Top Oil Brands for Optimal Scion tC Performance

Choosing the right oil for your Scion tC is crucial to maintaining its performance and longevity. With the myriad of options available on the market, narrowing down the best brands can be challenging. Top contenders often recommended by automotive enthusiasts and experts include Mobil 1, Castrol, and Royal Purple, each offering synthetics that cater to the specific needs of the tC's engine. For a detailed comparison and in-depth analysis of these brands, continue reading below.

Illustration of oil for scion tc

Best brands of oil for scion tc in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is a top-tier brand for motor oil, particularly suitable for vehicles like the Scion tC, especially those with high mileage. Mobil 1 Extended Performance High Mileage oil is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles, offering protection for up to 20,000 miles between oil changes. This full-synthetic oil utilizes Mobil 1's Triple Action+ Formula, providing 20X better high-temperature protection and excellent low-temperature protection down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It meets ILSAC GF-6 standards, helping to prevent low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear while keeping the engine clean and improving fuel economy. This oil also helps extend engine life by preventing damaging deposits and sludge buildup.

Castrol

Castrol is renowned as one of the best producers of oil for the Scion tC, particularly with its Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, which is highly recommended for its superior performance and durability. This oil is designed to provide excellent engine protection and smooth operation, even under extreme conditions. For a 2010 Scion tC, Castrol Edge 0W-20 is an ideal choice, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced wear on engine components. Users have reported smoother engine performance and reduced oil consumption when switching to Castrol Edge. This oil is available in 1-quart and 5-quart jugs, with the 5-quart option being a cost-effective choice.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil is a highly recommended brand for the Scion TC, known for its high-quality synthetic oils that meet the vehicle's specifications of SAE 0W-20. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is particularly popular, offering excellent performance and protection for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. This oil is designed to provide superior wear protection and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the Scion TC's 2.5L engine. Since its introduction, Pennzoil has consistently received positive feedback from Scion TC owners for its reliability and performance. With its advanced formula, Pennzoil ensures optimal engine health and longevity.

Valvoline

Valvoline is highly regarded as one of the best producers of motor oil for the Scion tC, particularly for its synthetic and synthetic blend options. The Valvoline Daily Protection 5W-30 and Max Life oils have been praised for their performance in extreme temperatures, maintaining viscosity better than conventional oils. For instance, a Scion tC owner reported a significant reduction in oil consumption after using Valvoline Daily Protection 5W-30, from a quart every 350 miles to little-to-no noticeable consumption in 587 miles. This improvement highlights the oil's effectiveness in engine maintenance. Valvoline's synthetic oils are recommended for their ability to maintain their weight consistently, even in extreme conditions. For more information, visit their official Valvoline website.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is highly regarded as one of the best producers of motor oil for the Scion tC, offering high-performance synthetic oils that exceed industry standards. Their oils provide up to 300% better oxidation resistance, 100% protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), and 50% improved deposit control, ensuring enhanced engine performance and long-term protection. Royal Purple oils also meet the stringent GM dexos(r)1 and ILSAC GF-6A specifications, and they have been proven to increase fuel efficiency and provide superior corrosion protection. These oils are designed to handle the high pressures and loads of modern engines, including those with turbochargers and gasoline direct injection (GDI). With their advanced additive technologies, Royal Purple oils help maintain engine reliability and performance.

Amsoil

Amsoil is renowned as one of the best producers of oil for vehicles like the Scion tC, offering superior performance and protection. Their synthetic motor oils, including 0W-20 and 5W-30, provide up to 62% better deposit prevention and reduce sludge by 67%, ensuring longer engine life and smoother performance. In tests, Amsoil oils have demonstrated 37% more cleaning power and 16% better low-temperature viscosity compared to competitors, enhancing engine protection at startup. For a 2006 Scion tC, using Amsoil OE 5W30 has shown positive results in maintaining engine health over extended mileage. This makes Amsoil a reliable choice for car owners seeking high-quality lubricants. Learn about their performance tests to explore more about their oil’s benefits.

Red Line

Red Line is a highly regarded brand for producing high-performance oils, making it an excellent choice for the Scion tC. Their oils exceed ILSAC GF-6 and dexos 1 Gen 2 standards, ensuring superior protection and performance. Red Line oils are designed to maximize horsepower, improve fuel economy, and provide ultimate wear protection with high levels of ZDDP and molybdenum. For instance, their 0W-20 oil is fully approved under OEM/API standards, such as dexos1(tm) for GM vehicles, and offers improved thermal stability and reduced evaporation. This makes Red Line oils a reliable option for maintaining the optimal performance of your Scion tC.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella, a renowned brand with over 40 years of experience, is an excellent choice for the 2006 Scion tC 2.4 engine due to its high-quality synthetic oils that provide unrivaled protection and performance. The Rotella synthetic 5W-40 oil, in particular, is praised for its excellent cold flow and high-pressure maintenance, even in hot conditions. This oil is also known for its high zinc and phosphorus content, making it popular among vehicle enthusiasts. While it is primarily designed for heavy-duty vehicles, its performance in modern engines like the Scion tC's 2.4-liter engine has been positively noted. However, it is crucial to ensure compatibility with the vehicle's specifications.

Motul

Motul is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil for the Scion tC, offering 100% synthetic lubricants that are specifically designed for powerful and recent cars. Their oils, such as the 8100 X-CESS GEN2 5W-40, are compatible with gasoline and diesel engines, including those with large displacement, and are suitable for all types of fuels, including unleaded gasoline, ethanol, and biofuels. These oils meet various OEM approvals, including BMW LL-01, Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval 229.5, and Porsche A40, ensuring high performance and fuel economy. Motul's synthetic oils are recommended for vehicles still under warranty and are known for their low friction and high viscosity index, making them ideal for the Scion tC's 2.4 L or 2.5 L engines. With packaging options ranging from 1L to 1000L containers, Motul caters to a wide range of user needs.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a renowned brand and one of the best producers of engine oil for the Scion tC, known for its high-quality lubricants and additives. With over 4,000 products, Liqui Moly has been a global trademark for top quality since its inception, ensuring maximum benefits through its premium engine oils. The Molygen New Generation Motor Oil, for example, features MFC (Molecular Friction Control) technology, which reduces frictional losses and provides optimum wear protection, even under extreme driving conditions. This technology can lead to improved fuel consumption and increased engine life. Founded in Germany, Liqui Moly has been a leader in the automotive lubricant industry for decades.