The Best 0w20 Oils to Buy Now According to Over 65,800 Customers

As car enthusiasts, we know that one of the most important parts of car maintenance is ensuring your engine has the best oil. This is because we’ve experienced all the problems that arise without it – the irritatingly slow startups during cold foggy mornings when everything seems unclear even with your car’s clear coated headlights, the random engine sputters while driving in the middle of nowhere, the feeling similar to driving a bulldozer because of how much the engine is dragging, and of course, the headache-inducing noise under the bonnet that shows the struggle of the engine. And don’t even get us started on the nasty sludge build-up that plugs up your gears and takes years off your engine’s lifespan!

This is why we did ourselves a favor and invested a lot of time in finding oils that are compatible with our cars. We realized that full synthetic was the way to go, simply because it’s tailor-made to serve your engine.

In combination with the 0W20 rating, these oils do wonders for your car in terms of preventing corrosion, wear, and rust. Their viscosity-index also makes them the perfect accompaniment to extreme temperature fluctuations. If you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures, 0W20 is undoubtedly the way to go.

We’ve put our years of experience and tests to use and compiled all of it in a list with our top 5 favorites. Read ahead to ensure the best life for your engine. Your car will surely thank us later!

5 Best 0W20 Oils Detailed Reviews

01 AmazonBasics Full Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W-20 – 5 Quart (Editor’s Choice)

Why it Stands Out To Us

There are many things we love about the AmazonBasics Motor Oil. However, one thing that we especially appreciated was their reaction to feedback from their customers. When many users started complaining about the lack of a level reading window on the side of the container, AmazonBasics immediately remedied the situation by producing containers that had the window.

Aside from that, this synthetic oil offers a plethora of great features like resistance to wear, corrosion, friction, and noise. For the low price, this product definitely packs a punch with its enhanced performance and lifespan.

Our Experience with the AmazonBasics AM0D023Q

• This oil reduced engine noise, friction, engine degradation, and had great longevity and stability in low temperatures.
• We really appreciated the level reading window on the side of the can. It allowed us to keep track of how much oil we used.
• It kept our gears well coated and lubricated, preventing wear and friction.
• Even when we were nearing our oil change interval, the state of our engine and oil was still great. We felt that the oil could be used for much longer than the manual stated but we didn’t want to take a risk and not change it either.
• Moreover, we found that oil consumption was much lower compared to before. There was no oil leakage either. This helped us get more value out of our money.
• Our car was significantly quieter than before, especially when it came to starting the car early in the morning in the depths of winter.
• The change interval was impressive, standing at a 7500 to 10,000-mile before we needed to change the oil. Even then, the oil looked like it still had some life in it.
• The engine ran more smoothly as well, making us feel as if we were gliding on the road.
• The price was highly reasonable for the immense value we got out of it. The Amazon Basics does the same job as other full synthetic oils but for a fraction of the price.

What We Didn’t Like

• The packaging could’ve been neater and nicer.

What Could Be Improved

• While we understand that the company has to cut some corners to maintain the competitive pricing, we would’ve appreciated nicer packaging. It doesn’t add much to the oil itself, but we find that this is an important part of user satisfaction.
• We also would’ve liked to see an easy pour spout so that we didn’t require a funnel whenever we needed to change the oil or top it up.

Our Recommendations

• We advise that you should check with your dealer specifications to know the change interval for your specific car.

Specifications

Pros

• Great value for money
• Minimal oil loss
• Long change interval
• Performs well under high pressure
• Prevents sludge deposit
• Reduces friction
• Reduces engine wear
• High fuel economy
• Quiet engine
• High resistance to thermal breakdown
• Reduces exhaust emissions

Cons

• Not the best packaging
• Doesn’t have an easy pour spout

02 Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil 5 QT (For High Mileage)

Why it Stands Out To Us

Valvoline has been in the game for decades, and it’s obvious that they’ve picked up on a lot of things that turn an engine oil from “good” to “great.” With its advanced resistance to heat and dedication to preventing leaks, this oil ensures that your high mileage engine stays lively and smooth for even the largest distances. Although the price point is slightly higher than some, the oil is well worth it as it compensates with handy additives that extend your engine’s lifespan.

