Is Motul oil better than Valvoline?
There isn’t a universal winner: both Motul and Valvoline offer high-quality oils, and the best choice depends on your engine’s requirements and your driving conditions. Motul is known for ester-based synthetics and motorsport heritage, while Valvoline emphasizes broad availability, OEM approvals, and a wide range of options for everyday and high-mileage vehicles.
Product positioning and range
Key product lines and their typical use cases include the following:
- Motul: flagship ester-based racing oils (notably the 300V line), celebrated for exceptional film strength and heat resistance; also offers broad synthetics like the 8100 family designed for modern road engines with robust OEM approvals.
- Valvoline: extensive lineup including full synthetic performance oils (SynPower/Advanced Full Synthetic) for everyday and high-performance street cars, MaxLife for high-mileage engines, and VR1 for racing applications; strong emphasis on availability and OEM compatibility.
- General rule: Always match the oil to the vehicle’s specified viscosity and approvals rather than choosing a brand based solely on reputation.
In practice, the most important factor is whether the oil carries the right API/ACEA specs and OEM approvals for your engine and region.
Choosing the right oil: OEM specs and usage
To choose correctly, use this checklist to align oil specs with your car’s needs.
- Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's site for the recommended viscosity grade (for example 0W-20, 5W-30) and required specifications/approvals (such as API SP or ACEA A1/B1, or OEM-specific approvals).
- Verify that the oil you choose has the necessary OEM approvals for your engine family and region. API/ACEA compliance is important, but OEM approvals can be mandatory.
- Consider your driving conditions: cold starts, hot climates, heavy towing, or high-load driving can influence the required grade and synthetic level.
- Decide between full synthetic and synthetic blend based on engine age, condition, and budget. High-mileage engines may benefit from dedicated formulations (e.g., Valvoline MaxLife).
- Factor in maintenance intervals and price. If your maintenance plan specifies a brand or if you regularly operate under demanding conditions, adjust accordingly.
Following these steps helps ensure the oil actually meets your engine’s needs, not just a brand’s marketing claim.
Practical considerations and cautions
Be mindful of marketing language and ensure the product you select matches the exact viscosity and spec required by your vehicle. Brand alone does not guarantee compatibility; always verify the spec sheet.
Summary
There is no single brand that is universally better for every engine. Motul and Valvoline both offer high-quality oils that can meet nearly all modern OEM specs when correctly matched to the vehicle. Motul is often preferred for high-performance and ester-based oils; Valvoline is valued for broad coverage, OEM approvals, and cost-effective options. The right choice depends on your car’s requirements, your driving, and adherence to official specifications.
What brand has the best synthetic oil?
The best synthetic oil brands are subjective and depend on your priorities, but top contenders frequently mentioned for performance and protection include Amsoil Signature Series, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. Other strong options include Castrol EDGE, Valvoline Advanced, and Royal Purple. For ultimate engine cleanliness, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is often highlighted, while Amsoil is praised for long-life performance and protection.
Top-tier brands
- Amsoil Signature Series: A premium option known for superior wear protection and long oil change intervals, making it a favorite for high-performance engines and demanding conditions.
- Mobil 1 Extended Performance: Often recommended for its longevity and high-mileage engine protection, with a strong balance of performance, protection, and cleanliness.
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum: Praised for its exceptional cleaning ability, with a formula that helps keep pistons remarkably clean, leading to better efficiency and protection.
- Castrol EDGE Advanced Full Synthetic: Notable for its fluid titanium technology that reinforces metal surfaces under high heat and pressure.
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic: Considered a solid all-around performer that balances wear protection, engine cleaning, and good viscosity retention for real-world driving.
- Royal Purple High-Performance: Known for its Synerlec additive technology that bonds to metal surfaces, reducing friction and noise.
How to choose
- Consider your vehicle: Check your owner's manual for the specific oil viscosity grade and any certifications required by your manufacturer.
- Prioritize engine cleanliness: If you are concerned about deposits and sludge, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is a great choice.
- Look for long oil change intervals: Amsoil Signature Series is built for long-lasting protection between changes.
- Think about operating conditions: For high-performance or heavy-duty use, brands like Amsoil and Royal Purple are often favored.
- Price: Some top brands, like Amsoil, can be more expensive, while others, such as Mobil 1 or Valvoline, may offer a better price point for their performance levels.
Which is better, Motul or Valvoline?
Motul led with a 79% customer satisfaction ranking, and Valvoline was second at 77.5% in the Drivers Choices annual survey of of motorists. BP's Castrol climbed from the fourth place in 2021 to third place last year, with a 76% customer satisfaction ranking.
Why is Valvoline the best oil?
Valvoline SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Provides excellent engine cleanliness through superior sludge and varnish protection.
- Helps reduce engine wear at high temperatures with improved viscosity stability.
- Provides cold-temperature protection through faster oil flow at start-up.
Who manufactures Motul oil?
Motul oil is made by the French company Motul SA, which was formed in 1957. The company's origins trace back to 1853 with a New York-based company called Swan & Finch, which was later acquired by Supra Penn, a French importer. Supra Penn renamed the company Motul SA, and it has remained a French, family-owned company specializing in high-tech lubricants since then.
- Current ownership: Motul is owned by Motul SA, a French company.
- Company history: The Motul brand began with the New York-based Swan & Finch company in 1853. It was acquired by the French company Supra Penn in 1957, which renamed the company Motul SA.
- Specialization: Motul specializes in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-performance lubricants, including oils for cars, motorcycles, and industrial use.
- Innovation: The company is known for being a pioneer in the industry, introducing the first multigrade oil in 1953, the first semi-synthetic lubricant in 1966, and the first 100% synthetic lubricant in 1971.
