When you own a car, it becomes your primary mode of transportation. You need to keep it maintained and running efficiently at all times. One way to improve the performance and durability of your vehicle is by using the right type of engine oil.
Engine oil’s principal job is to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and make the engine survive longer. Synthetic oil has better thermal stability than conventional engine oil. It offers great benefits that are not available in petroleum-based oils.
Choosing a synthetic engine oil can be overwhelming for someone who hasn’t done it before or doesn’t have much knowledge of these products. So, below we have listed the top 8 best 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil.
Have a look at our top 3 picks, if you are short on time!
- Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Oil
- Castrol 03083 Edge 5W-20 Synthetic Oil
- Valvoline High Mileage MaxLife Technology Motor Oil
Top 8 Best Full Synthetic Oil
1. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Oil
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil is specially designed for the most demanding driving conditions. Mobil 1 fully synthetic motor oil features a maximum viscosity of 5W-20 and 5-quart bottles for convenient storage, which makes it perfect for any application on your vehicle.
Mobil 1 is formulated to supply outstanding engine protection and wear protection while also offering outstanding low temperatures handling and reduced wear protection.
Mobil 1 engine oil uses advanced lubrication technology and synthetic base stocks to deliver exceptional flow characteristics that provide increased cooling through reduced viscosity over extended periods of time.
Read: Mobil super vs Mobil 1
Features
- Volume: 5 Quarts
- ILSAC GF-6 Standards
- Extends engine life
- Up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit of internal heat protection
- Low-temperature protection up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit
Reasons to Buy
- Great accuracy
- Excellent mileage
- Highly durable
- Best value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly expensive
2. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Valvoline Advanced engine oil is one of the best 5W20 full synthetic oil with a high-quality synthetic base specially formulated for improved engine efficiency, performance, and durability. It is a lightweight oil that reduces friction and internal engine wear.
The Valvoline engine oil offers excellent protection to the car or truck engines. The advanced technology of synthetic complex enhances engine life, extends oil drain intervals, improves fuel economy, and protects against deposits.
Read: Valvoline vs Mobil 1
Features
- API certification
- 7 available configurations
- Fully synthetic oil
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- 25% extra protection against deposits
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent longevity
- Best bang for the buck
- Good mileage
- Suitable for several applications
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for motorcycles
3. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Oil
Pennzoil Platinum is the best 5W20 Full Synthetic oil as it comes with a premium synthetic blend that meets the most stringent requirements for protection, performance, and durability.
The Pennzoil Platinum is engineered for maximum protection in the toughest conditions with features such as Surround Technology to protect against deposits and sludge. Plus, it has advanced friction modifiers for less wear and tear, so you can enjoy your ride longer.
With Pennzoil Platinum engine oil’s drying and rusting properties, you can expect it to last longer than other motor oils. It is also more resistant to extreme heat and cold and has higher viscosity lubricants. Unlike many other synthetic motor oils, it does not contain contaminants such as silicone.
Read: Pennzoil vs Mobil 1
Features
- 10,000 miles protection
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- Better fuel economy
- Keeps piston clean
- Excellent wear protection
Reasons to Buy
- Suitable for high-performance engines
- Excellent durability
- Value for money
- Lightweight
Reasons to Avoid
- Mileage is not excellent
4. Castrol 03083 Edge 5W-20 Synthetic Oil
Castrol 03083 Edge 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is an excellent choice for upgrading today’s older engines. The oil features Castrol’s unique Micro-Compound Technology and advanced performance additives to create a superior lubricant.
Further, it’s an advanced full synthetic motor oil that is designed for sustained performance and extended drain intervals. With its high level of detergent additives, this full synthetic oil will help keep dirt suspended and reduce the build-up of sludge over time.
Read: Castrol Magnatec vs Edge
Features
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- Maximum engine performance
- 10,000 miles protection
- Carbon neutral
- 3x stronger than other oils
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent longevity
- Superb mileage
- Suitable for small turbo engines
Reasons to Avoid
- A little pricy
5. Valvoline High Mileage MaxLife Technology Motor Oil
The Valvoline High Mileage engine oil is the best 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil that is engineered to meet or exceed all motor oil industry standards. It comes with a superior blend of synthetic lubricants for engines that are heavily used on highways.
