Top Motor Oil Brands for Peak Engine Performance

Motor oil plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and efficiency of an engine, making the choice of brand an important decision for vehicle owners. Renowned for their quality and performance, certain brands have consistently stood out in the market, ensuring optimal engine protection and longevity. This article will take you through some of the top brands renowned for producing high-grade motor oil suitable for a variety of vehicles and driving conditions. Ready to discover which brands have earned their stellar reputations? Read on to find out more.

Illustration of motor oil

Best brands of motor oil in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is renowned as a leading producer of synthetic motor oils, holding a significant 45% share of the full-synthetic retail market, more than twice that of its nearest competitor. It has been named the "Best Brand of Motor Oil" by US automotive technicians and is chosen 2 to 1 over the nearest competing brand. Mobil 1 is the official motor oil for NASCAR and is used by more than half of all NASCAR teams, as well as being the standard factory-fill for many of the world's leading auto manufacturers. Its advanced full synthetic motor oils provide exceptional wear protection, cleaning power, and overall performance, with some products offering up to 20,000 miles of protection. Mobil 1's innovative Triple Action Formula ensures outstanding performance, protection, and cleanliness for modern engines.

Castrol

Castrol, a British global brand, is a leading producer of motor oils, boasting a significant market share across various segments. With over 35 million car, bike, and truck owners trusting Castrol, the brand holds a market share of 37.7% as of February 2024, according to Nielsen RSA data. Castrol's products are distributed through a strong network of 150,000+ touch points, 350+ distributors, and 900+ sub-distributors. The company has been a subsidiary of BP since 2000 and has a global presence, serving industries such as automotive, industrial, marine, and energy. Castrol's brand power is further reinforced by its Kantar Brand Power study score in 2022. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Valvoline

Valvoline is a renowned brand in the motor oil industry, trusted for over 150 years for its high-quality products. In 2023, Valvoline recorded system-wide store sales of approximately $2.76 billion, reflecting its strong market presence. The company's Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil offers 24 times stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants than industry-leading synthetics, as evidenced by rigorous testing standards like the Sequence IVB and GMOD engine tests. Valvoline's market capitalization stands at around $4.69 billion as of December 2024, indicating its financial stability and growth. As a major player in the U.S. automotive engine oils market, Valvoline competes alongside other giants like BP PLC, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella, a flagship brand of Shell plc, is renowned for its high-quality heavy-duty engine lubrication products, including engine oils, gear oils, and coolants. With a history spanning over 40 years, Shell Rotella has established itself as a leader in the lubricant market, holding a significant global market share, such as 13% of all finished lubricants in 2007. The brand's products, like the T3 15W-40, meet stringent API specifications such as CJ-4 and SM, ensuring robust performance in both diesel and gasoline engines without catalytic converters. Shell Rotella's Triple Protection technology enhances engine wear, soot control, and cleanliness, making it a preferred choice for heavy-duty vehicles. The brand continues to innovate, with the upcoming Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) engine oils scheduled for release in 2027.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil, trusted by many for its advanced formulations and unparalleled engine protection. As the first synthetic motor oil made with natural gas, Pennzoil Synthetics offer unbeatable performance, recommended by leading car manufacturers. In 2018, Pennzoil held a market-leading 39% share in the U.S. fast lube market, surpassing other brands like Valvoline. With a rich history dating back to 1913, Pennzoil continues to innovate, as seen in its long-standing involvement in motorsports, including its partnership with INDYCAR and NASCAR. Pennzoil's commitment to technology and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as the most trusted motor oil brand in America.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is a leading global synthetic lubricants brand, renowned for its high-performance motor oils that enhance fuel economy, performance, and equipment longevity. With over 35 years of delivering superior results, Royal Purple has earned a strong street reputation and word-of-mouth awareness, positioning it as a driving force in the premium synthetics category. Their proprietary Synerlec additive technology significantly outperforms other synthetic and mineral-based oils, benefiting various industries including racing, commercial trucking, maritime, and agriculture. Royal Purple products are used by diverse users, from daily drivers to NASA, and are manufactured by Calumet Branded Products, LLC. The brand's new "No Matter What Drives You" campaign aims to expand its market reach and inspire engagement across global consumers.

Amsoil

AMSOIL is renowned as a pioneer and leader in the synthetic motor oil industry, having introduced the world's first API-rated 100% synthetic motor oil in 1972. This innovation marked the beginning of a new era in lubrication science, with AMSOIL's products outperforming conventional oils in various tests. AMSOIL's Signature Series oils demonstrate superior performance, offering 28% more acid-neutralizing power and 38% better volatility resistance compared to Mobil 1. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in its extended drain intervals of up to 25,000 miles and its significant market share growth, such as doubling its demand in just two years from 2007 to 2009. AMSOIL's products are highly respected for reducing engine wear, maximizing fuel efficiency, and contributing to environmental sustainability through longer drain intervals. For further insights on how AMSOIL compares to other brands, you can visit their dedicated page on AMSOIL vs Mobil 1.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly, a renowned German motor oil and additive producer, has achieved significant milestones, including a 15% sales increase to EUR 917 million (nearly $1 billion USD) in 2023. The company, supported by its parent company Wurth, plans to invest over EUR 20 million in its factories to enhance production and logistics. With a global presence in 150 countries, Liqui Moly produces around 80,000 tons of lubricants annually and has expanded its production capacity by 40% with new dispensing systems. The company aims to reach a turnover of EUR 1 billion by 2025, a goal that appears achievable a year earlier than planned. Despite economic challenges, Liqui Moly's resilient consumer and commercial demand has driven its growth. For more information, you can visit their press release on recent production investments.

Motul

Motul is a renowned French company specializing in high-performance automotive engine oils and lubricants, founded in 1853. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including fully synthetic and mineral oils, designed to enhance engine performance and longevity. Motul is a leader in synthetic technologies and was the first lubricant manufacturer to introduce multi-grade oils, which meet the requirements of multiple viscosity grades. The company caters to various vehicles, from cars to motorcycles, and is highly regarded for its innovation and quality, particularly in motorsport applications. Motul's annual revenue exceeds $1 billion, reflecting its significant market presence.

Red Line

Red Line Synthetic Oil is a renowned manufacturer of high-performance synthetic lubricants, established in 1979 by Tim Kerrigan and Peter Filice. The company, now a subsidiary of Phillips 66 Spectrum Corporation since 2014, is based in Benicia, California. Red Line is particularly celebrated in the racing industry, having served as the designated oil supplier for the Formula Mazda Challenge series since 2009 and sponsoring notable racers like Doug Kalitta's NHRA Top Fuel Dragster. Their products, including multigrade and monograde polyol ester base stock lubricants, are highly regarded for their performance and protection. The global racing oil market, in which Red Line is a key player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.53% from 2024 to 2031, with full-synthetic racing oil accounting for 44.37% of the market share in 2024.