Top Engine Oil Brands Revving Your Ride

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's health and performance, choosing the right engine oil is crucial. With a plethora of options available in the market, selecting a top-notch brand can ensure longevity and efficiency for your engine. Brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, Shell Rotella, and Valvoline have established themselves as leaders, offering high-performance oils that meet varied engine needs. To discover more about these leading brands and what makes each of them stand out, read on below.

Illustration of engine oil

Best brands of engine oil in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1, introduced over forty years ago, is a leading synthetic motor oil brand, holding over 45% of the full-synthetic retail market share, and is the top-selling motor oil in America, recommended by many car manufacturers. It offers superior engine protection and extends oil life up to 20,000 miles. As the official motor oil of NASCAR, it demonstrates its high-performance capabilities.

Castrol

Castrol, established in 1899, has been a leading innovator in engine oil technology for over 125 years, developing lubricants that are suitable for both automobiles and airplanes, with a key ingredient being castor oil which gives the brand its name; Castrol is a major player in the automotive engine oil market, holding a 37.7% market share in Feb 2024 and is known for its high-performance products, including the Castrol EDGE line which can extend oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles and meets multiple industry specifications, and is the official engine oil partner for BMW. The company's commitment to innovation is highlighted by its continuous development of new products and its seven technology centers worldwide and has a strong commitment to sustainability and has developed carbon-neutral lubricants; Castrol is a subsidiary of BP since 2000 and continues to be a major sponsor for motorsports and world record attempts. You can find more information about their products at Castrol's official website.

Valvoline

Valvoline, established in 1866, is a leading global producer of engine oils, holding a 22% market share in the U.S. as of 2018 and is known as the first trademarked motor oil brand. Their innovative products, like the Restore & Protect line, remove up to 100% of deposits, making them a top choice for maintaining engine health. Valvoline's dedication to quality and innovation is trusted in over 140 countries, providing a wide range of high-performance oils for various vehicles and needs. For more details, visit their official website.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple, founded in 1986, is a renowned American manufacturer of high-performance synthetic lubricants, including engine oils known for their superior wear protection that exceeds both GM dexos1 and ILSAC GF-5 specifications. These oils enhance fuel efficiency through a low coefficient of friction and provide exceptional protection against corrosion. They feature a patented additive technology that prevents issues with ethanol-blended fuels. Additionally, some users have experienced improved performance and extended oil change intervals of up to 12,000 miles with their HPS line.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil, established in 1913, stands as a leading producer of engine oils, with a 39% market share in U.S. fast lubes in 2018, up from 18% the previous year, and is known for its high-quality lubricants, including the Pennzoil Ultra, which cleans 35% more engine sludge than Pennzoil Platinum. Their full synthetic motor oils, made from natural gas, provide superior engine protection, making Pennzoil a trusted choice as every Ferrari leaving the factory is filled with their oil, and many automotive professionals rely on Pennzoil distributors for dependable performance.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella, a leading brand in heavy-duty engine oil, offers a range of products including the T4, T5, and T6 series, with the T4 being the #1 selling heavy-duty engine oil in the U.S. and Canada, providing triple protection for enhanced engine durability. Shell, as a whole, has maintained its position as the world's leading supplier of finished lubricants for 18 consecutive years, holding a global market share of 11.6% in 2024, with sales divided into 36% consumer automotive, 33% industrial, and 31% commercial. Shell Rotella oils meet both API diesel "C" and gasoline "S" ratings, though some formulations are not recommended for gasoline vehicles with catalytic converters due to higher phosphorus levels. The brand also features a loyalty program called MyMilesMatter, which rewards consumers for purchasing their products. For more information, you can visit the official Shell Rotella website.

Amsoil

Amsoil, established as a pioneer in synthetic lubrication since the 1970s, offers a range of high-performance engine oils, including their Signature Series, which provides 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, and 28% more acid-neutralizing power than Mobil 1, and their Extended-Life oil with 37% more cleaning power, guaranteeing protection up to 25,000 miles or one year and 20,000 miles respectively. Amsoil's hybrid oil also has 16% better low-temperature viscosity than Mobil 1, ensuring superior start up protection, while many of their oils exceed North American, Japanese, and European standards for high temperature and shear viscosity. The company also formulates oils to protect against sludge, deposits, and corrosion while maintaining performance and fuel economy. Check out their products at Amsoil.

Liqui Moly

Founded in 1957, Liqui Moly, a German company, has consistently been voted the best oil brand in its home market for many years and is known for producing high-quality engine oils that meet or exceed OEM specifications, with a 15% growth in Germany in 2022 and over 30% in the USA. They offer a diverse range of products including motor oils, additives, and car care items, achieving €917 million in revenue in 2023, making it a top choice for vehicle maintenance.

Motul

Motul, a French company established in 1853, is a globally recognized leader in high-performance engine lubricants, pioneering the first multigrade oil in 1953, and the first 100% synthetic oil in 1971, and today distributes its products to over 160 countries, maintaining a strong presence in motorsports and a commitment to innovation.

Red Line

Red Line, established in 1979, is a top-tier producer of high-performance synthetic engine oils, utilizing polyol ester base stocks that withstand extreme temperatures, offering superior protection and friction reduction for gasoline, diesel, motorcycle, and marine engines, with recommended oil changes at 12-18,000 miles for gasoline engines. They have a strong reputation among racers and enthusiasts, while also being a subsidiary of Phillips 66 since 2014.