5 Best Engine Oil For Diesel That Withstands High Temp

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Whether a diesel car owner or a truck driver, you must need diesel motor oil to ensure maximum protection, prevention, and fuel efficiency. Even the right oil will provide optimal lubricant, performance, and longevity.

There are numerous options, so it takes time to determine the best one. No worries,  this guide will let you know the 5 best engine oil for diesel. The oils are enlisted considering their standards, viscosity, and additives.

Besides, a list of diesel engine vehicles, a buying guide, and many other things will enrich this post. So, once you read the post, you can efficiently choose the oil that fits your vehicle. 

What Is The Difference Between Diesel Engine Oil And Gasoline Engine Oil?

There are lots of differences between diesel engine oil and gasoline engine oil. Some of them are

  • Formula & Viscosity: Diesel engine oils are formulated to withstand higher temp and compression. At the same time, gasoline oils are formulated to withstand both low and high temp. Diesel oils come with higher viscosity and additives than gasoline oils. 
  • Compatibility: Diesel engine oils are primarily compatible with heavy-duty trucks, pickups, agricultural and industrial equipment. Because they need to handle more streets and pressure. However a few ATVs and SUVs may need diesel oil. 

But gasoline engine oils are mostly compatible with everyday commuting and luxurious cars. 

  • Oil Changing Interval: Due to diesel engines’ high load and towing, diesel oils need more frequent change than gasoline engines. 

When Should You Need Diesel Engine Oil Over Synthetic Motor Oil? 

There are some specific situations when you must grab diesel engine oil rather than synthetic oil. Such as 

  • If your vehicles or tools come with diesel-powered engines, not gasoline-powered ones. You should put diesel oil in its reservoir. 
  • Diesel engines will work differently than gasoline engines. Generally, they produce high heat during operation. So they need oil that can withstand high heat and its unique combustion system. 
  • Due to high pressure, stress, and heat, diesel engines are prone to build sludge. So, you should use diesel oil that offers the highest protection against wear, tear, and sludge formation. 

Types of Vehicles That Need Diesel Engine Oil 

Learning most vehicle types and their model will help you know whether diesel engine oil is a good fit for you. In that case, it saves your time and is convincing for you. 

  • Heavy-duty Trucks

Heavy-duty trucks like Mack Granite GU813 need robust diesel motor oil. Because they will have to haul heavy loads. So they struggle with high temperatures and pressure. 

  • Pickup Trucks 

Pickup trucks are the most popular choice for towing or heavy-duty work after heavy trucks. Ford F-250 Super Duty or any other pickup needs diesel engine oil to quickly handle heavy loads and hauling stress. 

  • Commercial Buses

The Prevost X3-45 is one of the luxury coach commercial buses. It needs high-performing diesel engine oil to go high miles. Like it, other commercial buses also need powerful diesel engine oil. 

  • Agricultural Equipment 

For efficient farming, you must need tractor-type agricultural equipment. John Deere 8370R is a tractor that needs diesel engine oil. So it can cope with various weather conditions and maintain performance. 

  • Construction Equipment

In the construction industry, a lot of heavy-duty equipment is needed. And most of them run on powerful diesel engines. One of the construction equipment is Caterpillar 374D L Hydraulic Excavator. It needs diesel engine oil to reduce friction and withstand high temp. 

  • SUVs & ATVs 

Some Sports Utility vehicles (SUVs) and All-Terrain vehicles (ATVs) require diesel engine oil. If you have SUVs, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban or ATVs, Yamaha Grizzly, Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon, or Kawasaki Brute Force. Then you should choose diesel oil. 

Besides all those vehicles, generators, boats, and motorhomes need diesel engine oil. That means whatever vehicle or power tool you have. You need diesel engine oil in different situations. 

