7 Best Diesel Motor Oils of 2023: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

by Joshua Thomas

Before the advent of the compression ignition engine by Rudolph Diesel in 1892, diesel oil used to be a byproduct of petroleum and was thrown away.

However, today diesel oil is used extensively in diesel motor vehicles, and its presence in the motor is vital for its proper functioning.

Benefits of the Diesel Motor Oil

One of the biggest advantages of diesel motor oil is its price. Indeed, when compared to its gasoline counterpart, it is more cost-effective.

In addition, the diesel motor oil offers the various moving parts of your motor with superior wear and tear protection.

It also helps prevent the formation of varnish and deposits in the motor that can potentially affect performance.

Moreover, most top-rated diesel motor oils on the market have greater stability when compared to petroleum motor oil at very high temperatures and pressures.

Indeed, this type of motor oil does not lose its viscosity at high temperatures and will keep protecting your motor whether you drive for one minute or 10 hours straight.

In short, here is what you get with the diesel motor oil:

  • More economical
  • Lower gas emissions
  • Prevents the formation of debris in the motor
  • Better tolerance to high pressures and temperatures
  • Provides more mileage to your vehicle

Summary of 7 Best Diesel Motor Oils

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Motul 007250 8100 X-cess Synthetic Motor Oil

1. Motul 007250 8100 X-cess (Best Overall)

  • Excellent for both hot and cold engines
  • Low viscosity. Efficient in old and high mileage diesel vehicles
  • Contains additives to protect the engine
  • Certified high mileage oil
Mobil 1 120760 Synthetic Motor Oil

2. Mobil 1 120760

  • Excellent for high mileage vehicles because of its low viscosity
  • Affordable and good value
  • Prevents dust and debris from accumulating
  • Reduces wear and tear
Valvoline 774038 5W-40 Premium Diesel Motor Oil

3. Valvoline 774038 5W-40

  • High-quality oil with many additives
  • Works well under both hot and cold temperatures
  • No oil oxidation
Castrol Edge 03087 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil

4. Castrol Edge 03087 5W-30

  • Can run up to 20,000 miles before it needs an oil change
  • Affordable and value for money
  • Efficient under high temperatures
Shell Rotella T Triple Protection Diesel Motor Oil

5. Shell Rotella T 550045126

  • Prevent the accumulation of debris and dust inside the engine block
  • Available in different sizes
  • Makes the engine run more efficiently
Royal Purple Diesel Motor Oil

6. Royal Purple 04154 15W40

  • Fully compatible with fuels containing Ethanol
  • Works well with heavy-duty vehicles
  • Additives inside prevent wear and tear
Red Line Diesel Motor Oil

7. Red Line RED21405

  • Excellent for heavy-duty and high mileage vehicles
  • The canister allows you to add oil with precision
  • Will not degrade under high temperatures

Top 7 Best Diesel Motor Oils

Editors' Picks: Top Diesel Motor Oils of 2023
Editors' Picks: Top Diesel Motor Oils of 2023

1. Motul 007250 8100 X-cess - Best Overall

Motul 007250 8100 X-cess Synthetic Motor Oil
Motul 007250 8100 X-cess Synthetic Motor Oil

The Motul 007250 is a popular synthetic motor oil for diesel motors. What makes this oil an excellent choice is it has excellent resistance to both cold and high temperatures. So, if you are using a vehicle tin different weathers, this is an excellent synthetic oil for you.

Further, this motor oil respects a wide range of standards that makes it safe to use regardless of where you are in the world.

It also has low volatility which means that it will stay in your motor for an extended period of time. Moreover, this product performs excellently in both hot as well as cold temperatures. It will not solidify even when the temperature is below zero.

All in all, taking the popularity of this product, as well as its resistance to both high and cold temperatures, we have absolutely no problem recommending it.

It is definitely one of the best synthetic diesel motor oil on the market. Even if this oil may cause a higher than average oil consumption depending on the age and make of the vehicle. Also, it is a little bit more expensive than the competition.

