Are engine oil and engine lubricant the same thing?

Yes. "Engine Oil" and "Engine Lubricant" refer to the same car part. Other common names include Engine Lubricant, Motor Oil, Engine Motor Oil. The part is the same regardless of which name is used.

How do I know which engine oil my car needs?

Your vehicle handbook lists the exact viscosity grade (such as 5W-30) and the manufacturer approval or specification your engine requires. Using oil that meets the correct specification protects the engine and keeps your warranty valid, so always match the grade rather than choosing on price alone.

How often should I change my engine oil?

Oil change intervals vary by manufacturer, engine and whether you do mostly short trips or long motorway runs, so follow the schedule in your service book. Old or contaminated oil loses its protective qualities, so changing it on time is one of the cheapest ways to extend engine life.

How much does engine oil cost?

The price of engine oil depends on your exact vehicle and the brand you choose. Enter your registration above to see parts confirmed to fit, then compare prices from the brands we stock on this page. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.

Can I mix different brands of engine oil?

It is best not to mix oils of different grades, and ideally you should stick to one specification. If you only need to top up in an emergency, a small amount of oil that meets your engine's specification and viscosity is generally safe, but a full change with the correct oil is always preferable.

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Engine Oil buying guide — what to know before you buy

Engine oil lubricates, cools, and cleans the engine's internal moving parts, forming a hydrodynamic film between metal surfaces that prevents direct contact and wear. Using the correct grade and type of engine oil for your vehicle and changing it at the correct interval is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can carry out.

Oil grades and specifications

Engine oil viscosity is expressed as a two-number grade — for example, 5W-30 or 0W-40. The first number (with the W, for winter) indicates low-temperature flow; the second indicates high-temperature viscosity. Lower W numbers flow more easily from cold, protecting the engine faster on start-up. Modern engines increasingly specify low-viscosity oils (0W-20, 5W-20) to reduce drag and improve fuel economy — using a heavier grade than specified increases fuel consumption and can affect variable valve timing systems.

Beyond viscosity, engine oil must meet an API, ACEA, or manufacturer-specific approval (such as VW 504.00, BMW LL-04, or Mercedes-Benz 229.5) that defines the additive package. Using oil without the correct approval can void manufacturer warranties and, on modern diesel particulate filter-equipped vehicles, damage the DPF with high-ash content.

Oil change intervals

Most manufacturers specify oil changes at 10,000–20,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first — but this depends on the oil quality and the driving profile. Short-journey, urban driving is the hardest on oil because the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature, allowing moisture and fuel contamination to accumulate in the crankcase. In these conditions, annual changes are advisable even if the mileage is low.

Always replace the oil filter at the same time as the oil. A dirty filter cannot be cleaned and will re-contaminate fresh oil within the first few minutes of running.

Always match grade and specification to the manufacturer's requirements
Replace oil filter at every oil change
More frequent changes recommended for short-journey or urban driving
Check level monthly between services
Do not mix different oil types without guidance

Choosing engine oil

Use the registration lookup to find the manufacturer-approved specification for your vehicle. A wide range of engine oils — from budget to premium full-synthetic — is available on this page. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.