Best Engine Oil For Diesel At A Glance

Best Protective Choice – Shell Rotella T6 Engine Oil

Best For Cummins Engines – Valvoline Premium Blue Engine Oil 

Best For Heavy Duty Vehicles – Mobil 1 Turbo Motor Oil

Best For Passenger Vehicles – Liqui Moly 2022 Motor Oil

Best For Off-road Driving – Delo 400 SDE Engine Oil

Best Engine Oil For Diesel  Comparison Table

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Best Engine Oil For Diesel Reviews 

1. Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – Best Protective Choice

Undoubtedly, your engine works hard on the roads. So, it needs the most protection to prolong its life with peak performance. In that case, the most protective diesel oil can best fit it. 

Here comes Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil. It is engineered with Triple Protection Plus technology and contains additives. These dispersant additives will work as a protection shield against engine wear and tear.

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They also fight against deposits to reduce oil breakdown. That means the oil remains clean for longer even though driving in harsh weather. It’ll maximize your fuel economy and won’t break the bank. 

The oil fits in versatile vehicles due to the oil’s top-notch protection. Some of the users used the oil in; Ford 6.0 Diesel engine. Jeep Liberty CRD. 2004 f350 6.0. 2020 Suzuki GSX-S1000F and  Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Dirt bikes. 4-stroke snowmobiles. And they all claimed that their vehicles perform smoother and quieter. 

However, that’s not bragging. Instead, 85%+ positive feedback is proof of the oils’ quality. Even If you can’t understand the technical terms of industry oil quality standards like API, ACEA, and DFS. 

What We Like

  • Efficient in reaching the engine’s critical parts
  • Ensure better protection of the vehicle’s  exhaust catalysts
  • Excellent viscosity control will offer shear stability
  • Fit in heavy-duty to light vehicles and their engine 

What We Don’t Like

  • Hitting near the cap leaked a little of the jug during arrival 

Verdict 

With its best performance, you can rely on  Shell Rotella to drive your vehicle for a longer time. Since it offers protection from all sides, there is a low risk of damaging your engine. 

2. Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – Best For Cummins Engines

Do you struggle with less torque and inefficient towing in your Cummins engines?

Is it for the lack of poor oil and lubrication?

Need to put the right oil for your thirsty engines. But, you are in a puzzle about what oil to choose. 

As here is Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil. There is nothing to worry about because Cummins recommends this oil. So you can choose it for your Cummins trucks, pickups, bus, construction equipment, etc.

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No matter if you feed Valvoline 15W-40 oil into the L3901 Kubota, 6.7 Cummins, Dodge Ram, or ford f250 6.0l diesel Powerstroke. You can feel the difference between your previous oil and this oil’s performance in mileage efficiency. 

It’s only possible due to the oil’s exceptional temperature and oxidation resistance. So, your engine won’t face any issues even under harsh weather and challenging working conditions. Faster flowing towards the engine will ensure less frictional engagement, reducing wear and tear. 

What We Like

  • Fit in natural gas, gasoline, and diesel engines
  • Provide ultimate protection from rust, wear, and tear
  • High temperature and harsh weather resistance
  • Well-packed to avoid shipping leakage  

What We Don’t Like 

  • It’s hard to find in local stores

Verdict

If you have any Cummins vehicle, you must grab Valvoline 15W-40 diesel oil to enjoy the smooth and stress-free performance. You can use this oil also on-road or off-road driving.

3. Mobil 15W-40 Diesel  Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Best For Heavy Duty Vehicles

Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, construction, or agricultural equipment always have to work harder. Hard work on roads means more friction, wear, oil breakdown, and noise. It’s the general scenario for most drivers. 

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Want to challenge these? Then choose the Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Motor Oil. The oil is formulated following State-Of-The-Art Technology. So,  all high performance based engines can be compatible with the oil. And, of course, with the assurance of maximum performance. 

Due to the quality formula, the oil can offer better high-temperature resistance and oxidation stability. This is why the sludge and deposits can’t build up in the oil shortly. As a result, you can drive some extra miles with the oil, reducing your fuel cost. 

