Diesel engine oil is a type of motor oil that is designed for use in diesel engines. It’s basically a thick, black oil that is made from a variety of petroleum-based products.
But did you know that there are many different types of diesel engine oil?
In this blog post, we will cover the most common types and their uses.
Additionally, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type to help you make an informed decision when purchasing engine oil for your diesel vehicle.
Keep reading to learn more!
Types of Diesel Engine Oil
Since engine oil is an essential component of any diesel engine, it is important to choose the right oil for your engine.
Here are the most common types of diesel engine oil:
1. Standard Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is the most common type of engine oil.
It is made from a blend of petroleum-based products and contains additives that protect your engine from wear and tear.
Pros
1- Conventional motor oil is affordable and widely available.
2- It can be used in most diesel engines without any issues.
Cons
1- Conventional motor oil does not protect your engine as well as other types of engine oil.
2- It needs to be changed more frequently than other types of oil.
2. Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil is a type of engine oil that is made from synthetic base oils.
A stronger performing base fluid is produced through the development of new base oil components (synthesis) to create a synthetic base oil. It also comes with certain additives that can protect your engine from wear.
Pros
1- Synthetic motor oil protects your engine better than standard oils.
2- It does not need to be changed as often as conventional motor oil.
3- It can help improve fuel economy.
Cons
1- Synthetic motor oil is more expensive than conventional motor oil.
2- It may not be compatible with all types of engines.
3. Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Full synthetic motor oil is a type of engine oil that is made from 100% synthetic base oils.
For full synthetic motor oil, over 90% of the base oil formulation consists of these more potent synthesized base oil components.
Pros
1- Full synthetic motor oil is the best type of motor oil for protecting your engine.
2- It can help improve fuel economy.
3- It does not need to be changed as often as other types of motor oil.
Cons
1- Full synthetic motor oil is the most expensive type of motor oil.
2- It may not be compatible with all types of engines.
4. High Mileage Motor Oil
High mileage motor oil is a type of engine oil that is designed for use in high mileage vehicles.
This type of oil not only comes with additives that can help in protecting your engine much better but also there are seal enhancers that reduce leaks.
Pros
1- High mileage motor oil can help extend the life of your engine.
2- It can help improve fuel economy.
3- It protects your engine from wear and tear.
Cons
1- High mileage motor oil is more expensive than conventional motor oil.
2- It may not be compatible with all types of engines.
5. Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blend motor oil (also called Semi-Synthetic or Hybrid Formula Oil) is a type of engine oil that is made from a blend of synthetic and conventional base oils.
It also contains additives that protect your engine from wear and tear.
These motor oils provide a balance between the economy offered by conventional oil and the protection offered by synthetic oil.
But because of the synthetic base stock, you’ll receive more performance and protection than with a normal oil alone.
Pros
1- Synthetic blend motor oil is less expensive than full synthetic motor oil.
2- It can help improve fuel economy.
3- It does not need to be changed as often as conventional motor oil.
Cons
1- Synthetic blend motor oil may not be compatible with all types of engines.
2- It does not protect your engine as well as full synthetic motor oil.
Best Oil Brands for Diesel Engines Available in the Market
Now that you know the different types of diesel engine oil, you might be wondering which brand is best for your engine.
Here are some of the best oil brands for diesel engines:
1. Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
Looking for an oil that can keep up with your diesel engine? Look no further than Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil.
This oil is designed to provide superior wear protection and fuel economy in modern, high-output diesel engines.
It’s also compatible with low-emission engines and can help to extend the life of your engine.
And for those who like to do their own oil changes, it’s worth noting that this oil is easy to pour and doesn’t leave behind a messy residue.
So whether you’re looking for better performance or simply an easier oil to change, Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil is a perfect choice.
2. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
Valvoline Advanced is a full synthetic diesel engine oil that is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines.
It’s also compatible with low-emission engines and can help to extend the life of your engine.
This oil is easy to pour and provides superior wear protection and fuel economy.
And for those who like to do their own oil changes, it’s worth noting that this oil is easy to pour and doesn’t leave behind a messy residue.
So whether you’re looking for better performance or simply an easier oil to change, Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil is a perfect choice.
3. Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck Full Synthetic Motor Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that can keep up with your diesel engine, look no further than Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
This oil is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines and is also compatible with low-emission engines.
It can help to extend the life of your engine and provides superior wear protection and fuel economy.
4. Mobil 1 DELO 400 LE SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that can keep up with your diesel engine, look no further than Mobil 1 DELO 400 LE SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil.
This oil is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines and is also compatible with low-emission engines.
It can help to extend the life of your engine and provides superior wear protection and fuel economy.
5. Castrol Edge 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
Castrol Edge 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines.
It’s also compatible with low-emission engines and can help to extend the life of your engine. This oil provides superior wear protection and fuel economy.
And for those who like to do their own oil changes, it’s worth noting that this oil offers better performance.
6. Chevron Delo 400 XLE SAE 15W-40 Full Synthetic Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil
Chevron Delo 400 LE Synthetic Motor Oil is a synthetic motor oil that is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines.
It’s also compatible with low-emission engines and can help to extend the life of your engine.
7. ExxonMobil Delvac Super 1300 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil
ExxonMobil Delvac Super 1300 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil is designed for use in modern, high-output diesel engines.
It’s also compatible with low-emission engines and can help to extend the life of your engine. This oil provides superior wear protection and fuel economy.
So whether you’re looking for better performance or simply an easier oil to change, ExxonMobil Delvac Super 1300 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil is a perfect choice.
