A good motor oil can make the difference between a long-lasting engine and a sputtery ride. Here's what you should look for when picking the best synthetic engine oil.
Table of Contents What Is the Best Motor Oil for Your Car in 2025 Regularly changing your vehicle's oil is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep it running for many years and tens of thousands of miles. The best motor oil is the one that fits your budget, vehicle and driving style. There are lots of brands and types of oil to choose from, including conventional, synthetic or a blend of both, as well as different weights and additives that are better for certain situations and vehicles. Spending a little time figuring out what's best for your car or truck is worth it. It can, in the short term, possibly save you some money. In the long term, it might help prevent costly maintenance issues, including permanent damage to your engine. Here's what you need to know. What's the best oil type? GettyImages/Elena Popova For modern cars, there are three types of motor oil: conventional, synthetic and blend (a mix of both). Each has its pros and cons. Conventional motor oil Good old-fashioned liquid dinosaurs, straight from the can. Pros: Low cost Cons: Often not as effective as blends or synthetics Best for: Saving money Synthetic motor oil Actually, still liquid dinos, but modified. Pros: Potentially better performance at a wider range of temperatures, potentially less frequent oil changes Cons: Expensive Best for: Longer engine life, lots of traffic driving, lots of big hills, vehicles that tow things, especially in really hot or cold climates. Blend, or synthetic blend motor oil Blended liquid dinos, specifically a blend of synthetic and conventional motor oil. Pros: Lower cost than full synthetic. Cons: Could be less effective than synthetic oils Best for: Someone who wants better performance than conventional oil without having to spend as much for "full synthetic." The base of nearly all motor oils is refined crude oil. With conventional oil, that's what you get, sometimes with the addition of additives that potentially help your engine.…