Which motor oil brands German drivers trust and which ones are at the top

Cheap motor oil is already available for a few euros per liter, expensive costs many times over. But which one is good, which brand do most drivers put their trust in?

A large survey by the magazine “Auto Bild” has determined which engine oils are best received by drivers. More than 40,000 readers named their favorites. Here are the top ten and the most important things about engine oil.

Above all, the oil has three important tasks:

• It lubricates the moving parts in the engine, reducing friction between metal surfaces.
• It has a cleaning effect because it absorbs mechanical abrasion and combustion residues.
• It cools engine components and protects metal parts from rust.

Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers or once a year – whichever comes first. However, the frequency depends on the make and model, driving conditions and the oil used. Therefore, read your car’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

Regular oil changes are important to protect the engine and ensure optimal performance. Changing the oil removes dirty oil and deposits that can damage the engine. So you save yourself expensive repairs.

• First, consult your car’s manual. Inside you will find important information about the recommended oil viscosity that is most suitable for your car’s engine.
• When buying, pay attention to the right viscosity of the oil. It indicates how thick the oil is and how well it flows in different temperature ranges. Most modern cars require a low viscosity (“thin oil”) oil.
• There are synthetic and conventional oils that are recommended for different types of vehicles. Synthetic oils typically offer better performance and longer life. But they are also more expensive.
• Check that the oil meets the correct API and SAE standard. The API classification indicates whether the oil meets the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. The SAE classification refers to the viscosity of the oil.
• Observe the recommended change intervals: some oils are specially designed for longer intervals, while others need to be changed more frequently. You should definitely keep to this interval later.

The guide value for sealed cans is a shelf life of three to five years. Once opened, the oil should be used up within six months. Stale oil can lose some of its effectiveness. Therefore it should not be used under any circumstances. Here’s how to spot bad oil.