The best part about the Valvoline MaxLife engine oil is that it offers excellent protection against valve wear, piston scuffing, and bearing failure while maintaining performance and fuel economy. It is formulated to run cleaner and more efficiently while providing optimum protection for your high-mileage vehicle.
Features
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- MaxLife Technology
- 75,000 miles protection
- Prevents engine breakdown
- Leakage prevention
Reasons to Buy
- Good leakage protection
- Suitable for light and heavy-duty vehicles
- Cheap and affordable
- Value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Unavailability of the oil
6. Castrol 03063 GTX Full Synthetic Oil
Castrol 03063 GTX MAGNATEC is formulated for use in all gasoline engines and marine diesel engines. In addition to offering superior wear resistance, it also contributes to better fuel economy.
The exceptional thermal stability of Castrol GTX MAGNATEC maintains engine efficiency under extremely cold operating conditions, making it one of the best 5W20 full synthetic oil on our list.
The Castrol GTX MAGNATEC is a premium engine oil that can be easily bought at an affordable price during a sale or even on normal days online. With its exceptional detergent, friction suppressing, and detergent action properties, this oil performs exceptionally well even in extreme conditions.
Features
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- 6x better wear protection
- Exceeds industry standards
- Suitable for extreme driving conditions
- API SN, ILSAC GF-5
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent lubrication
- Cleanliness
- Improves engine performance
- Affordable
Reasons to Avoid
- Often price fluctuations
7. Royal Purple 51520 High-Performance Motor Oil
Royal Purple engine oil is a great choice for your engine’s maintenance. It works to prevent wear and tear on your vehicle, which keeps it running smoothly. Professionals have recommended this motor oil to keep your engines working at peak performance levels.
It’s formulated with advanced detergent technology to help break down deposits and eliminate sludge, which reduces wear on your engine. Moreover, the detergent helps your engine run more efficiently, which means you’ll get better gas mileage as well.
Read: Redline vs Royal purple
Features
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- Better protection against LSPI
- Increase fuel efficiency
- Excellent protection against rust
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent engine wear protection
- Suitable for turbo engines
- Improved fuel economy
- Superior corrosion protection
Reasons to Avoid
- It could have been cheaper
8. Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil
The AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil is another best 5W30 full synthetic oil with 5W-20 viscosity grade. This engine oil offers high performance with light-duty and heavy engines and also provides extended oil life and excellent protection against wear.
Moreover, the Amazon Basics engine oil meets SAE 5W-20 SN plus while providing added protection. With the addition of anti-oxidants such as Blue 1, Disulfide, and Vitamin E, it is the best 5W20 full synthetic oil.
The best part about AmazonBasics oil is that it is available at an affordable price as it is exclusively available on Amazon. Further, it can be bought at a mouth-watering price during the sale.
Features
- Capacity: 5 Quarts
- 75,000 miles protection
- Prevents build-up
- Reduces friction
- Less Engine Wear
Reasons to Buy
- Keeps the engine clean
- Great temperature management
- Excellent lubrication
- Decent mileage
Reasons to Avoid
- It is slightly thicker.
Best 5w20 Full Synthetic Oil Buying Guide
What is 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil?
5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil is an oil that is used by many cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It is also a popular choice among industrial applications. While it’s not as well known as other synthetic oils, it’s often used more frequently than the more expensive alternatives.
5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil is made up of base stock and synthetic polymers. It has a viscosity rating of 5W-20 and meets the requirements for both older vehicles and newer models alike. This oil is specially designed to replace regular petroleum-based oil in your vehicle.
Read: 5w20 vs 10w30
Why is it better than other engine oils?
5W20 is a better engine oil because it has more anti-wear properties than other engine oils. Anti-wear properties refer to the ability of an oil to resist wear and damage caused by friction between moving parts of an engine.
The higher the level of anti-wear properties in oil, the less likely it is that parts will be damaged by friction or moving parts within the engine. Engine oils with higher levels of anti-wear properties are called synthetic oils.
Things to Consider While Buying 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil
Oil Viscosity
In order to buy 5W20 full synthetic oil, it is important to consider the viscosity of the oil. Oil viscosity is measured in centistokes (cSt). The higher the CST number, the thicker or more viscous the oil will be.
