Depends how you define better. The EP oils like M1, EDGE etc. could easily be on par on even better than some Euro oils in some instances, but there are some characteristics that are different that set them apart. HT/HS for example is often higher on some of the Euro grades (30 grade in particular). But you could certainly do that if you wanted to.From what I have been reading Euro oils are better then regular domestic motor oils. If that is true, why not just run Euro oils?
What would be the disadvantage(s) to it?
That’s the irony in all of this lmaoI use Euro oil but in reality our vehicles engines usually our last the rest of the vehicle and if there is an engine problem it is not because of the oil.
And I care more about protection then miniscule mpg difference.It’s also about Thickie Love. There’s no denying that CAFE has had a large part to driving America to low viscosity oils.
Thanks. Lots of good reading for me.Some pretty deep discussions here. There are many more but these are mostly specific to your post:
Difference Between Euro and non-Euro Oils?
Why is there often a distinction between European and non-Euro oils? Why would two seemingly similar engines (in my case, a former VW/Audi 2.0T DI and a Hyundai/Kia 2.0T DI) have different oil needs? Obviously there are differences in design details, but both would appear to put the same stress...bobistheoilguy.comUsing European Oils in NonEuropean Cars?
I need some help. I was told not to use "European" oils in my "Japanese" cars as they would not be good for them. I have SJ and SL cars. This conversation was in a forum and I am awaiting a response to my question of "Why not?" It appears to me that the "European" oils have more good stuff in...bobistheoilguy.comEuro Oils
What are the advantages and disadvantages of euro oils over the normal full synthetics we typically see here is the U.S.? Like you choose valvoline euro synthetic over the valvoline advanced synthetic... I notice euro oils tend to be high calcium, have good doses of zinc and phosphorus...bobistheoilguy.comCan I use European Oils in my Japanese Engines?
I see certain oils meeting all these BMW, VW, Porsche Standards and I think to myself, wouldn't these be better for my Japanese cars than the oils without these standards? Help me with my attempt at logical thought. FWIW, my major concern is for long engine life. Increased MPG means virtually...bobistheoilguy.comWhat Exactly Makes An Oil "European Formula"
Is there anything they require over there that we don't? Or something we have that they can't? Or is it just a selling point for people who think anything made in Europe is better quality?bobistheoilguy.comAny reason NOT to buy the Euro version?
I feel like when buying oil now, it would seem silly not to buy the Euro version of the oil. I know it only applies to certain grades, but if i had to buy a 5w30….. PP or PP Euro L, im grabbing Euro L. Assuming not DI or turbo. At least for now. More and more are becoming SP anyway. The regular...bobistheoilguy.comEuro Oil.....Why?
Stupid question really, more out of curiosity, why is it in the day and age that most new cars are using 20w oils (Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Chevy, Honda, etc.) BUT the Euro cars primarily use a 40w oil or a very heavy 30w that is a borderline 40w. Why? Is it the high speed driving they do...bobistheoilguy.comEuropean Formula oil
Has anyone one used European formula oil in a non European car? Ex. in a Toyota etc.. is it ok to use the Euro formula oil in NON European cars?bobistheoilguy.comAny reason not to use Euro L or Euro AV in...
Any reason not to use Euro L or Euro AV in a non-Euro speced car? Specifically a, 06 Chevy Cobalt. I have a bunch of Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 from one of the Autozone clearances. TIA. Add: Any issues if the car consumes a bit of oil between changes - 1/2 qt? (In other words anything to be...bobistheoilguy.comWhat's the difference with Euro Spec oils?
I was just topping my vehicle off last week and noticed I accidentally purchased the Euro Spec Penz Platinum 5w30 instead of the regular. I know it won't damage anything, I'm just curiousbobistheoilguy.comUsing Euro Oil in US Spec'd Trucks
I have a first-gen Ford EcoBoost 3.5L V6 in a 2015 Expedition, the owner's manual states to follow the oil life monitor, but I run an OCI of 5,000 miles, as there are known issues with extending OCI's that have manifested with the timing chain - the chain becomes worn and stretched. As the chain...bobistheoilguy.comEuropean oil better than North american oil ??
If so why ? are the price similar ? thanksbobistheoilguy.comEuro Spec Oil in GM Vehicle?
About to purchase a new truck with GM's new-ish L3B 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder engine. I've become a fan lately of the MB229.51 and VW50400/50700 specs over GM's Dexos1-Gen3. GM requires Dexos1-Gen3 5W-30 but many of the "Euro" formulas that meet MB229.51 and VW50400/50700 seem to be superior and...bobistheoilguy.comWhat makes European car oil special......Volkswagen ratings, etc?
Hi everyone, I recently purchased a new Volkswagen GLI, the requires VW 508 - 0w20 oil. This is the first modern European car that I have ever owned, so the world of "special" oil is all new to me. I come from a Japanese car background (Toyota/Nissan and an air-cooled VW and an Explorer) so for...bobistheoilguy.comPut Pennzoil Platinum Euro L in a Honda.
