People choose different types of vehicles for different reasons, and each type has its pros and cons, pretty much like everything in life. Diesel vehicles are renowned for being exceptionally powerful, with power-focused engines that get them through anything.
They’re also well known for being extremely fuel-efficient compared to other types of vehicles, which is always a plus. With the engine being such an important feature, it’s important to keep it in top shape and running smoothly.
That way, you get the best performance possible out of your vehicle and you can help increase its lifespan by helping it run smoothly. To keep the engine running smoothly, you need to use engine oil, which is an essential part of vehicle maintenance and upkeep.
Specifically, you need to use appropriate diesel oil, as you can’t mix and match types of oils with the types of cars, they need to be compatible.
There are many different types of diesel oils available, stemming from different brands that focus on different features and results. The market is full of a wide range of options, and it can be tricky to know which diesel oil is the best for your diesel vehicle.
Since you’re buying some oil, it might as well do as much as it can other than helping the engine run smoothly, so you really want to aim for the best possible product.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list with our top picks for the best overall diesel oils, chosen for their high-quality standard, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
In a hurry?
Choosing the right diesel oil for your vehicle can really help enhance its peak performance while helping maintain it in a way that improves the lifespan and reduces the risk of any parts getting damaged. Having an engine that runs smoothly is of vital importance when it comes to vehicles, so buying oil is an essential part of taking care of your car.
If you’re in a hurry to get the best overall diesel oil possible, then we recommend you jump on straight to our number one top pick: the Castrol 03087 Edge Extended Performance diesel oil.
The Castrol brand is highly reliable and is renowned for its high-quality and high-performance amongst car engine products. The Extended performance diesel oil enhances and extends the high-performance of diesel engines, specially designed to serve those that work at high capacity for any given time.
It can sustain that level of high-performance even under extreme heat pressure, which is what makes it such a reliable and effective product. It comes with a special titanium fluid strength technology that prevents the oil from breaking down at lower levels of viscosity, as well as reducing overall friction by 15% and reducing contact between metals by 45%.
It lubricates the engine, to ensure it runs smoothly, and it significantly improves its lifespan and durability.
Here are the main features:
- Reliable and well-known brand – extremely high-quality
- Excellent for enhancing high-performance
- Engineered to operate under extreme heat pressure
- Titanium fluid strength technology – specially developed during 7 years
- Extends the lifespan of the engine
- Smooths, lubricates, and cleans the engine
Top 5 Best Diesel Oils
OUR TOP PICK
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Castrol 03087 Edge Extended Performance
EDITORS CHOICE
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BEST VALUE
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Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection
OUR TOP PICK
Castrol 03087 Edge Extended Performance
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The Castrol brand has become a synonym for high-quality in the world of cars, with their engine oil products being some of the best. The Edge Extended performance, just as the name suggests, has a high focus on extending and enhancing the performance of the engine.
It can also sustain high levels of performance under extreme heat pressure. As a Castrol product, it’s backed up with titanium fluid strength technology, which has been developed for 7 years.
This prevents the oil from breaking down at lower levels of viscosity, reduces overall friction by 15 percent, and it reduces the contact of metal on metal by 45 percent, at any driving speed.
It’s highly recommended for diesel vehicles with extremely high-performance levels, and it’s been proven to extend the lifespan of said vehicles by working as an effective lubricant in the engine.
Perfect for ensuring the diesel engine works smoothly and is able to function at top capacity for extended periods of time!
PROS:
- Excellent for enhancing high-performance
- Engineered to operate under extreme heat pressure
- Titanium fluid strength technology
- Extends the lifespan of the engine
- Smooths, lubricates, and cleans the engine
CONS:
- Not compatible with wet clutch
EDITORS CHOICE
Mobil 1 120760 Motor Oil
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If you live or drive in a location with harsher or more extreme conditions, you’ll want to make sure that the diesel oil you’re using can withstand colder temperatures without becoming ineffective.