Notes: There is a gauge at the back of the canister that will allow you to see the amount of oil that you use

Pros:

  • Resist both hot & cold temperatures well
  • Low viscosity level
  • Will help prolong the lifespan of your motor
  • Higher mileage synthetic motor oil

Cons:

  • May cause a rise in oil consumption in some vehicles
  • Price could have been a little bit more competitive

2. Mobil 1 120760 0W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Mobil 1 120760 Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil 1 120760 Synthetic Motor Oil

If you need a synthetic motor oil that has a low-viscosity, then this product by Mobil is the right choice.

It is an excellent synthetic motor oil for used vehicles all vehicles that have high mileage. This oil contains additives that will help prevent regular wear and tear and help prolong the lifespan of your diesel motor.

In addition, it has excellent low-temperature tolerance so if you live in an area where the winter gets a very cold, get this product.

Also, the price of this synthetic motor oil makes it very hard to resist because it is more affordable when compared to others.

Notes: You need to ensure that you firmly close this motor oil once you open it. The container is not the best quality, and it may start leaking when placed in an awkward position.

Also, it may be more difficult to pour oil from this canister because it does not have the best design we have seen.

Pros:

  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Low-viscosity. Ideal for diesel motors with a high mileage
  • Prevents the accumulation of deposits inside the motor
  • Makes the motor more efficient by reducing wear and tear

Cons:

  • The container will leak easily once opened
  • Due to the design of the container, it is difficult to pour with precision

3. Valvoline 5W-40 Premium Blue Extreme SAE Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil

Valvoline 774038 5W-40 Premium Diesel Motor Oil
Valvoline 774038 5W-40 Premium Diesel Motor Oil

If the price is not an issue for you and you are trying to get the best motor oil for a diesel engine, then the Valvoline 774038 is exactly what you are looking for.

This motor oil is a premium oil that contains many additives that will help promote the various parts inside your motor.

Additionally, it performs excellently in both hot as well as in cold weathers, no problem.

One big problem that the synthetic oils also face is oxidation. As we have noted above, the only caveat we find with this motor oil is its relatively high price.

However, you will definitely not have any problem using this product. If you have a used or new diesel vehicle, go get this premium oil right now because it is excellent even if it is priced a little higher!

Notes: Despite being one of the best oils on the market, we can only comfortably recommend this Valvoline oil to owners of new diesel vehicles.

If you own a used vehicle, there are more cost-effective solutions in this review.

Pros:

  • Premium oil with many additives
  • Does not suffer from oil oxidation
  • Works well in both hot and cold temperatures
  • Excellent deposit protection

Cons:

  • The price. It is expensive motor oil
  • Not ideal for old and used vehicles

4. Castrol 1597B1 Edge Extended Performance 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Castrol Edge 03087 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil
Castrol Edge 03087 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil

One problem with most synthetic oils on the market is that you regularly need to change the oil after a set mileage. If this is an inconvenience to you, then you will love the Castrol Edge because this is a high mileage synthetic oil.

In fact, the manufacturer claims that you get 20,000 miles with this synthetic oil, guaranteed. Additionally, what makes this oil unique is that it has excellent tolerance to high pressure and temperature.

If your vehicle usually runs hot, you will have no problem using this oil. In fact, you can argue that the additives inside start working more effectively at high temperatures and pressures.

Altogether, all those factors make the Castrol Edge is one of the best diesel engine oil that you can buy, especially considering it is quite affordable.

Notes: Some customers have noted that this oil may cause an increase in gas consumption in some vehicles.

Also, this oil is not Diesel VW ALH certifified so if your vehicles manufacturer recommends this certification, you may need to look for another oil.

Pros:

  • Affordable price. Value for money
  • High mileage of 20,000 miles guaranteed
  • Works well even under very high pressure or temperature

Cons:

  • Not certified for Diesel VW ALH

5. Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection Conventional 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil

Shell Rotella T Triple Protection Diesel Motor Oil
Shell Rotella T Triple Protection Diesel Motor Oil

The Shell Rotella is a diesel motor oil that contains many additives and technologies inside. For one, it will help prevent the deposit of debris inside the motor that can potentially affect performance.

