Comma Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 - 5 Liters ⚫ Review 🏆

Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 Motor Oil is a premium engine oil from British manufacturer Comma. Comma has been producing car care products since 1965 and is known for making high-quality oils, coolants, and other fluids.

The Pro-Tech 5W30 oil is fully synthetic, which means it is made from synthetic base oils rather than the conventional crude oil. Synthetic oils like this are designed to meet the demands of modern engines by providing exceptional protection and performance across a wide temperature range.

This 5W30 oil has a low viscosity rating that makes it suitable for many passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, especially those requiring a high fuel economy oil. The '5W' refers to the oil's behavior in cold temperatures, with a lower number indicating better flow at start-up. The '30' refers to the viscosity at high operating temperatures. Together, the 5W30 rating offers a balance of cold flow and high-temperature protection.

As a premium synthetic oil, the Comma Pro-Tech 5W30 is formulated to provide exceptional wear protection, thermal stability at high temperatures, resistance to oxidation, and low oil consumption in modern turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. It meets the latest specifications from major manufacturers for extended service intervals.

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil

Synthetic and conventional oils have some key differences. Conventional oil is refined from crude oil, while synthetic oil is chemically engineered in a laboratory. This gives synthetic oil some advantages:

• Higher purity - Synthetic oil does not contain the impurities found in conventional oil, leading to less sludge buildup and cleaner operation.

• Better cold flow - Synthetic oils flow better in cold temperatures, allowing for easier starting and faster lubrication at start-up.

• Increased resilience - The chemical bonds in synthetic oil are stronger, allowing it to better withstand heat and oxidative breakdown over time.

• Improved fuel economy - The lower friction of synthetic oil can lead to a 1-2% increase in fuel economy.

However, conventional oil is significantly cheaper than synthetic, which is one of its main advantages. For most everyday drivers, conventional oil provides sufficient performance at a lower price point. But for demanding conditions or high-performance engines, synthetic is usually recommended.

One excellent option for those seeking a blend of performance and value is Comma Eurolite Semi Synthetic 10W40 - 5 Liters. This semi-synthetic oil combines the benefits of both synthetic and conventional oils, providing excellent protection and performance. It's specially formulated to meet the needs of modern engines, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency. Suitable for a wide range of vehicles, this product offers great value without compromising quality.

Specifications

The Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech motor oil is engineered to meet the latest industry specifications for modern engines. It has a 5W30 viscosity grade, making it a multi-viscosity oil suitable for a wide range of operating temperatures.

The "5W" refers to the oil's viscosity at low temperatures. The lower the number, the better it flows when cold. This allows the oil to circulate rapidly on startup to protect engine parts.

The "30" refers to the viscosity at high engine temperatures. Oils become thinner as they heat up. The higher this number, the better the oil's protection at operating temperature.

5W30 oils provide an ideal balance - easy flow when cold, but still viscous enough when hot. This makes them a very popular grade of motor oil suitable for many vehicle makes and models.

In addition, the Comma Pro-Tech 5W30 is a fully synthetic oil. Synthetic oils are man-made using specialized refining processes to produce superior stability and performance. They provide stronger protection, better viscosity control, and resistance to oxidation compared to conventional mineral oils. Fully synthetic oils like this Comma product are premium offerings, recommended for many modern engines.

The Comma XTech Fully Synthetic 5W30 - 5 Liters is another excellent choice for modern vehicles. It offers outstanding engine cleanliness and enhanced protection against wear. This oil maintains its viscosity over a wider temperature range, ensuring optimal performance. Designed to exceed industry standards, the XTech variant is ideal for both gasoline and diesel engines. Its advanced formulation diligently minimizes sludge buildup and contributes to overall engine efficiency. You can learn more about the product here: Comma XTech Fully Synthetic 5W30 - 5 Liters.

Pros

Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech 5W30 motor oil has many advantages that make it an appealing choice for drivers.

Performance

This fully synthetic oil is engineered to provide exceptional performance in a wide range of temperatures. The 5W30 viscosity grade makes it a lower viscosity oil that flows well when cold yet maintains viscosity protection when hot. This allows for easy cold starts while also keeping the oil film stable at high operating temperatures for reduced friction and wear. The oil meets the latest API SN specification for gasoline engines, indicating it provides high levels of protection against sludge, oxidation, and other performance-robbing contaminants.

Protection

In addition to API SN, Comma PTC5L carries certifications from major European manufacturers including VW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. This demonstrates its ability to meet strict standards for wear protection, deposit control, and volatility. The synthetic base oil along with an advanced additive package help reduce engine wear, protect against rust and corrosion, and keep critical engine parts clean. This oil can provide thousands of miles of reliable protection for your engine.

Fuel Economy

The 5W30 viscosity and friction-reducing qualities of Comma PTC5L can provide fuel economy benefits compared to higher viscosity oils. Less drag on engine components means the engine uses less fuel for the same performance. The low-ash formulation also helps minimize deposits that can affect combustion efficiency. By keeping your engine running clean and reducing friction, this oil can contribute to improved fuel economy.

Cons

Though synthetic motor oils like Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech offer clear advantages, they do come with some downsides to consider.

The most notable con is the higher price compared to conventional motor oils. Synthetic oils require advanced refining processes and higher-quality base stocks, so they simply cost more to produce. While the price gap between synthetic and conventional has narrowed over the years, synthetics still carry about a 30-50% premium per quart. For some motorists watching their budgets, this higher upfront cost can be difficult to swallow.