The Mobil 1 Motor Oil is the perfect diesel oil for this and has passed the 0w rating. This means that it sustains its thin viscosity even when working in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also withstands heat temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rest assured that your engine will remain protected under every extreme weather condition possible. It also protects from oil oxidation.
The Mobil 1 is a great diesel oil for keeping the engine clean thanks to its amazing cleaning power, able to even strip out heavy buildups of sludge from previous oils.
Fuel efficiency is therefore massively increased, which in turn helps reduce oil consumption and makes the engine work better overall.
The formula used in the Mobil 1 Oil has been approved by Dexos and has met OEM standards, making it one of the most recommended diesel oils worldwide.
PROS:
- Withstands extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold
- Protects from oil oxidation and increases engine lifespan
- Amazing cleaning power
- Dexos and OEM standards approved
CONS:
- Many customers claim the packaging leaks
BEST VALUE
Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection
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Shell Rotella is another renowned brand that has become a synonym of high-quality and high-standards across car engine products.
The T4 Triple Protection is a diesel oil that offers excellent levels of protection for your diesel engine, with a triple protection technology that is able to keep up with the changing driving conditions and the newest engine requirements that have been put in place with the modern low-emission diesel engines, as well as still working with older diesel engines.
The T4 technology means that the oil resists break down when submitted to high temperatures and high pressure, as well as meaning that the oil has a higher resistance to oxidation.
Therefore, the durability and lifespan of the engine are increased, along with its levels of performance. It is ideal for heavy-duty diesel vehicles and will ensure that the engine runs smoothly and at top capacity.
PROS:
- Triple protection technology
- Excellent with old and new engines
- T4 technology to resist break down
- Increases durability and lifespan of the engine
CONS:
- Not apt for motorcycles
RUNNER UP
Valvoline Premium Blue Engine Oil
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The Valvoline Premium Blue Engine diesel oil is a product recommended by many leading engine manufacturers, as it is a highly reliable and efficient product.
It is also exclusively endorsed and recommended by Cummins, which awards quite the prestige.
With a patented Dispersive Polymer technology, it protects the different components of the engine from wear and tear, as well as lubricating them for smooth functionality.
The standard of its quality has been approved by the Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGC) and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which makes it an excellent overall choice with assured results.
The engine response remains at high performance with this diesel oil, even in harsher cold or hot weather conditions.
This diesel oil is also good for neutralizing acidic materials, combustion by-products, and other contaminants that are in the engine, which then helps increase the efficiency of the engine quite significantly.
PROS:
- Product exclusively endorsed by Cummins
- Patented Dispersive Polymer Technology
- EGC and DPF approved
- High-performance and increased engine efficiency
CONS:
- Not apt for motorcycle engines
RUNNER UP
Royal Purple 04154 Oil
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If you’re looking for an extremely versatile product that is ideal for diesel engines but that also works with gasoline engines, then the Royal Purple oil is the ideal choice for you.
It claims to have a film strength at least twice as strong as other engine oils, making it a highly recommended product in today’s market. The additive technology it features comes with a ZDDP that highly protects from wear and tear and prolongs the life of the emission catalyst system. The lubrication quality is Dexos and ILSAC approved, reaching high standards and results. It provides one of the highest levels of engine cleaning, leaving no rust or sludge and therefore improving the efficiency of the engine.
It is completely API Licensed and is becoming a favorite amongst customers thanks to its excellent and consistent results when taking care of car engines.
PROS:
- Works for diesel and gasoline engines
- Excellent film strength
- Additive technology
- Dexos and ILSAC approved, with full API license
CONS:
- Doesn’t fix or help with bad bearings
Best Diesel Oil Buying Guide
Keeping your car in top shape is essential, and that means spending some extra time and effort ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and is protected against damage, wear and tear, and dirt.
The best way to do so is by using suitable diesel oil so that the engine’s performance is enhanced and its life is prolonged. However, there are many different offers available in the market, with many competing brands claiming to offer the best possible oil.
There are many features that are offered, but there are also many factors to consider before you choose which product is best for you and your vehicle.