Furthermore, it will prevent your motor oil from breaking down in high temperatures or at high pressures. It also contains additives that will help clean the motor at no cost to you.

When it comes to motor temperatures, no problem because this oil will not be affected by it. If you have an engine that runs hot, don't worry because this oil is protected from oil oxidation and breakdown.

Also, due to the formulation and SAE rating of 15W-40, it is one of the best diesel motor oils for high power diesel vehicles like trucks or lorries.

However, you can still use it in regular diesel cars if you wish, no problem. Just keep in mind that this oil has a higher than normal viscosity, though. You may need to ask your vehicle mechanic if you're not sure about it.

Pros:

  • Triple protection against wear, deposit, and oil breakdown
  • Flexible. Available in a wide range of sizes depending on your need
  • Contains many additives that make your diesel motor more efficient

Cons:

  • Higher viscosity when compared to other diesel oils

6. Royal Purple ROY04154 04154 15W40 Oil

Royal Purple Diesel Motor Oil
Royal Purple Diesel Motor Oil

If there is one thing that most oils in this diesel motor oil review lack then it is compatibility with fuels that contain Ethanol.

Indeed, this is a rare specialty that most other oils either don't advertise for or care about altogether.

This is definitely not a problem with the Royal Purple because if your fuel does contain Ethanol, it will make its combustion in the engine more efficient.

Furthermore, it contains additives that will allow it to protect your motor from regular wear and tear. It also proactively helps combat corrosion inside the motor.

So, if you have an old motor engine, the Royal Purple is an excellent oil for your vehicle.

Notes: Since the SAE rating of this oil is 15W-40, it has a higher viscosity when compared to other oils. It is recommended to use this oil only for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and lorries only.

Pros:

  • Compatible with fuel that contains Ethanol
  • Excellent choices for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and lorries
  • Helps combat wear and tear as well as corrosion in the motor

Cons:

  • High viscosity. Not ideal for diesel cars

7. Red Line 21405 15W-40 Diesel Oil

Red Line Diesel Motor Oil
Red Line Diesel Motor Oil

If you own a heavy-duty vehicle like a truck or a lorry, then you have to pay closer attention to the SAE rating.

Specifically, you need to choose motor oils that have a high viscosity because a low viscosity oil may damage the motor parts of a heavy-duty vehicle.

Motor oils like the Red Line are an excellent choice for trucks and lorries. It has an SAE rating of 15W-40 with a high viscosity, as well as additives that help promote the lifespan of the various motor parts.

It also offers you a high mileage which means that you do not have to change your motor oil as frequently when compared to other diesel motor oils.

Best, the canister has been designed in such a way so as to promote handling. If you need to add only a small amount of oil with precision, no problem.

The only issue we take with this oil is its price, which could have been a little bit better.

Notes: You should not use this motor oil in vehicles like diesel cars because its high viscosity will make the motor inefficient.

Pros:

  • High mileage and heavy-duty motor oil
  • Easy to handle the canister and allows you to add oil with precision
  • Contains many additives to help prolong the life of the motor
  • An ideal choice for motors that run at high temperatures

Cons:

  • Could have been better priced

How to Buy the Best Diesel Motor Oil

How To Buy The Best Diesel Motor Oil
How To Buy The Best Diesel Motor Oil

1. Compatibility

There are several types of diesel oils on the market. You need to make sure that your vehicle is compatible with them.

This is because some vehicle manufacturers sometimes recommend only a specific type of diesel oil to use on their vehicles.

2. Types of Diesel Motor Oil

Full Synthetic Oil: Full synthetic or commonly known as synthetic oil, is the most popular type of diesel oil on the market.

It is a highly efficient oil that allows your motor to work in tiptop condition all the time.

This type of oil is also the best diesel motor oil for power-intense engines because of its low viscosity. It protects moving parts in the motor from regular wear and tears.

The only caveat with the full synthetic oil is usually its price. Indeed, when compared to other types of diesel motor oils, the full synthetic oil is around 30% more expensive.

Synthetic Blend Oil: The synthetic blend is normally a mixture of synthetic oil with mineral oil.

The synthetic blend is cheaper than the full synthetic oil and offers almost the same mileage at around 15,000 miles.

