top 5 best engine oil for diesel car in india fully synthetic & semi synthetic 5w30

When selecting engine oil for your diesel car in India, it’s essential to choose products that meet your vehicle’s specifications and offer optimal performance. Here are five highly regarded engine oils suitable for diesel cars:

First we decide engine oil grade 5w30 or 5w40

5 is mimum for cold start protection you -25c ow is better than 5w beucase easily flow at lower temparature.

30 is viscocity at operating temparature 100’c  , 40 thicker than 30 at 100c when engine running.

40 higher heat protection but higher thickness may not lubricate due to slow flow, and beraing clearence, oil flow.  (gradually lose viscocity/ thickness)

2nd/ Semi synthetic vs synthetic

sythetic higher quality higher price better for cleaning, stabiliy, smooth drving and lubrication.  higher cleaning agents/ deteregetns.

semi synthetic blend or synthetic tehnology 70-90% mineral oil and 10%-20% synthetic oil.

3rd petrol vs disiel engine oil

almost 99% use petrol engine oils in disiel engines but API S N,M,L,P “s” stands spark fuel ignition. Petrol car only.

don;t use petrol engine oil which SN grade use C grade. diesel engines operate at higher temperatures and pressures, requiring a specially formulated oil designed to handle those conditions,

API Standards for is C C stands for “Commercial”:
This category is used to indicate oils meant for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks with diesel engines.

final: use C standard instead of S.

4th  API & ACEA standards for disiel engines & recommend grade user manual

API- FA4; check manual for compitbaily.

API CK-4, and compaitlable with all old models & new models

API CK-4 describes oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards, as well as for previous model year diesel engines.

API CJ-4: for 2010 model engines.. (

API CI: for 2002 for models

for rating we use API CK4 which is latest 2017 and  comptiable old & new models.  and A3/B4 (ddis engine) and A3/b7 for tubrocharged engine.

5th. Brand seletion with price and

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil
This fully synthetic oil provides excellent protection and performance for diesel engines. It’s known for its ability to keep engines clean and enhance fuel efficiency.

Castrol MAGNATEC Diesel 15W-40 Engine Oil
Designed specifically for diesel engines, this oil offers instant protection from the moment you start your car, reducing wear and ensuring smooth operation.

Mobil 1 Synthetic Engine Oil
A popular choice among car owners, Mobil 1 offers synthetic engine oils that provide excellent lubrication and protection for diesel engines, enhancing performance and longevity.

Shell Helix Ultra 550041109 5W-40 API SN Fully Synthetic Car Engine Oil
Recommended for various car models, this oil ensures optimal engine performance and protection, suitable for both diesel and petrol engines.

Castrol Synthetic Engine Oil
Known for its high-quality formulation, Castrol’s synthetic engine oil is suitable for diesel engines, providing excellent protection and enhancing engine efficiency.

API Standards for disiel cars

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has established a number of standards for diesel engine oils, including:
API Service Category FA-4
Designed for high-speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines that meet 2017 model year greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. These oils are blended to a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP–3.2cP.
API Service Category CK-4
A tougher version of CJ-4, designed for both on and off-road use. CK-4 oils are available in viscosity grades like 15W-40, 10W-30, and 5W-40.
API Service Category CI-4 Plus
Formulated to provide a higher level of protection against soot-related viscosity increase and viscosity loss due to shear in diesel engines.
API Service Category CJ-4
Includes all CI-4 PLUS performance requirements.
API Service Category CI-4
Introduced in 2002, with backward compatibility with CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4.

ACEA standards for disiel cars

ACEA C3 is a specification for lubricants designed for high-performance petrol and light-duty diesel engines (displacement of 2.2–2.54 liters, and can produce 60–70 kilowatts of power.) with advanced aftertreatment systems

A3/B3: For pre-chamber diesel engines
A3/B4: For diesel direct injection engines
A7/B7: For turbocharged diesel engines, providing protection against low-speed pre-ignition, wear, and turbocharger compressor deposits
C1: For low SAPS, with a maximum sulfated ash content of 0.5%
C2: For mid SAPS, with a maximum sulfated ash content of 0.8%
C3: For mid SAPS, with a maximum sulfated ash content of 0.8%
ACEA divides oils into three groups: ACEA A/B for petrol (A) and light-duty diesel (B) engines. ACEA C for light-duty oils compatible with three-way catalysts (TWC) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). They are divided into low-SAPS and mid-SAPS oils. ACEA E is for heavy-duty diesel engines.

Diesel vs. Petrol Engine Oil

Diesel and petrol engines have different operational characteristics, leading to distinct requirements for engine oils:

• Diesel Engine Oil: Diesel engines typically produce more soot and operate at higher compression ratios than petrol engines. Therefore, diesel engine oils contain higher levels of detergents and dispersants to manage soot and prevent deposit formation. They also have additives to handle the higher loads and temperatures associated with diesel engines.
• Petrol Engine Oil: Petrol engine oils are formulated to address issues like oxidation and volatility. They generally have lower detergent levels compared to diesel oils, as petrol engines produce less soot.

Using the correct oil type is crucial. While some oils are designed to be suitable for both engine types, always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual or consult with a professional mechanic to ensure compatibility.

Can I use Petrol engine oil in my diesel car?

No, petro engine oils are not suitable for diesel engines as they lack the necessary additives to protect diesel engines from the higher combustion pressures and temperatures.

diesel engines operate at higher temperatures and pressures, requiring a specially formulated oil designed to handle those conditions,

ISLAC Standards