When it comes to engines, high-quality oil can make a huge difference. To help you understand the basics, we’ve summarized the main factors to take into consideration when buying diesel oil for your vehicle.
Above all else, it’s vital that the oil you buy is compatible with your vehicle engine, otherwise, it might cause harm and damage!
Viscosity
Diesel oil isn’t completely liquid, and it’s better identified for its viscosity. This viscosity also increases or decreases depending on the temperature, so it is a good indicator of the conditions under which the engine is running.
When the temperature goes lower and colder, the molecules of the diesel oil start to gel up and the viscosity increases by a lot. This can be dangerous, as too much viscosity will then become trapped sludge in the engine. When the temperature goes higher and hotter, the opposite happens, and the oil becomes thinner and runnier.
You have to pick a diesel oil that has the right additives and technology to ensure that the oil can perform well under different pressures and temperatures, and ensure that it is regulated so that it can still be used in cold or hot temperatures without risk of damage or break down.
Quality Certification and Approval
In the United States, the quality level and performance of an engine oil is measured by different tests and standards, which then have to meet the requirements sufficient to be approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Always ensure that the diesel oil you’re buying has this certificate, although it would be very rare for it to not have it if it’s being sold by a reliable brand.
There are many other safety and quality certificates that an engine oil can achieve, such as the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC). It’s also a good sign if the diesel oil you buy is recommended or endorsed by big car manufacturers or engine experts, as it means it is of a high and efficient quality.
Technology used
The technology used in engineering a good diesel oil covers things such as the added features for enhanced performance or durability, as well as the cleaning power. It’s good to consider the formula used in a diesel oil, and whether that formula is a basic commonly used one, or if it goes the extra mile and has been developed and patented by the company for enhanced results.
Diesel oil is very prone to contaminants and elements of dirt that build up over time, which can then begin to manifest in the form of sludge which can block the fuel system and harm the engine. This is why it’s extremely important for the diesel oil in question to have good cleaning capabilities, to cleanse the engine as it helps it run smoothly.
It’s also necessary for the oil to adequately lubricate and protect from wear and tear, so that the lifespan of the engine is increased and you are able to safely drive those extra miles.
All of these features and technologies are found in the additives that the oil has, so make sure you check the description for the additive package of each product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is diesel oil so black?
Diesel engines, as a general rule, generate a lot more soot during the process of fuel combustion than other engines, such as petrol ones.
Soot is an extremely strong pigment dye, and just a few drops of it can completely color the oil black, which is why diesel oil almost always has that coloring. Although it might look extremely dirty, keep in mind that it’s probably not that much soot, it’s just very strong in color.
Does diesel oil damage gasoline engines?
As a general rule, you should never try to use diesel oil in a gasoline engine. This is because the diesel oil has been specifically designed for the requirements and specifications of diesel engines, including the higher temperatures they often have to endure.
Diesel engines also deal with more contaminants and soot residue during the fuel combustion process, so the oil has been formulated with additives that help combat and clean. As a gasoline engine doesn’t usually suffer from the same conditions, the additives in the diesel oil could cause damage.
However, there are some diesel oils that might also be apt for gasoline engines, as they will have a very versatile use. This will usually be specified in the product description or you can ask the manufacturer to be sure.
It’s important to remember that you must always follow the specifications of your vehicle’s engine, as no two cars are the same. Always check that the oil you’re going to use, regarding its type, is compatible with your engine.
How often should you change diesel oil?
Changing your diesel oil is something of high importance, and it should be done at the right time and as often as necessary, no more and no less. You need to read your owner’s manual so that you can follow the specifications of your vehicle.
The regularity of your oil change can vary depending on the usage you’ve given your vehicle. If it’s been used more than average or under more extreme conditions, the oil will need changing a lot quicker than if you have barely used the vehicle at all.
As a general rule, if you’re using standard diesel oil, you should change it every 3000 miles. And if you’re using full synthetic diesel oil, then that is increased to every 5000 to 6000 miles, as it lasts a lot longer.