However, it does not have the same temperature resistance as high temperatures tend to affect its viscosity.

Premium Conventional Oil: The main purpose of the type of diesel oil is to prevent the buildup of deposits inside the motor.

The premium conventional oil has a large number of additives in it that not only breakdown debris and contamination but also offers excellent temperature tolerance.

If you have a motor engine that runs hot, this is the type of diesel oil to get!

Higher Mileage Oil: As its name suggests, the higher mileage oil is meant for diesel vehicles that have high mileage on the meter.

The motor is those vehicles have normally suffered from a lot of wear and tear, as well as have a significant amount of contamination and debris inside.

This diesel oil will have additives as well as the right viscosity that will help prolong the life of those used motors.

3. Viscosity Grade

Diesel motor oils come in different grades. Vehicle manufacturers normally tune their motors so that it works optimally for a specific viscosity grade.

So, it is very important that you choose a diesel motor oil that has a viscosity grade that matches your vehicle's specs.

4. Cleaning Capability

Other than protecting your diesel motor, the diesel motor oil also contains additives that help it to clean your motor from the inside out.

Ensure that you get a diesel motor oil that has those additives and will not stick or clump inside your motor every time you change the oil.

5. Wear Protection

Where protection is one of the most important factors of the diesel motor oil.

It will prevent the mechanical parts inside your motor from undergoing excessive wear and tear. It does not matter if your diesel motor is new or used, a good quality diesel motor oil will ensure minimum wear and tear regardless.

6. Efficiency

The diesel motor oil will usually make your diesel motor run more efficiently.

By efficiency, we mean that it will allow you to get more mileage out of a motor while reducing fuel consumption. Ensure that the manufacturer makes mention above the efficiency of the diesel motor oil before you purchase.


Buy on Walmart

Motul 007250-4PK 8100 X-cess 5W-40 Synthetic Gasoline and Diesel Engine Oil - 5 Liter Jug - Walmart Link

Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (1-Gallon, Single Pack) - Walmart Link

Lucas Oil 10299 SAE 15W-40 CJ-4 Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Gallon - Walmart Link

Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. 0700CK4-006S SynShield Durability Advantage 15W-40 Diesel - Walmart Link

Liqui Moly 2023 Diesel High Tech Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil - 5 Liter - Walmart Link

Mobil 1 122260 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Gallon (Pack of 3) - Walmart Link

Ford Genuine XO-5W40-5QSD SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil - 1.25 U.S. Gal - Walmart Link

Driven Racing Oil XP7 Semi Synthetic 10w-40 Motor Oil 1 Quart Bottle - Walmart Link

Delo 222290470 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 Motor Oil - 1 Gallon Jug - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Motul 007250-4PK 8100 X-cess 5W-40 Synthetic Gasoline and Diesel Engine Oil - 5 Liter Jug - eBay Link

Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (1-Gallon, Single Pack) - eBay Link

Lucas Oil 10299 SAE 15W-40 CJ-4 Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Gallon - eBay Link

Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. 0700CK4-006S SynShield Durability Advantage 15W-40 Diesel - eBay Link

Liqui Moly 2023 Diesel High Tech Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil - 5 Liter - eBay Link

Mobil 1 122260 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Gallon (Pack of 3) - eBay Link

Ford Genuine XO-5W40-5QSD SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil - 1.25 U.S. Gal - eBay Link

Driven Racing Oil XP7 Semi Synthetic 10w-40 Motor Oil 1 Quart Bottle - eBay Link

Delo 222290470 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 Motor Oil - 1 Gallon Jug - eBay Link

Conclusion for Diesel Motor Oil Buyers

As we have seen, choosing the right type of diesel motor oil for your diesel vehicle is the first step in ensuring that your vehicle motor works the most efficiently possible.

There are several types of diesel motor oil on the market, and most oil manufacturers keep adding new types every year.

And if you change your motor oil yourself, then it is important to know which type of diesel oil is most appropriate for your vehicle.

Hopefully, our diesel motor oil review above has allowed you to find a quality diesel oil for your vehicle. If not, then go through this review again.

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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