Several engine oils are available in the market, but only a few can provide lasting performance at a great price. That’s just one of the most common dilemmas car owners have dealt with regarding car maintenance.
Today, this blog will portray 2 household brands owners commonly use; Liqui Moly vs Castrol. Each potential function will be featured to provide a better view of which suits well for any vehicle.
Check out our quick comparison below:
Category | Liqui Moly | Castrol |
Price | Costly | Affordable |
Type/Base | Synthetic – Ester | Synthetic – PAO |
Viscosity | Liqui Moly 5w40, 5w30 | Castrol 5w30, Castrol 0w20 – 0w40 |
Compatibility | VX, Audi, BMW, and etc. | BMW, Toyota, Honda, and etc. |
Temperature | Min of -20°C, Max of 140°C | Min of -35°C, Max of 150°C |
Understanding through oil brands comparison
Table of Contents
Brand History
As mentioned, Liqui Moly and Castrol are prominent in the industry. Their proven and verified quality products are mirrored in their available oils, like the Castrol edge vs Liqui Moly molygen.
It’s no surprise that every car owner has used their products since both brands have been in the industry for a long time. Apparently, both brands started their journey by supplying oil for planes. Castrol started in 1919, while Liqui Moly began in 1957.
1. Liqui Moly history
Liquid Moly has found its way into the industry during the war era. Most war planes survived and successfully landed due to the lubricant oil they used, Liqui Moly. It contains molybdenum disulfide or MoS2, the star ingredient for automotive products.
Hans Henle acquired and patented the product, hence the birth of the Liqui Moly brand.
2. Castrol history
Meanwhile, the Castrol brand began its journey in the automotive industry before Liqui Moly. During its initial years, its founder Charles Wakefield declared the future of the brand. That’s the person who made Castrol oil prominent.
Throughout the production process, their aim to produce lubricants for planes and automobiles succeeded. Their experiment using castor oil helped lubricants to work in a versatile mode, thus, forming a trustworthy product and brand called Castrol.
Product Differences
A little bit of comparison for both brands has been presented above. However, there’s much more to uncover from those ideas and more to present.
1. Base
The known base or type of oil for Liqui Moly and Castrol is synthetic. However, they don’t use the same kind of synthetic oil. Castrol oil types include PAO, while Liqui Moly oil is an ester.
PAO or polyalphaolefins is what is usually accepted for BMWs. It belongs to the Group IV category for synthetic oils. That’s because of its capability to withstand low and high temperatures.
On the other hand, Ester is also an invincible oil that can perform despite declining and increasing temperatures. The only difference is it belongs to Group V of the synthetic oil category. Group V is known as an aid to improve other base oils.
2. Temperature performance
As mentioned, both brands can produce versatile oils, which can perform well in a wide range of temperatures. Finding engine oil that can last is a big deal, especially if the weather is the outside factor. In short, it should be versatile enough to offer lubrication.
Since Castrol can manage up to 150°C, it will be perfect for traveling. The engine will not lack its lubrication even if it’s in use for a longer time. On the contrary, Liquid Moly can work even at -20°C. In short, it is better during the cold season than Castrol.
3. Viscosity
Regarding the temperature, engine oil viscosity is also different for both brands. Viscosity involves the thickness of the engine oil and how it affects the flow of lubrication for the engine.
Car owners must have compared one of the most common viscosity grades both brands offer. Choosing between the Castrol 5w30 vs Liqui Moly 5w30 can be tough as both offer protection and lubrication.
However, if versatility is the topic, Castrol might offer more deals than Liqui Moly. Castrol offers various viscosity grades that vehicle users can use during the winter. Not only the 5w30 (Castrol edge 5w30), but the brand also has 0w20 until 0w40.
4. Liqui Moly Additives vs Castrol Additives
Additives in engine oil are the formula that ensures protection for the engine. That involves factors that help keep the machine running smoothly despite numerous factors (e.g., corrosion, sludge, etc.).
So, is Liqui Moly oil good?
Regarding additives, Liqui Moly is a premium oil brand offering ceramic oil treatment. This additive prevents heat buildup and severe friction during engine usage. Thus, ensuring the safety of the driver and keeping the car functional.
So, is Castrol oil good?
Meanwhile, Castrol oil also provides many additives to protect the engine from further damage. It includes a detergent additive, which helps dispersant additives to keep the engine clean from particles.
Other vital additives are present in Castrol, one of which is anti-oxidants. Unfortunately, Liqui Moly may seem to fail this comparison due to the lesser additives included. Despite that, it is still a strong contender against Castrol.
5. Price
When it comes to the price list, it can be concluded that Liqui Moly offers a higher range than Castrol. That can be shown in the product comparison Liqui Moly 10w60 vs Castrol 10w40. Of course, the product is a must-try, especially for sports cars.