These are just some of the best oil brands for diesel engines. You can also ask your mechanic or dealership for recommendations on which oil to use in your engine.
Key Features and Considerations When Choosing Engine Oil for Your Truck
Now that you know the different types of diesel engine oil, here are some key features and considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right oil for your engine:
1. Viscosity
Viscosity is important because it helps to lubricate the engine and prevent wear. It’s basically a measure of an oil’s ability to flow at various temperatures.
The higher the viscosity, the thicker the oil, and the slower it flows. The viscosity of motor oils varies at various temperatures.
The higher the temperature, the thicker the oil becomes (for example, 15W-40 is thicker than 5W-40); however, some modern engines may require thinner oil for optimal engine performance and durability.
Diesel motors are generally rated between 15W-40 and 5W-40. The number before the W indicates the oil’s cold thickness, whereas the number after is its normal operating temperature thickness.
2. Additives
Additives are chemicals that are added to the oil to improve its performance. Common additives include dispersants, detergents, anti-wear agents, and anti-foaming agents.
Different diesel motor oils have different blends of additives to improve various characteristics.
For instance, viscosity-index improvers play an important role in preventing oil from becoming too thin at high temperatures.
Detergent additives, for example, are cleaning agents that are used to clean deposits and sludge from your car’s engine.
Before purchasing a synthetic engine oil, evaluate the additives that would offer you the most benefits.
3. Base oils
Base oils are the base ingredients of motor oil. They can be either synthetic or petroleum-based.
If you are looking for the best protection for your engine, choose an oil that has synthetic base oil.
Synthetic base oils are designed to resist breakdown and degradation at high temperatures.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an oil that is less expensive, choose one with a petroleum-based base oil.
Petroleum-based base oils are derived from crude oil and are not as resistant to breakdown and degradation as synthetic base oils.
4. Certification
If you want to be sure that you are getting high-quality oil, look for one that has been certified by an organization such as the American Petroleum Institute (API).
The API is a trade association that represents the oil and gas industry in the United States. They have a certification program that tests and certifies motor oils that meet their standards.
Oils that have been certified by the API will have a label on the bottle that says “API Certified.”
5. Engine Compatibility
Compatibility refers to an oil’s ability to be used in different types of engines. Not all oils are compatible with all engine types.
So, if you have a specific type of engine (like Cummins, Fords, or Duramax), make sure to check the oil compatibility.
For example, Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 is synthetic engine oil that is compatible with most engines including Cummins, Fords, and Duramax engines.
6. Road & Environmental Conditions
The type of oil you need also depends on the conditions in which you will be driving.
For instance, if you live in an area with hot weather, you will need an oil that has a higher viscosity rating.
Conversely, if you live in an area with cold weather, you will need an oil with a lower viscosity rating.
You should also take into account the type of roads you will be driving on. If you will be driving mostly on highways, you will need oil with a higher viscosity rating.
But, if you will be driving on dirt roads, you will need oil with a lower viscosity rating.
7. Quantity and Shelf Life
The quantity of oil you need will depend on the size of your engine. A small engine will require less oil than a large-sized engine.
The shelf life of an oil is the amount of time it can be stored before it starts to degrade.
Synthetic oils for example have a longer shelf life than petroleum-based oils. So, if you are looking for an oil that will last longer, choose synthetic oil.
8. Application
Diesel engine oils are used in a variety of applications including:
- Passenger cars
- Light-duty trucks
- Medium-duty trucks
- Heavy-duty trucks
- Off-road vehicles
- Industrial equipment
- Marine engines
- Generators
- Compressors
The type of oil you need will therefore also depend on the application in which it will be used.
For instance, if you are using the oil in a passenger car, you will need a different oil than if you are using it in an off-road vehicle, an industrial engine, or a marine engine.
9. Price
Price is a major consideration when choosing motor oil.
Typically, the price of motor oil can range from $20 to $100 per gallon. The price depends on the quality of the oil and the type of oil you choose.
Synthetic oils for example are more expensive than conventional oils. So, if you are on a budget, you may want to choose a conventional oil.
However, keep in mind that synthetic oils offer better protection and may not need to be replaced as often.
FAQs
Is 5W-30 good for trucks?
Yes, 5W-30 is a good oil for trucks. It is a synthetic oil that has a high viscosity rating, which makes it ideal for use in cold weather conditions.
10W-30 is also a good oil, especially for summers. It has a lower viscosity rating, which makes it ideal for use in hot weather conditions.
Is it OK to use 5w20 instead of 5w30?
No, 5w20 is not the same as 5w30. 5W20 is thinner and intended for colder conditions.
If you substitute 5w20 for 5w30 in a warmer environment, you may experience more friction and engine wear.
Your car’s performance and lifespan will be jeopardized in the long run.
How often should I change my diesel engine oil?
Most manufacturers recommend changing your diesel engine oil every 5,000 miles.
However, you may need to change it more often if you drive in extreme conditions.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, there are different types of diesel engine oil available in the market. Each type has its own set of pros and cons.
The best type of diesel engine oil to use is one that meets your specific needs.
You should consider the climate, driving conditions, and the type of engine you have when choosing an oil.
When choosing an oil, also consider your budget. If you want the best protection for your engine, choose synthetic oil.
Synthetic oils offer better protection and may not need to be replaced as often. They also have a longer shelf life than petroleum-based oils.
But if you are on a budget, conventional oil will do the job just fine. Be sure to check the compatibility of the oil with your engine before making a purchase.
Also, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to find the best oil for your engine.