Comparing some 0w30 Euro oils (that are easily obtainable)

[Jetronic]

OK. I remember my mechanic saying that my Buick 3800 S2 has a cam sensor. So my Buick probably rotates twice before firing up. It does rapidly get oil pressure after starting engine.

I also remember my mechanic saying that my Jeep 4L rotates 3 times before firing up. I could hear it cranking over longer and then suddenly vroom it'd start.

The sound of the Honda 2.4L cranking, then starting leads me to suspect it rotates 2-3 times before firing up. Plus it gets oil pressure fast.

The Hyundai 1.8L seems to start immediately, but then takes longer than expected to reach full oil pressure. After cold start the engine rattles for 5 seconds sounding like after an oil change with a new filter that wasn't prefilled.

yes the rattling is the chain tensioner not being filled with oil. My 1.5 doesn't do that.

If there's no cam sensor, or it's faulty, it's still possible (if programmed to do so) to start a GDI but the ecu needs to take a guess which piston just passed TDC, and if wrong take the opposite piston. You'd need 3 revs for that.

 

[SugarMouth]

In summer, your cooling system maintains oil temperature. The problems start at very high altitudes. That is where you could see issues with engine cooling,

This was something I had learned while trying to keep a 500whp VW GTI cool on track at High Plains Raceway. Something I did not battle at tracks in California at nearly sea level.

 

[edyvw]

This was something I had learned while trying to keep a 500whp VW GTI cool on track at High Plains Raceway. Something I did not battle at tracks in California at nearly sea level.

Everyone finds out that at HPR

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

I use ESP 0W-30 in 7 vehicles I own and or maintain(I know it keeps going up). My reason is availability at Wally for $28. I also like the GTL/PAO/Ester formula with its proven performance and approvals/specs.

Plus I noticed my local Walmart must be having issues moving 0w20 in most flavors. Last week they had a huge display on a corner aisle discounting Mobil 1 0w20 and a few others.

 

[Carlostrece]

yes the rattling is the chain tensioner not being filled with oil. My 1.5 doesn't do that.

Does that cause harm to the Hyundai 1.8L engine? What causes this? Is there an easy cure for it?

 

[altaylar]

This seems to be already said by many members, but in a nutshell:

1) Don't worry about the cold viscosity. Virtually any of these oil, or their 5w30 counterparts, will behave near identical. Unless the the temperature goes minus fahrenheit values, 0wX and 5wX are essentially the same, as well as every single oil you chose here.

2) these are all good oils, i would just go with whichever is cheaper for you. We all have our favorite oil, or our favorite features in certain oils, but the chances are regardless of how many cold starts, or miles and years your cars endure, no problem will arise using one of these oils that could have been preventable with choosing another. These are all great

 

[Scroopy Noopers]

New member and longtime lurker. Here is a VOA of Valvoline Euro 0W-30 from March 2025.
Oil purchased from Napa in February 2025. Enjoy

 

[kschachn]

What does that tell you about the oil, Scroopy?

Aside from the fact that it's an analysis from Blackstone (like your others) that I don't trust much.

 

[Scroopy Noopers]

Good question. I'd say its nice to see some numbers and compare it to other oils and their prices.
Compared to Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX and Mobil 1 ESP it is more expensive.
A quart of Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX is $7.5, 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 ESP is $28 while Valvoline is $11.5 a quart.

I did notice the engine in my Honda with the 2.0L was quieter with the Valvoline than the Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX.
My Audi R8 is just gloriously loud no matter what oil I use. I'm currently using Rowe Hightec Multi Synt DPF.
Part of me thinks I should just get Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 and stop wasting my time.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Yes! It sells very well too. It and Valvoline Restore and Protect seem to be the fast movers at my Walmart. In fact if any of the OP’s vehicles burn oil or are known oil burners I’d suggest Valvoline Restore and Protect. I know the Buick 3800 is not.

My Walmart seems to be a fast mover of all the Mobil 1 oils except for the 0w20s. Those stay on the shelves a lot. Same with other brands. It appears folks have been avoiding the 0w20s here and going big time for the 0w30 / 5w30s lately. Our Walmart has an entire end of aisle stacked from top to bottom of Mobil 1 0w20 jugs for sale for weeks now - supposedly on SALE Price (I don't see it). The price does not look like much of a discount to me at all. They been trying to move that stuff but it is not going down.

Looks to be more of the type (0w20) as opposed to the brand. Most other weights + brands are selling as normal. But they can not keep the Valvoline Restore and Protect on the shelves at all. A real fast mover around here.