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Best Diesel Oil Brands: Which Is Best for You?
You probably know the difference between regular pump gas and diesel, but did you know that diesel engines have their own type of motor oil, too? Diesel vehicles require a distinctive kind of lubricating oil formulated to increase the performance and longevity of these hard-working engines.
Yet, determining which diesel oil best suits your car can prove challenging if you don’t know what to look for.
The following guide reviews the best diesel oil brands to help you determine which one fits your application. Many of the brands you’ll encounter below are well-known in the industry and offer superior performance to keep your diesel running for thousands of miles.
If you’re still unsure which diesel oil brand will help maintain your vehicle, call Cadence’s experts. We’ll be happy to provide guidance and answer your questions.
What Are the Best Diesel Oil Brands?
Performing routine diesel oil changes like clockwork contributes to your car engine’s performance, reliability, and longevity, but those efforts are only wasted if you don’t pour in the best diesel oil.
The following motor oils ensure your diesel performs as designed, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, and extending engine life. Explore the best diesel oil brands — all of which are part of the Cadence family of brands — below.
For those residing in Atlanta, you'll find these brands readily available at local automotive stores and service centers.
CAM2
The CAM2 Blue Blood Elite lineup is the brand’s full-synthetic, heavy-duty engine oil designed for naturally aspirated and turbo diesel engines.
Compliant with American Petroleum Institute (API) CK-4 specifications, this CAM2 diesel oil comes in 5W-40 and 15W-40 viscosities. The Magnum Turbo lineup is CH-4 compatible and works well with engines of high sulfur content.
For additional protection, choose the CAM2 Super HD lineup. This heavy-duty engine oil also meets API CK-4 specifications. This synthetic blend offers additional benefits, including reduced emissions, increased oxidation protection, improved fuel economy, and superior wear control.
Castrol
Castrol’s VECTON lineup incorporates all the benefits of a fully synthetic diesel oil and upholds API CK-4 specifications.
In addition to being certified carbon-neutral, VECTON offers improved fuel efficiency, high acid corrosion resistance, extended drain intervals, and exceptional anti-wear protection. The conventional CRB series from Castrol is also popular, available in 10W-30 and 15W-40.
Chevron
The Chevron Delo diesel oil series features full synthetic and synthetic blend options that range from 5W-40 and 15W-40 to 5W-30. API CK-4 compliant, the Delo lineup improves component life and fuel economy while extending oil drain intervals.
If you’re a fan of Chevron oils, check out the Delo series of diesel oils.
Mobil 1
One of the biggest names in the automotive lubricant industry, Mobil 1 offers the Delvac diesel oil lineup. Available in several variants, Mobil 1 Delvac includes 10W-30 and 15W-40 viscosities and meets API CK-4 and FA-4 specifications.
Like many other diesel oils on the list, it offers extended oil change intervals, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining optimal performance.
Shell
Shell produces full synthetic and synthetic blend diesel oils. The T6 Synthetic Diesel Oils — available in 0W-40, 5W-40, and 10W-40 — offer the most performance with heat and wear resistance, improved fuel economy, and compatibility with most emissions systems. The T6 blend is also available in full synthetic 5W-30 and 15W-40.
Valvoline
Valvoline Premium Blue, available in 10W-30, 5W-40, and 15W-40, comes recommended by Cummins for its diesel engines. This diesel oil offers advanced fuel economy, protects against wear, manages soot, and resists degradation.
What To Consider When Selecting Diesel Oil
Before you decide on a diesel oil brand, review the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual.
Some manufacturers will specify a brand, while others may reference a particular API specification. As long as the brand you choose meets those industry specifications, you should be fine, but you can also perform an engine oil analysis to ensure optimal performance. For businesses and fleets that require a steady supply of high-quality lubricants, bulk diesel oil delivery ensures you always have the right oil on hand to keep your engines running efficiently.
Oil type is often one of the first questions you’ll face when selecting diesel oils. Deciding between synthetic blends, full synthetics, and conventional oils frequently initiates a discussion of budget. Keep in mind that diesel engines typically have a higher oil capacity than gas-powered vehicles, so you’ll need more oil if you plan on changing it yourself.
Full synthetic motor oils typically offer the best performance and longer oil change intervals than synthetic blends or conventional oils. It’s worth spending a few extra dollars to keep your diesel engine running smoothly with full synthetic oils, especially if you rely on your diesel for income. However, synthetic blends tend to be a more popular middle-of-the-road option.
Beyond oil types, you’ll also want to review viscosity and additives. Detergents and dispersants help keep your diesel engine free from sludge and soot. Anti-wear agents and rust inhibitors prevent contaminants and humidity from reducing your engine’s lifespan. Viscosity modifiers can also contribute to better performance across temperature differentials.
How Is Diesel Oil Different?
Diesel lubricants perform the same essential functions as any given motor oil but are specifically designed to handle the operating conditions characteristic of diesel engines.
Diesel oil reduces friction among metal components, regulates temperatures within the engine, increases fuel economy, and promotes a clean-burning environment. Without oil, diesel engines would cease to function.
Diesel engines tend to operate at higher temperatures and have higher compression ratios than your standard gas-powered engine. Although diesel engines produce more soot, they require lubricants with high anti-wear properties to boost efficiency.
Diesel engines are popular in the transportation industry — specifically in trucking goods across the nation — but demand a high-performing lubricant to pair with these high-torque, hard-working powerplants.
Maintain Your Diesel Engine With Cadence’s Family of Oil Brands
Rest assured that Cadence’s lineup of premium motor oils meets or exceeds ILSAC GF-6 and API SP specifications to ensure optimal diesel engine performance. The trusted brands we offer come with our promise of safety and integrity to keep America moving toward excellence.
In addition to providing top-quality motor oils, we also offer a reliable fuel delivery service to ensure your diesel vehicle never runs out of fuel.
Call us at 336-629-2061 to request a quote or discuss your questions and concerns with a friendly and knowledgeable representative.
Sources:
Heavy Duty Engine Oil Archives | CAM2
DIESEL ENGINE OIL BRANDS | Castrol® USA
Delo: Choose The Right Engine Oil | Chevron Lubricants (US)