Meanwhile, Castrol engine oil 10w40, like CASTROL GTX HIGH MILEAGE 10W-40, is also a great product. It is also 100% synthetic like the counterpart but is available at a lower price.
In short, both brands and products are highly effective. It will now depend on whether the buyer wants the expensive or cheaper version.
6. Compatibility
Aside from understanding the similarities and differences between these prominent brands, it is equally important to know their compatibility with people’s cars. Luckily, both are highly functional and offer 100% synthetic quality, which BMW cars need.
Finding suitable engine oil has never been easier for this car brand. Ensuring functionality and ease of use, like their best car model, e46 m3, is the priority when choosing a suitable engine oil.
Since it involves the welfare of the engine, car owners must choose wisely when selecting the product. But, according to Catstrol and Liqui Moly, compatibility is ensured.
7. Summary Pros and Cons
To conclude the comparison above, here are the possible benefits and mishaps people can expect when they use either Liqui Moly or Castrol.
1. Liqui Moly
- Prevent heat buildup
- Better for preventing friction
- 100% synthetic
- Expensive
- Lesser temperature range
- Fewer additives for engine protection
2. Castrol
- Affordable
- Wide temperature range
- More additives for engine protection
- 100% synthetic
- Lesser performance for mileage
8. Products Offered by Each Brand
After knowing the different pros and cons, it will be a lot easier to choose the perfect product for the vehicle. There are tons of motor oil products that Liqui Moly and Castrol produce. Let’s have a look at them below:
5w30 |
|
Liqui Moly Products | Castrol Products |
Top Tec 4200 5W-30 New Generation | Elixion Low SAPS 5W-30 |
Special Tec F 5W-30 | Magnatec Stop-Start 5W-30 |
Longlife III 5W-30 |
5w40 |
|
Liqui Moly Products | Castrol Products |
Top-up Oil 5W-40 | Castrol Edge 5W-40 |
Synthoil High Tech 5W-40 | |
Formula Super 5W-40 |
10w60 |
|
Liqui Moly Products | Castrol Products |
Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60 | Castrol Edge 10W-60 |
Choosing the Right Motor Oil Brand
Analyzing better options is an instinct of every buyer. Identifying the best product for the vehicle will ensure longevity, performance quality, and safety. So, is Liqui Moly good oil, or Castrol will provide better results?
- Brand reputation and customer reviews
Checking the Liqui Moly oil review and Castor oil review from previous customers is a great way to find a suitable product for the vehicle. Users can own the same vehicle, which helps influence car owners to decide on which product to use.
- Product Competition
It is highly essential to compare specific products rather than the brands. It also applies when checking Liqui Moly oil vs Castrol oil. That way, a suitable product will be found.
- Lasting Power
Full synthetic oils like Liqui Moly and Castrol offer 15,000+ mileage, providing longer service than other non-full synthetic oils. Thus providing better results for the engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix Liqui Moly with Castrol?
Mixing both oils is not ideal, especially since each belongs to a different base type. Doing so might result in severe damage to the engine. It would be better to use the suitable oil that fits the requirement of the vehicle model.
How often should I change my motor oil when using Liqui Moly or Castrol?
Both oil brands offer longer mileage systems before the oil change process happens. Liqui Moly offers up to 25,000 mileage lubrication to the engine. Meanwhile, Castrol can provide up to 15,000.
Once the numbers are met, an oil change is a must to protect the engine from friction, heat damage, and others.
Where can I purchase Liqui Moly and Castrol oils?
There are many spots to buy products from these 2 prominent brands. For Liqui Moly users, buyers can verify their location on the Liqui Moly website to view the nearest store. Meanwhile, Castrol also offers the same feature on its website.
Which is better: Liqui Moly vs Motul vs Shell?
Finding a suitable product should not be only about the brand history. It should also include the performance of the common products from the available brands. Check which product offers the most competitive performance and that’s the most suitable product.
Is Liqui Moly good for VW?
Another well-known sports vehicle that Liqui Moly oil can assist is the Volkswagen (VW). The official certificate for this approval is verified, ensuring that engines from VW cars are compatible with Liqui Moly.
Conclusion
Searching for suitable engine oil can be a lot easier. Car owners can identify the best product for them by understanding every pro and con. That’s why every factor is laid out for comparison in today’s discussion of Liqui Moly vs Castrol.
Liqui Moly and Castrol brands are potential candidates that can both provide superior performance. Identifying the better between the two will depend on the buyers’ preferences and needs (e.g., budget, lasting performance, protection, etc.)
Working with Vernon and Ryley has been a great experience for me. Together with the rest of the team, I hope to create reliable and useful information for our readers, no matter where they are and their experience with car maintenance.