However, it's important to weigh that cost against the potential savings from extended drain intervals and engine longevity that high-quality synthetics provide. When accounting for these factors, synthetics may actually be cheaper in the long run compared to changing conventional oil more frequently. But the initial price difference remains a barrier for some consumers.

Use Cases

Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 Motor Oil is recommended for a wide range of vehicles and driving conditions.

It is formulated to provide excellent performance in both gasoline and diesel engines, making it a versatile choice for mixed fleets. The 5W30 viscosity grade makes it suitable for year-round use in most climates.

This motor oil is ideal for modern vehicles with turbochargers, direct injection, and emission control systems that place extra demands on the lubricant. It meets strict specifications from major manufacturers such as VW, Mercedes Benz, BMW, GM, and Ford.

The advanced full synthetic formula provides exceptional thermal stability and resistance to oxidation, allowing extended drain intervals compared to conventional oils. It protects against sludge and deposit build-up even under severe driving conditions like stop-and-go city driving or towing heavy loads.

Overall, Comma PTC5L is an excellent choice for most passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks and vans - both turbo and naturally aspirated engines. It's formulated to handle both everyday driving as well as frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, and heavy towing or hauling. The synthetic base oils and advanced additive package make it suitable for high-performance engines requiring robust protection against wear and deposits.

Cost

When it comes to cost, the Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 Motor Oil offers decent value. The 5 liter jug retails on Amazon UK for around £30-35. This works out to £6-7 per liter. While not the cheapest synthetic oil on the market, the Pro-Tech formula justifies a slight premium over basic synthetics. For most drivers doing regular oil changes on a single vehicle, the total cost is reasonable. The larger 5 liter jug also helps minimize the per-liter price, compared to smaller 1 liter bottles. Considering the quality and specifications of this oil, the pricing is quite competitive. Of course, sales and promotions can bring the price down further at times. But all in all, drivers get an upper-tier fully synthetic product for a mid-range price with the Pro-Tech 5W30 oil.

Availability

Comma oils are widely available at many auto parts stores and mechanics shops across the UK. Here are some of the major retailers that stock Comma:

• Halfords - This automotive retailer has locations across the UK and carries a wide selection of Comma motor oils, including the PTC5L. You can check stock and purchase online for home delivery or click & collect at your local store.

• Euro Car Parts - Another major auto parts chain, Euro Car Parts stocks the full range of Comma oils. The PTC5L is readily available online and in most stores. You can also get free next day delivery.

• National Tyres and Autocare - With over 200 fitting centres nationwide, National Tyres is a good place to pick up Comma oils. Enter your location to see if the PTC5L is in stock at your local branch.

• Independent mechanics & garages - Many independent auto shops and mechanics stock Comma as their oil of choice. It's worth calling ahead to check availability if you have a preferred local garage. Some may even price match major retailers.

• Direct from Comma - You can buy direct from the manufacturer through the Comma website. This ensures you get the latest formulation. Next day delivery is available if you can't find stock locally.

So in summary, Comma oils are stocked by all the major automotive retailers in the UK. The PTC5L is readily available online for delivery and also in most bricks and mortar stores for convenient click & collect. Supporting independent garages also helps keep choice and competition in the market.

Comparison to Other Brands

Comma's Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 oil compares favorably to other major motor oil brands like Mobil, Castrol, and Shell.

Mobil 1 is one of the most popular synthetic motor oil brands. Like Comma, Mobil 1 offers a 5W30 synthetic oil. Mobil 1 synthetic oils are known for their exceptional thermal stability and ability to protect engines under extreme heat. However, some reviewers note that Mobil 1 is more expensive than Comma for a similar formulation.

Castrol EDGE is another leading brand in synthetic engine oils. Their 5W30 synthetic oil offers boosted cleaning power compared to their conventional oils. Castrol EDGE also claims better high temperature protection. However, some reviewers feel that Comma offers comparable quality and performance to Castrol EDGE at a more affordable price point.

Shell Helix is a premium brand that offers a wide range of synthetic engine oils. Their Ultra 5W30 is formulated for high performance engines. Like Comma, Shell uses advanced additive packages for reduced engine wear, cleanliness, and sludge prevention. However, Shell tends to be priced higher than Comma.

Overall, Comma's synthetic 5W30 oil stands up well against premium brands like Mobil, Castrol, and Shell. While the major brands often boast improved additives and performance, Comma offers a comparable fully synthetic oil at a more budget-friendly price point. For drivers looking to upgrade to a quality synthetic without breaking the bank, Comma presents an appealing option.

Conclusion

Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech Fully Synthetic 5W30 Motor Oil is a solid option for those looking for a high-quality synthetic oil. It meets a wide range of specifications from major manufacturers like VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, indicating it can provide adequate protection across many makes and models.

The oil flows well in cold temperatures while still maintaining its viscosity at high heat. It keeps engines clean and reduces wear and tear over time. The fully synthetic formula allows for extended drain intervals compared to conventional oils.

While it does come at a premium price, the Comma oil offers very competitive quality and performance for the cost. Given its specifications and synthetic formulation, it provides good value compared to oils from more mainstream brands.

Overall, for European vehicles or any engine requiring a high-quality 5W30 synthetic oil, Comma PTC5L Pro-Tech is a good choice. It offers robust protection and cleaning power to maintain optimal engine performance over time. The oil is a worthwhile investment for those wanting a premium synthetic product without paying luxury brand prices.