How does PETRONAS compare to the three major engine oils?
4 Answers
In the comparison between PETRONAS and the three major engine oils, PETRONAS falls short in terms of performance but has fewer counterfeit products on the market, offering better cost performance. Introduction: PETRONAS is a lubricant brand from Malaysia, belonging to a niche category. Currently, its market recognition in China is relatively low, and its acceptance among consumers is far less than that of Shell and Castrol. Time: PETRONAS has a shorter history. It is believed that Shell and Castrol, with their years of technological development and research, provide superior engine oil performance. Additionally, counterfeit PETRONAS products are very rare.
We in the auto repair industry all know that the big three brands—Mobil, Shell, and Castrol—are indeed the industry leaders, but Petronas is really not bad. Last time I helped a car owner change oil, I found that Petronas' 0W-20 full synthetic oil is no weaker than the big three brands in terms of high-temperature protection. Their PAO base oil formulation and additive package are quite sophisticated—it's just that the brand recognition is a bit lacking. I remember an old customer's car that had been using Petronas for years, and when we opened up the engine at 80,000 kilometers, it was still shiny and clean. However, if you're particular about brand premium, the big three oils do have higher recognition in the high-end car segment.
Friends who are into car modifications often struggle with this. From my own experience, the three major oil brands have more comprehensive certification systems, with high-end certifications like ACEA C5 being almost universally available. However, PETRONAS has a unique advantage—they've adapted the oil supply technology used for the Mercedes-AMG racing team for civilian use, especially in the Syntium series, which boasts exceptional shear resistance. At a recent track day, I saw a Civic owner using Syntium 7000, and even after ten consecutive laps, the oil temperature remained stable. The price is about 20% cheaper than the same tier from the three major brands, and this brand is particularly popular in Southeast Asia.
From the perspective of base oils, the three major brands still have a relatively high proportion of mineral oils, especially in their entry-level products. Petronas, on the other hand, is quite generous, with most of its products using Group III or higher base oils. I tried their XT series in my old Accord, and it showed quick RPM rise during cold starts, with crisp engine firing in winter. The longevity is also impressive, easily handling a 10,000-kilometer oil change interval. However, it's worth noting that for European cars, it's best to check the certification specifications before making a choice. Some German cars may require specific models when using Petronas oils.