In terms of fuel changing interval, you can replace the oil every 10,000 miles or six months. Here, you must consider which comes first to maintain the oil’s purity and viscosity. And it’s a longer oil-draining interval than many other diesel engine oils. 

What We Like

  • Compatible with most modern and high-performing engines
  • Lube the engines hard reach area shortly with ease 
  • Offer best protection and prevention from wear and deposits
  • Works as an advanced engine cleanser to prolong its lifespan 

What We Don’t Like

  • Container design should be more user-friendly to pour easily 

Verdict 

As the trusted brand and quality oil, you should go with Mobil 1. You will get the oil that takes care of your high-pressure engine. If you pay for the oil now, you won’t need to pay for your vehicle repairs later.

4. Liqui Moly 2022 Diesel High Tech Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil – Best For Passenger Vehicles

This Liqui Moly oil is designed for modern diesel engines as it meets vw 505.01 hard spec. So it can be efficiently compatible with your Mercedes glk, 2006 VW Jetta TDI, 1986 VW Jetta, 2003 vw golf tdi, or BEW tdi.

However, in terms of mileage efficiency, it beats many other diesel oils. Many users reviewed that their TDI ran 500k and was still going strong. Its 5000 miles between the oil change also offer them peaceful driving experiences.

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What’s the secret sauce behind this excellent performance? 

Nothing but the oil’s advanced formula. Because this formula ensures the highest lubrication between the engine components. So they won’t come in contact. Just this will directly offer smooth rotation and indirectly less frictional damage. Less damage means higher protection. 

Now, let’s talk about the shear stability of the oil. 

Due to less metal contact, the oil will remain free from sludge and deposits. That will increase shear stability reducing oil breakdown, the ultimate output of higher fuel economy. 

Finally, you can use this oil in sweat-breaking hot weather for its 5W-40 viscosity. Even for its low power point, the moderate low temperature is acceptable for using the oil in your car. 

What We Like

  • Perfect viscosity ensures better lubricity between the engine parts
  • Protect the engine even in harsh weather and driving
  • Prevent building deposits and sludge to keep oil clean
  • Maximize the mileage efficiency with no extra cost 

What We Don’t Like

  • Not certified by TDI requiring 50700

Verdict 

The Liqui Moly oil offers you the highest speed driving experience from your engine with no damage. So choose this oil for your diesel engines and any passenger vehicles. No matter if it is an ATV, UTV, or SUV. 

5. Delo 400 SDE SAE Conventional Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil – Best For Off-road Driving

Off-road driving is thriving for most car enthusiasts. But, your engine requires the most qualified oil to cope with uneven, rocked, and pebbled paths. Here, most people struggled a lot to choose the right diesel oil. 

If you are in this situation, no worries. The Delo 400 SDE SAE Conventional Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil is our final pick. It is certified by API CK-4 and formulated following ISOSYN Advanced Technology. 

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You can use this oil for your heavy-duty diesel engines. Some are the 2007 Silverado 3500 Classic with 6.6L Duramax, Honda GCV160 mower engine, or Kubota tractor. In most cases, you can enjoy smooth driving experiences. And during that time, there won’t be any stumbles. 

The wide temperature range of the oil is from -27.78°C (-18°F) up to 38°C (100°F). So you can use this oil on your engine irrespective of the summer and winter seasons. 

However, 15k miles of oil draining interval is excellent for avoiding frequent oil changing hassle. In terms of time frame, it’s about 6 months. 

Releasing emissions is obvious for burning engine oil. But what if you can lower the rate? Absolutely, it’s better for our planet. Thinking so, this oil is designed in such a way that it will release lower CO2 emissions. 

What We Like

  • Contain sulfur and other additives to protect engine wear 
  • Ensure higher protection in extreme cold start-up 
  • Longer drain intervals reduce the frequent oil-changing issue 
  • Consume less oil even though the reasonable price

What We Don’t Like 

  • Dumb container

Verdict

You can choose this Delo 15w40 conventional diesel oil to thrive your off road vehicles. Wide temp range, and 15k miles changing interval worth your investment. 

