The best 5W30 engine oils

Castrol is a go-to for engine oils because of its reputation for quality and value. This fully synthetic 5W30 offering from the brand is our top option because of its protective qualities. Castrol Edge makes use of "fluid titanium technology" to allow the oil to keep protecting the engine even under extreme pressure. The oil is designed to ensure that all parts of the engine are protected, keeping the internals safe from wear and enhancing the performance of your engine.

Castrol Edge is also the engine oil of choice for some Mercedes, VW and Porsche models, meaning it's suited to both regular and performance engines. It can also be used in diesel and hybrid engines. It's rated by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) as a C3 engine oil, meaning it is compatible with catalytic converters and performs well at higher temperatures.

If you're after some decent 5W30 engine oil on a bit of a budget, this one from Mannol Energy provides a synthetic ester base combined with a modern additive package that preserves engine power parameters. While it may not boast the same additives as some other 5W30 engine oils, it will still protect your engine's internals during those cold starts and long journeys. Mannol say this can help save fuel due to its low HTHS viscosity and optimum anti-friction properties.

Triple QX is engineered with increasing fuel efficiency as a top priority. So, if you're wanting to squeeze some extra mpg out of your engine, it may be time to invest in some for your engine. This fully synthetic blend focuses on reducing wear and deposit build-ups in engines to improve efficiency and performance. This oil reduces the forming of combustion residues and is also formulated to work effectively during cold starts. These oils are also formulated for different engines. This particular example is designed for VW engines, but versions for GM and Ford are also available. It's rated by the ACEA C3, so should be fine to add to most petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.

Another great synthetic offering from Castrol, the Magnatec Stop-Start, is formulated specifically to deal with the stress that commuting and stop-start traffic can cause to your engine's internals. Time spent idling in traffic causes microscopic damage to your engine that, over time, can lead to larger damage. This oil creates a layer that will cling to engine internals and keep them protected even when stationary, thanks to 'Dualock' molecules in the oil.

When operating at higher speeds, this engine oil will still protect your car's internals thanks to Castrol's advanced oil additives. This oil will also help improve fuel efficiency and performance. This 5W30 engine oil is ACEA C2 rated and approved for use in PSA products.

If you're regularly driving long distances and want lower maintenance costs, then you'll be wanting an engine oil that prolongs the life of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters. This 5W30 engine oil from Mobil 1 is designed to do just that; it is engineered to not only prevent water from getting to your engine's internals but will protect both catalytic converters and prevent diesel particulate filters from becoming blocked.

Aside from that, it will also help boost fuel efficiency and performance by better protecting your car's engine. This engine oil is ACEA rated for both C2 and C3 and is approved for use in various VWs, Porches and PSA products.

Like the Mobil 1 option above, this 5W30 engine oil will also help protect the various emissions systems that modern cars are equipped with. However, this option from Shell is also designed to prevent sludge from building up in your engine. Shell Helix Ultra is synthetic engine oil that makes use of 'Active Cleansing Technology' to keep your car's engine as clean as when it was new. It will also prevent build-ups on the diesel particulate filter and prevent damage to your catalytic converter. This 5W30 oil is ACEA C3 rated and approved for use in various BMWs, Mercedes and Chryslers.