Our Experience with the Valvoline 881150

• This oil was anti-wear, anti-corrosion, anti-sludge build-up, and perfect for high mileage cars.
• The additives ensured that the engine didn’t have sludge build-up and everything stayed clean. This meant that the engine ran smoothly without sputtering and less gas was required overall.
• The detergent additives ensured that the engine stayed clean and free from oil sludge build-up and other deposits. We found that all the debris in the different components of the engine had been removed due to the chemical configuration of the oil.
• The anti-wear additive made sure that the metal degradation was slowed down. This, in turn, caused the lifespan of the engine to increase.
• Starting the engine in the morning was also much smoother than before.
• Despite the price being slightly higher than some, we thought that the oil’s enhanced features definitely made it worth it. If you want a great oil for your car, you can’t compromise on its quality for a lower price. Valvoline ensures top-notch quality and outstanding performance for years to come. Your engine will thank you for it later.

What We Didn’t Like

• The oil is a bit on the thicker side.

What Could Be Improved

• Though we understand the chemical configuration may warrant the oil’s thickness, we still would’ve liked to see a thinner oil.

Specifications

Pros

• Great for high mileage cars
• Great value for money
• Minimal oil loss
• Long change interval
• Performs well under high pressure
• Prevents sludge deposit
• Reduces friction
• Reduces engine wear
• High fuel economy
• Quiet engine
• High resistance to thermal breakdown
• Reduces exhaust emissions

Cons

• Thick oil

03 K&N – 104094 Motor Oil

Why it Stands Out To Us

K&N strikes again with its wonderful 0W20 motor oil. Known mostly for its functional oil filters, the brand has now delved into oils too, and very good ones at that. With its propensity toward rust and corrosion prevention, the K&N motor oil ensures that your engine stays free of all the pesky sludge build-up that drastically reduces your car’s performance. Now, you get to enjoy a smooth ride at a great price, with the added benefit of getting to start your car during winter with no irritating delays.

Our Experience with the K&N Motor Oil

• This oil ensures a shorter starting time, contains cleaning additives, is corrosion-resistant, and provides great value for money.
• With its anti-wear additives, the K&N did a brilliant job of ensuring that the metal components of the engine did not degrade quickly. This kept the engine from breaking down and prolonged its lifespan.
• The viscosity-index improvers made sure that the engine could function well despite fluctuations in temperatures. This made starting the car early in the morning while the temperatures were low much easier.
• Moreover, the detergent and dispersant additives promoted cleanliness within the engine. All the sludge build-up from previous oil use was broken down and dissolved due to the oil. This ensured that the oil could flow around the different gears with ease without being blocked by debris.
• Though the price was a bit on the higher end, we felt that the functionality compensated for it well enough.

What We Didn’t Like

• The change interval wasn’t as long as we wanted.

What Could Be Improved

• We would’ve liked to see a longer interval period between oil changes, but for the price, we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker.

Specifications

Pros

• Great value for money
• Minimal oil loss
• Prevents sludge deposit
• Reduces friction
• Reduces engine wear
• High fuel economy
• Quiet engine
• Resistant to wear
• Tolerates temperature fluctuations

Cons

• A bit pricey

04 Castrol 03060 GTX MAGNATEC 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Green, 5 Quart

Why it Stands Out To Us

Not only is the Castrol GTX a game-changer when it;s about oil change intervals, but it’s a full synthetic oil that still has some life in it even at the end of the interval period. It also thoroughly coats the gears and ensures that oil sludge or rust doesn’t build up in the different components of the engine, which is especially useful for older engines. Overall, it enhances the car’s performance at a highly accessible price, making it a solid contender for one of the best 0w20 synthetic oils in the market.