Well I asked for 6 quarts of Pennzoil platinum 5w-30, they came back with a box of six quarts, didn't notice until after changing the oil that it was Euro L not regular pennzoil platinum. Car is an old 1994 honda prelude with a dual cam non vtec 2.3 4 cylinder with 220,000 miles. Wondering if I...bobistheoilguy.comWhy should I use euro oil?
Well like the title says, why is euro oil better? Why do you guys crawl over broken glass for your GC? I've always used Mobil 1 myself, never had a reason to change. I've also got a european car, a Saab 9-5 aero. Is there any reason I should use 0W-40 (as euro an oil as Mobil 1 makes) as opposed...bobistheoilguy.comAPI versus Euro oil, for the same engine
I have a 2013 Ford Edge with a 3.5 my vehicle calls for 5W20 here in the states, but over in Europe it has a listing for several different oils, Engine Fluids Synthetic Oil (viscosity) 0W-30 | 0W-40 | 5W-30 | 5W-40 | 10W-30 | 10W-40. Now is that because CAFE here, or was something different...bobistheoilguy.comEuro 30 in a Coyote engine
Recently I have been considering running a XW-30 Euro oil in my Mustang GT with the 5.0, mainly because of the higher HTHS and beefier additive pack. The car is not tracked, but it is daily driven and driven hard at times reaching redline almost daily, sometimes several times in one day. It’s...bobistheoilguy.comCan I use Pennzoil Ultra Euro L?
I have been using Pennzoil Ultra 5W-30 in my wifes Lexus V6 RX300. Now Walmart has decided to stop carrying it. A friend of mine working at the Dodge dealer says they have Pennzoil Ultra Euro L 5W-30. He says they use it in the Sprinter vans. Would that be as effective as the regular Ultra? I...bobistheoilguy.comWhat about euro engines makes them have a different requirement?
Why do euro engines NEED euro oil? Is it the materials that differ in the builds? Is it all regulation based? I would honestly think there’d be the same level of difference between a ford and a GM motor as there is between a GM and a BMW. With all the modern tech and refined engineering I’m just...bobistheoilguy.comEuropean vs. American vehicle oil requirements
Many have conjectured about why the same vehicles are currently spec'd for different oils, depending on which continent they are sold. Generally, the European models will require a thicker oil. Some say it's because of CAFE only, at the expense of engine wear. I think that the Europeans [and...bobistheoilguy.comEuro formula?
Starting to notice a lot of "Euro Formula" motor oils on the shelves at various places. What is the difference between a regular formula (Say Pennz Platinum) and Pennz Platinum Euro Formula? If these are designed for European cars, what benefits do they offer to non-European cars? Is Euro...bobistheoilguy.comEuropean vs American Formulas
The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is rated at 638-hp. As long as an oil meets GM4718M that's all this machine needs for proper lubrication. Since the 1/4 mile wails by in 11.2 seconds at 130.5 mph,* an oil good enough for this thing should be good enough for almost any thing. Not necessarily but you get my...bobistheoilguy.com
Have you ever seen the average European vehicle in Europe? You might be surprised with mileage and the afterlife. Many of those cars end up in some African scrap yard after 30 years or so.Here's some anecdotal evidence based on huge sample sizes:
The average American car which has run its lifetime on dealer bulk / Jiffy Lube / Supertech has a lot more accumulated miles when it goes to the scrap yard than the average European car. But I'm not sure either one goes to the scrap yard because of oil-related engine failure. In any event the US lubes appear to be adequate for the job at hand.
Catalytic converter concerns for traditional high SAPS Euro oils, is another downside. For an engine that isn't an oil burner though, it's probably fine.Some downsides I can think of:
- Not a lot of options for oils with HTHS <3.5 cP, and especially between 2.9 and 3.5 cP
- Most euro standards don't require LSPI tests, though this might be changing
- Often more expensive
- Warranty concerns
VQ’s can pretty hard on oil or so I’ve read. I’ve had good success running euro oils (QS and Mobil euro oils) in my Pathfinder and Xterra with the VQ40.My G35 (VQ35) needed an oil change last week but WM didn't have my preferred Castrol Magnatec in stock so I grabbed a bottle of QS 5W-40 "Euro" something. Paid little attention to the specifics.... It's in there now and I kinda like it. It's very quiet.
Don't know why that would be a concern. For decades, millions of German vehicles have been using oils greater than or equal to 3.5 HTHS without Cat failures.Catalytic converter concerns for traditional high SAPS Euro oils, is another downside. For an engine that isn't an oil burner though, it's probably fine.
Can you share a link to data to support this claim? It seems counter to what I have been told about European, or at least German, car ownership.Here's some anecdotal evidence based on huge sample sizes:
The average American car which has run its lifetime on dealer bulk / Jiffy Lube / Supertech has a lot more accumulated miles when it goes to the scrap yard than the average European car. But I'm not sure either one goes to the scrap yard because of oil-related engine failure. In any event the US lubes appear to be adequate for the job at hand.
1. They do.Some downsides I can think of:
- Not a lot of options for oils with HTHS <3.5 cP, and especially between 2.9 and 3.5 cP
- Most euro standards don't require LSPI tests, though this might be changing
- Often more expensive
- Warranty concerns