Moreover, you should know that oil that’s too thick can cause friction between bearings and pistons, which can cause wear or even damage them. Too thin oil won’t lubricate effectively enough to keep your engine running smoothly or efficiently.
Oil Composition
The oil composition is a very important aspect to consider when buying 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil. Different types of synthetic oils are available in the market, but not all of them are made up of high-quality components.
A 5w20 synthetic oil should have chemically modified materials like petroleum, but the base material should be distilled crude oil.
API Category
The API category is a set of quality standards that engine oil should meet or adhere to. Governments and quality control agencies are constantly changing the quality criteria of engine oils, making engine oil acceptable to any customer.
In 2022, there are three API categories: SP, SN, and SN Plus. The alphabetical order of quality standards begins with SA, so the higher the alphabet, the better the oil category. For example, the SP is the best quality standard in 2022, and so are the SN and SN Plus.
Applications
When you’re purchasing 5W20 full synthetic oil, it’s important to consider its applications. The 5W20 engine oil has a very simple and straightforward application as it is less viscous than other regular engine oils.
Apart from automobiles and vehicles, 5W20 engine oil can be used for flooring finish, fence stain, industrial burner oil, and more.
Additives
Additives make the oil more resistant to heat and corrosion, so it can be used in engines that are exposed to extreme temperatures. They also help protect your engine from wear and tear and reduce friction between moving parts.
Some additives may contain anti-foaming agents that help prevent oil from being foamed up when it’s cold, which can cause clogging of your engine’s oil filter. There are also anti-wear additives to reduce friction between moving parts and increase engine lifespan.
While choosing a 5W20 engine oil for your vehicle, you should look for Anti-wear agents, anti-oxidants, rust or corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, foam inhibitors, pour-point depressants, friction modifiers, and softeners.
Mileage Limit
Most buyers forget to check the mileage efficiency of engine oil, which is very important in the long run. Most of the 5W20 engine oils offer good mileage. However, depending on the brand, the mileage can be low or high.
The more mileage you get out of a fully synthetic 5w20 engine oil, the higher the price is likely to be.
Engine Compatibility
When buying 5W20 full synthetic oil, it’s important to consider the engine compatibility and ensure that your vehicle can handle it.
Depending on the age of your car, you may want to stick with conventional oil, or if you have a newer car that’s been recently launched, you may want to go ahead and use 5W20 full synthetic oil.
You have to ensure that the 5W20 engine oil supports your vehicle to get the best performance and mileage out of it. To check the compatibility, you can simply call the service center or check online on the manufacturer’s official website.
Durability
You don’t want to pay for engine oil that doesn’t last long or requires early replacement. This is why you should choose an engine oil that is durable enough to handle extreme conditions.
When purchasing 5W20 motor oil, verify the additives, oil composition, base material, mileage range, and so on to ensure that it lasts as long as stated.
Pricing
The cost of 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil is highly variable, depending on where you’re buying it and the quantity and brand. Most of the engine oil comes in 1-gallon to 5 quarts capacity, and it is ideal for getting 5 quarts bottles if you are getting it for a reasonable price. The 5W20 engine oil price can vary from $15 to $30 for a 5 quarts bottle.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you’re looking to use synthetic motor oil in your vehicle, we highly recommend that you choose one of the 5W-20 full synthetic oils from the top 8 best 5W20 full synthetic oil listed above.
Although there is a list of the top 8 best 5w20 full synthetic oil above, it may still not be easy for you. So, we have chosen and listed our top 3 best picks above, and you can blindly choose any of the top 3 5w20 engine oils listed above. Our recommendation is to choose the oil that is the cheapest and offers the best value to you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should we change the 5W20 engine oil?
Depending upon the car or vehicle, you can replace the 5W20 engine oil after driving for about 5000 to 6000 miles on average. However, some high-quality 5W20 engine oil brands can go as high as 10,000 miles.
How good is the mileage range of 5W20 oil?
The 5W20 engine oil is comprised of high-quality components and provides excellent mileage. It provides great mileage with compatible engines but does not provide decent mileage with incompatible engines.
Can you mix 5W20 engine oil with other engine oils?
No, ideally, you should not mix the 5W20 engine oil with other engine oils as all the oils have different viscosity and additives.