How To Choose The Best Engine Oil For Diesel? 

You have to consider some basic things to choose the best engine oil for diesel as it’s related to the well-being of your vehicle’s engine. The more accurate oil you can pick, the better performance you can enjoy. So it’s wise to choose the food of your engine consciously. Here are the factors that you should check…

Manufacturer Recommendations 

The best practice is to check the manufacturer’s manual for your vehicle’s needs. The engineers who construct the vehicle know best which oil will perform better. So, your first job is to check the user manual you received while buying the vehicle. 

Consider Your Vehicle Type

From our above discussion, you already know that diesel engine oil will fit various vehicles. So, you have to consider your vehicle types. 

Because heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, and construction equipment have different requirements than SUVs, ATVs, light-duty trucks, or passenger cars. Knowing your vehicle type will help you select the right oil based on its need. 

Consider Weather & Your Driving Conditions 

Sweet breaking hot to freezing cold. Dusty or dirty to rainy environments. Start-and-go to long drives. These are the three weather and driving conditions. Unless you consider them all, there is little certainty in choosing the right oil. So, you must keep these in mind. 

Brand Reputation

Next, consider the brand reputation to easily choose the right diesel oil. The oil with the most positive ratings and reviews can be the reference of a reputable brand. So, if you are short of time, check some of the authentic users’ reviews to select the best brands. 

Performance Standards

Without having petroleum engineering knowledge, all oils seem the same to you. Here, API (American Petroleum Institute) and ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) work to maintain the standard of the oil’s quality. The oil certified from API CK-4, CJ-4, SN, or ILSAC is the best. So, check the oil’s label to know its standard.

Viscosity

You should choose the oil’s viscosity grade depending on local weather conditions. But diesel engines mostly need thicker oils. You can choose higher viscose oils like 5w40, 15w40, etc. 

Additives

To ensure better protection and prevention, check out the oil-containing additives. The more anti-wear and anti-sludge additives the oil has, the better protection and prevention it can offer. And the smoother performance you can enjoy with a longer lifespan. 

To ensure better protection and prevention, check out the oil-containing additives. The more anti-wear and anti-sludge additives the oil has, the better protection and prevention it can offer. And the smoother performance you can enjoy with a longer lifespan. 

FAQs 

Can I use gasoline engine oil in my diesel engine?

No, using gasoline engine oil in your diesel engine isn’t a good idea. Because both oils are different in formulation, design, and working ability. Gasoline oils won’t offer you the same protection, prevention, and performance as diesel oil. If you use gasoline oil in your diesel engine, it can reduce engine performance and lifespan. 

How often should I change the oil in my diesel engine?

There is no hard and fast rule to change your diesel engine oil. It can be every 5k-15k miles based on the oil quality, viscosity, engine condition, and driving frequency. In terms of time, it can be every 6 months. Or that comes first. 

What happens if I use the wrong type of engine oil in my diesel engine?

Using the wrong engine oil in your diesel engine has many consequences. Such as 

  • Less optimization may reduce the engine performance
  • Less lubrication may increase frictional damage
  • It may increase fuel consumption and cost

How do I know if my diesel engine oil needs to be changed?

Sometimes you may need to change the oil before reaching the mileage range or time. If you notice 

  • Oil leakage,
  • Unusual noises, or 
  • Excessive smoke. 

Because these are signs of something inappropriate in the engine. In that case, you have to check the entire engine if you have DIY skill. Or seek help from a mechanic to avoid heavy damage to your engine that needs an expensive repair. 

Conclusion 

So, it’s no longer difficult to choose the best engine oil for diesel. Pick the oil from our list that you find appropriate for your engine, weather conditions, and driving frequency. 

If you put the best oil in its stomach, your engine will offer you the best performance. 

However, keep in mind one thing to get the optimal efficiency from the oil. Regularly check the oil level, and if needed, change it. Otherwise, inadequate oil will lead to your engine damage. 

Wish you a smooth drive!

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