Vehicle engine oils
Topping up or fully changing an engine's oil is an important part of keeping an engine running smoothly, which is why choosing the right engine oil is essential. Modern cars usually come with guidance telling you the type of oil required, with 10W30 a typical viscosity level.
You can find vehicle engine oil in a range of sizes from large 5L bottles to smaller 1L bottles of vehicle engine oil, perfect for keeping in the boot of your car for emergency top-ups. It's recommended to check the oil regularly, especially before long journeys or before an MOT is due.
Specialist engine oils
Motorcycle and bike oils can vary from car engine oils, with motorcycle specific oils like Shell Advance Motorcycle oil designed for two-wheeled vehicles. Likewise, classic cars often require specialist engine oil: Castrol Classic Engine Oil is specifically designed for pre-1980 vehicles, for example. For an engine leaking oil an additive leak stopping oil might be enough to stop any further drips. Well-known brands like Shell and Mannol German oil have engine oils that can be used across a range of different vehicles, but it's still important to check that an oil is suitable for every car it might be used in.
Mineral or synthetic oil types
The viscosity and engine lubricating benefits of different oils vary depending on their makeup and if they're synthetic or mineral oils. Corrosion inhibitors, detergents and friction modifiers can help prolong the life of an engine. Professional and special oils can be bought in smaller or larger volumes, with large 5L or 10L bottles cost effective where there are likely to be several oil changes in quick succession. Fully synthetic engine oil can benefit from having a longer life than mineral oils, ideal for cars that do fewer miles and might not need topping up regularly.