A Polish consumer ranking of 5W-40 engine oils published in March highlights premium synthetic products from Motul, Liqui Moly, Shell and Valvoline as the most popular performers in this viscosity grade.
These products excel in engine protection, cleanliness and operating stability, said Prorankingi.pl, an automotive website that regularly evaluates the most popular viscosity grades sold in Poland.
5W-40 is a viscosity grade widely used across gasoline and diesel passenger cars in Central and Eastern Europe. No directly comparable 2025 edition of the ranking was available, but earlier Polish lists show the same core brands consistently leading the 5W-40 segment.
The ranking found Motul’s 8100 X-cess A3/B4 5W-40 first product with top score of 9.85 out of 10.
“This oil creates a durable oil film resistant to breakdown even at extreme temperatures,” the report said, citing high temperature and high shear stability and strong protection under heavy loads. It also noted broad original equipment manufacturers compatibility, including BMW LL-01 and Mercedes-Benz 229.5.
The product’s detergent package was highlighted for helping “limit deposit formation and neutralize acidic combustion byproducts,” particularly in direct-injection and diesel engines. The ranking added that drivers may see smoother engine operation and reduced fuel consumption under demanding conditions.
Second place went to Liqui Moly’s Top Tec 4100 5W-40, scoring 9.76. The mid-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) oil meets ACEA C3 requirements and is suited for vehicles equipped with particulate filters. According to the report, it “improves engine smoothness and reduces fuel consumption,” while maintaining strong cold-flow properties.
The ranking added that the product “does not lose its lubricating properties under heavy loads,” emphasizing stable performance across both urban and long-distance driving. Compatibility with gasoline, diesel and LPG engines, as well as Volkswagen 505.01, was also cited.
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 placed third with a score of 9.61. The oil is produced using gas-to-liquid base stock technology, which the report said results in high purity and deposit control. It “acts like a shield,” protecting engines from sludge buildup and preserving performance over time.
The ranking noted strong oxidation resistance, low volatility and consistent viscosity, reducing oil consumption between service intervals. It also highlighted cold-start performance, stating the oil enables engines to start “instantly in winter conditions.”
Valvoline MaxLife 5W-40 ranked fourth with a score of 9.52 and was positioned for high-mileage vehicles. The formulation includes seal-conditioning additives that “restore elasticity to engine seals,” helping reduce leaks and oil burn-off.
The report added that friction modifiers contribute to “quieter operation and improved engine dynamics,” while the oil’s viscosity supports year-round use in both city and highway driving.
Prices for leading 5W-40 oils in Poland typically range from 90 zloty to 210 zloty (U.S. $22 to $52) for 4- to 5-liter packs. At those levels, the ranking said consumers can access products that “ensure reliable protection even in demanding conditions.”
The findings underscore steady demand in Poland for high-performance synthetic lubricants that can serve both modern emission-controlled engines and aging vehicle fleets. The country, one of Europe’s largest lubricant markets, consumed about 232,000 metric tons of lubricants in 2024, according to industry data.