Our Experience with the Castrol GTX 03060C

• The GTX provided great value for money, had a long change interval and decreased the startup time of our car in cold weather.
• We used it with a Mobil 1 Oil Filter and it did wonders for our engine. This combination works together to ensure the engine doesn’t work too hard to pump the oil and that there is no oil spillage. We found it to be extremely useful as we could actually feel the smoothness in the engine while driving.
• Moreover, the oil had brilliant cleaning powers. The detergent and dispersant additives ensured there was no debris stuck in the components of the engine
• Where we live, it gets really cold during the winter. So we had to make sure we had that extra protection to get our engine to operating temperatures quickly, especially in the morning where we couldn’t be late for work. The Castrol GTX 0W20 oil was more than adequate in staying lubricated even at low temperatures.
• We also noticed that our engine was quieter than before. This may have been due to the oil’s extensive lubrication that helped the engine work less but do more.
• The GTX’s price coupled with its phenomenal performance made it an absolute steal for us.

What We Didn’t Like

• While this oil was overall a great choice, we wanted to see a bit more noise reduction under the bonnet.

What Could Be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the engine noise was reduced further.

Our Recommendations

• You may want to use the GTX in combination with the Mobil Oil Filter for optimal performance.
• While you can wait until the entire 7500-10,1000 interval is met before an oil change, we’d recommend topping up your engine in between oil changes so that your car has those fresh additives. This will benefit your engine in the long run.

Specifications

Pros

• Great value for money
• Minimal oil loss
• Long change interval
• Performs well under high pressure
• Prevents sludge deposit
• Reduces friction
• Reduces engine wear
• High fuel economy
• Reasonably quiet engine

Cons

• Engine could be quieter

05 Castrol 03124 Edge 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart

Why it Stands Out To Us

While Castrol never fails to disappoint, the brand’s competence is especially apparent with the 03124C 0W20 oil. Not only does it give your car a superior glide, it also ensures your engine’s lifespan is increased in the long run. The additives in it prevent sludge from depositing in the engine and blocking important passageways, slow down oxidation and degradation, and reduce friction to maximize fuel efficiency.

Our Experience with the Castrol 03124C

• This oil prevents oil loss, reduces friction, doesn’t need an oil change until 5000 miles, and provides great value for money.
• We used this oil in our Mazda and the difference was obvious. Before we started using the Castrol 03124C, we struggled with smoothness in our engine and experienced sputtering. With this oil, those problems seemingly vanished!
• During startup, we noticed that it was much easier for the engine to come to life even in the depths of winter.
• Moreover, we also found the engine to be much quieter than before. We are assuming this is due to the oil flowing more smoothly inside the engine and the engine not having to overexert itself to pump the oil.
• The change interval was 5000 miles, so our engine could go pretty long without needing an oil change.
• The engine held up well due to the oil despite our rough driving.
• Castrol provided a quality product at a very good price. We were thoroughly impressed with the value we got out of the oil in the long run.

What We Didn’t Like

• It was difficult to see how much oil remained in the container after use through the window on the side.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• The window could be more user-friendly and allow the user to see the oil levels. This would help prevent the hassle of checking the crankcase level every time we need to know the oil levels.

Specifications

Pros

• Great value for money
• Minimal oil loss
• 5000-mile change interval
• Performs well under high pressure
• Prevents sludge deposit
• Reduces friction
• Anti-oxidant

Cons

• Hard to check oil levels

Best 0W20 Synthetic Oil – Buying Guide

1. Check the recommended oil for your car

While most modern vehicles already require 0W20 synthetic oil, it’s still important to verify whether or not your engine is compatible with 0W20 oil before purchasing it. You can easily do this by checking the oil cap in your engine as the viscosity grade is usually written on it.

If the rating is 0W20, you can proceed. However, if it has any other rating, keep in mind that some engines are compatible with more than one type of oil. You could switch to 0W20 without compromising on the performance. Ask your technician regarding this to confirm if you can replace your oil.

Additionally, in the event that your oil cap does not specify the rating, you’ll have to refer to your car’s manual in order to confirm.

2. Full synthetic Vs. Synthetic blend Vs. Conventional

Full synthetic oils are usually around 30% more expensive than synthetic blends. Though their increased lifespan doesn’t always compensate for the higher cost, they tend to be up to 3 times stronger against viscosity breakdowns. They are also better at being composed when faced with temperature fluctuations.

When it comes to change intervals, fully synthetic oils have a larger interval than both synthetic blends and conventional oils. They can go up to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, whereas synthetic blends range around 3000-5000 miles.

