this case, all the main parts of the diesel engine will remain clean for a long time with a sufficient amount of lubrication.
A semi-synthetic compound will be an excellent option for vehicle use in temperate climates. Products for a long time will retain their key performance characteristics. In the cold season, the oil can increase the viscosity index, which can make it difficult to start the engine.
Advantages:
- For a long time, car engine parts will remain clean;
- You can not be afraid not to observe the oil change interval;
- Great for use in temperate climates.
Disadvantages:
- During the colder months, the viscosity of the oil increases.
ELF Evolution 700 STI 10W-40
2. MOBIL Ultra 10W-40
The first Finnish-made multi-purpose product in our review of the best diesel engine oils. The composition is characterized by an acceptable cost, but at the same time of the highest quality, it can be poured into both diesel and gasoline engines. The product is based on a unique blend of the highest quality patented oils with the addition of the latest additives. With their help, it is possible to achieve maximum engine protection, regardless of the mode of its operation.
If this semi-synthetic composition is regularly poured into the engine, it will be possible to significantly reduce the wear of parts and mechanisms, and make it easier to start the engine in any climatic conditions. All engine elements remain clean largely due to the high washing characteristics of the oil. Most of both domestic and imported car manufacturers recommend this composition for their products.
Advantages:
- Quite affordable cost of the material;
- The highest quality base and additives;
- They retain their qualities well at various temperatures.
Disadvantages:
- In prolonged, very cold weather, it may begin to thicken.
MOBIL Ultra 10W-40
1. ROLF Dynamic Diesel 10W-40
Another all-weather product that is perfect for both atmospheric internal combustion engines of cars and turbocharged truck engines. The quality of the semi-synthetic composition of the mixture is at a very high level, due to which these products are recommended even by world-famous vehicle manufacturers — MAN, Volvo, Renault, Mercedes and a number of others. The latest additive technology is used here, which ensures perfect cleaning of engine elements and protects them from corrosion.
Oil significantly reduces the coefficient of friction when starting the engine during severe frosts. The key distinguishing quality of this composition is the ability to significantly increase the life of the engine while maintaining its key compositions.
Advantages:
- Quite affordable cost of production;
- Provides stable engine start in any temperature conditions;
- The motor runs almost silently.
Disadvantages:
- It is not found in all Russian regions.
ROLF Dynamic Diesel 10W-40
Diesel oils for the winter months
2. IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30
This is a fully synthetic Japanese-made oil, which is made on the basis of pure polyalphaolefins and a whole range of unique additives. The oil is designed for the use of gasoline and diesel engines, which can be equipped with catalysts and turbines. The formula includes molybdenum compounds, which allow for the quietest operation of a diesel engine. Due to this composition, it is possible to slow down the aging of the motor — this effect was achieved through the use of pure synthetics and a low concentration of additives.
In the manufacture of these products, a special patented VHVI technology is involved, due to which the lubricant composition acquires additional resistance to low temperatures. The product retains its original fluidity for a long time, cold start resistance is minimal. Products are produced only in metal cans.
Advantages:
- Quite affordable cost;
- Excellent performance;
- The engine will start easily even at very low temperatures.
Disadvantages:
- Often there are fake compositions.
IDEMITSU Zepro Touring Pro 0W-30
1. CASTROL TURBO DIESEL 0W-30
When equipment based on a diesel engine must be constantly operated in harsh Russian climatic conditions, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without the use of this oil. This composition is also suitable for use in engines with turbochargers and catalysts. The unique formula, developed by Belgian specialists, prevents pollution of the exhaust line due to the insignificant concentration of hazardous substances in the exhaust gases.
The oil film of the highest quality was made as strong as possible due to the most modern TITANIUM FST technology. Diesel engines using this oil are able to operate under such conditions for a long time. Oil consumption during operation is minimal — it is practically not necessary to top it up.
Advantages:
- Even in extreme cold, the engine starts easily;
- Oil is practically not consumed;
- The latest technologies are used in the development and production;
- The concentration of hazardous substances in the exhaust gases is minimal.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
CASTROL TURBO DIESEL 0W-30
In conclusion, a useful video
So our rating of the best oils for diesel engines has come to an end. We hope that after a detailed study of all the key characteristics of the products presented, you will be able to choose the optimal composition for your vehicle, which will reliably protect the engine from wear and corrosion. If, nevertheless, some questions remain, then you can always ask them to our editors in the comments to this article. We will try to answer each of them as soon as possible.