Full synthetic oils also have a longer lifespan due to their advanced chemical components resulting in increased stability.

3. Core Features

a. Viscosity grade

Viscosity is essentially a fluid’s resistance to flowing. The viscosity of motor oil depends on the temperature it’s exposed to.

The 0W20 oil is resistant to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). The “W” denotes winter and the “0” denotes how well the oil functions in low temperatures. The lower the number before “w”, the better the oil’s performance is in cold temperatures. The “20” resembles how well the oil flows at higher temperatures. A 20 rating means the oil provides better performance in summer than an oil with a 30 or 50 rating.

b. Application

Synthetic oils perform better than conventional oils and synthetic blends in many ways. They offer greater engine protection, keep your engine clearer, flow better in low temperatures, protect your engine in high temperatures, especially when it’s under high pressure, and lastly, they protect critical turbocharger parts.

c. Additives

Synthetic oil tends to have multiple additives that work together to enhance the performance of the engine. They include:

1. Antioxidants – prevent premature degradation of the oil.
2. Anti-wear agents – extend the lifespan of your engine by slowing down metal degradation.
3. Rust and corrosion inhibitors – prevent rust or other materials from ruining the metal components of your engine.
4. Detergents – remove the debris in your vehicle’s engine.
5. Dispersants – great at removing blockages caused by sludge and dirt. Removing the blocks helps to improve the fuel economy and performance of your engine.
6. Foam inhibitors – Bubbles and foam in your oil tend to reduce the quality and lifespan of your oil. These anti-foaming inhibitors ensure those bubbles get neutralized.
7. Friction modifiers – reduce friction and help maximize fuel efficiency when your engine is overworked and used in high temperatures.
8. Pour-point depressants – ensure that the wax particles in the oil don’t harden in cold temperatures. This allows the oil to flow freely even in the depths of winter and prevents the engine from having to work too hard.
9. Conditioners/Softeners – ideal for older engines where oil leaks need to be prevented with softened seals.
10. Viscosity-index improvers – help stabilize your oil despite fluctuations in temperature.

4. Types of Oils

a. Conventional oil

This oil is the most common type and most suitable for cars with simple engine designs. People with late-model cars tend to use it the most.

b. High mileage oil

This type of oil was specifically made for cars with a mileage of 75k or above. Designed to reduce oil consumption and oil leaks, high mileage oil tends to save you a significant amount of oil in the long run. It also helps older engines in minimizing smoke and emissions.

c. Full synthetic oil

It’s an artificially created oil that was tailor-made to enhance the engine’s performance. It prevents oil sludge formation and provides increased viscosity levels, thermal breakdown, and oxidation resistance. Full synthetic oil is best for vehicles that demand lots of lubrication and peak performance. It also improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine drag to increase horsepower.

Though synthetic oil is more expensive, it may be the best for your car if you live in an area with extremely cold or hot temperatures, or if you use your car for towing purposes. You can also prevent sludge formation in old cars with synthetic oil.

d. Synthetic blend oil

The usefulness of this oil lies in its duality. With a combination of synthetic and conventional base oils and some additives, it has all the features of full synthetic oil but at a lower price point. It’s highly resistant to oxidation and has great low-temperature characteristics.

Due to being more affordable, many drivers are opting for synthetic blend oil instead of the full synthetic. It’s a great compromise for those who want enhanced performance and protection at a reasonable price.

Benefits of Ow20 Oil

• Extends engine life
• Maximizes engine performance
• Enhances fuel mileage
• Flows better in hot or cold weather
• Longer lifespan than conventional oil
• Saves you money in the long run

FAQs

1. Is 5W20 better than 0W20?

Ans. The 0W20 is more fluid at startup temperatures than the 5W20 due to its rating. However, both oils will perform similarly when in standard engine operating conditions. It is better to use 0W20 oil if you are living in an area that’s prone to extreme temperatures.

2. How often should I change 0W20 oil if I don’t drive much?

Ans. Even if you don’t drive much, you’ll need to change your oil. This is because oil tends to become less effective as time goes on. That means it will fail to warm up your engine sufficiently and remove the excess moisture. This can shorten your engine’s lifespan.