Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 - 1 Litre ⚫ Review 🏆

Liqui Moly is a German brand that has been manufacturing high-quality oils and lubricants for over 60 years. They are well known for their wide range of synthetic motor oils that are specially engineered to meet the demanding specifications required by European auto manufacturers.

One of their most popular synthetic engine oils is the Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30. This is a premium fully synthetic low-friction motor oil designed for the latest generation of gasoline and diesel engines. It utilizes Liqui Moly's proprietary "Synthesis Technology" which allows the oil to provide maximum protection while also enabling fuel savings.

This motor oil is formulated to provide exceptional wear protection, keep engines extremely clean, and maintain optimal oil pressure under all operating conditions. It meets or exceeds the specifications for many European manufacturers including Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Audi. The Special Tec LL 5W-30 is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines, including those with particulate filters and catalytic converters.

Specifications

Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is a premium fully synthetic motor oil that utilizes advanced additive technology. It has a viscosity grade of 5W-30, meaning it has the characteristics of a thinner 5 weight oil when cold but reaches the viscosity of a 30 weight oil once the engine reaches operating temperature. This allows for easy cold starting while still providing the protection of a thicker oil during normal driving conditions.

The base oil for Special Tec LL 5W-30 is polyalphaolefin (PAO) rather than conventional mineral oil. PAO is a synthetic oil made from pure refined hydrocarbon gas that allows for improved performance and extended drain intervals compared to conventional motor oils. The advanced additive package provides enhanced protection against wear, deposits, and oil breakdown over time. Overall, Special Tec LL 5W-30 combines a high-quality synthetic base stock with specialized additives to deliver superior lubrication across a wide temperature range.

Performance

Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 motor oil is formulated for excellent all-around performance.

Fuel Efficiency

This low viscosity 5W-30 oil provides reduced friction for improved fuel economy compared to thicker oils. The advanced full synthetic base oils and low friction additives allow the engine to operate more efficiently. Independent testing has shown 1-2% better gas mileage with Liqui Moly Special Tec LL versus conventional oils.

Cold Weather Performance

The 5W viscosity grade ensures rapid oil flow at start-up in cold temperatures. This allows vital engine parts to receive lubrication faster, reducing wear during cold starts. The synthetic base oils also retain viscosity better at low temperatures compared to conventional oils. Liqui Moly states this oil provides smooth starting at temperatures as low as -30°C.

High Temperature Performance

The thermally stable synthetic base oils retain viscosity at high engine temperatures for continued protection. This oil resists oxidation and oil thickening, while protecting against deposits. The 30 viscosity grade provides sufficient thickness to prevent excess oil consumption at high temperatures. Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is rated for constant temperatures up to 235°C, with peak temperatures of 250°C.

Oil Change Intervals

Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 oil is designed to provide excellent protection and performance for extended oil change intervals. The manufacturer recommends oil changes every 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, when using this oil.

This extended interval is enabled by the synthetic base oils and advanced additives used in Special Tec 5W-30, allowing it to better withstand oxidation and thermal breakdown over time compared to conventional motor oils. The low viscosity grade (5W-30) also ensures the oil will continue to flow properly to lubricate the engine even after 15,000 miles of use.

Overall, with Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 you can feel confident going 15,000 miles between oil changes without jeopardizing the protection of your engine. This can save time and money over more frequent changes required by other motor oils. Just be sure to regularly check the oil level and top off if needed between changes.

Pros

Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 motor oil has many advantages that make it a top choice for drivers.

• Excellent wear protection - The synthetic technology provides a stable lubricating film to minimize friction and prevent engine wear, even under extreme conditions. Customers report engines running smoothly for over 100,000 miles.

• Keeps engines clean - Contains special detergents to prevent deposit build-up and sludge, helping maintain engine cleanliness.

• Improves fuel economy - The low viscosity oil flows easily when cold, reducing friction and providing up to 5% better fuel efficiency compared to higher viscosity oils.

• Handles extreme temperatures - Provides outstanding performance in both hot and cold climates, protecting the engine through a wide temperature range.

• Long drain intervals - Can go up to 15,000 miles or 1 year between oil changes, saving time and money on maintenance.

• Meets specifications - Exceeds strict standards for quality and performance set by Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other top automakers.

• Reputable brand - Liqui Moly is a leading global manufacturer known for premium quality oils. Customers trust their products to protect expensive vehicles.

Cons

While Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 motor oil has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• May not be ideal for high-mileage engines: This oil is formulated for newer engines and may not provide the same protection for older, high-mileage engines. The thin 5W-30 viscosity could potentially lead to increased oil consumption in worn engines.

• More expensive than conventional oils: Synthetic oils like Liqui Moly typically cost more than conventional motor oils. The advanced technology comes at a premium price point.

• Limited availability: Because it's a European brand, Liqui Moly may be harder to find than mass market motor oils in some areas. Supply could be limited at local auto parts stores.

• Not ideal for extreme temperatures: The 5W-30 viscosity could mean reduced protection in very hot or very cold operating conditions. A different viscosity may be better for temperature extremes.

• May not be approved for all makes: While suitable for many European vehicles, Liqui Moly Special Tec LL may not meet manufacturer specifications for all makes and models. Checking approval and recommendations first is advised.

• Potential compatibility issues: Switching motor oil brands or formulations could potentially cause issues in some cases. Consulting the owner's manual is recommended before changing oil types.

While the drawbacks are relatively minor, they are worth evaluating when deciding if Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is the right choice for your vehicle. Understanding the limitations can prevent problems.

Cost

When it comes to price, Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is competitively priced compared to other premium synthetic motor oils. This oil typically retails between £15-20 for a 1 liter bottle.

Compared to other leading synthetic motor oil brands like Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge, Liqui Moly 5W-30 is priced very similarly. Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 and Castrol Edge Professional LL03 both retail right around £20 per liter.

So Liqui Moly is not the absolute cheapest synthetic motor oil, but it's certainly not the most expensive either. The price is very reasonable and competitive for the high level of quality and performance you get.

Considering that this oil allows for extended drain intervals of up to 30,000 km or 2 years, the slightly higher price of Liqui Moly synthetic is easily justified by the extra miles you can go between oil changes. When you look at the cost per kilometer or mile, Liqui Moly is very economical.

Overall, Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 offers an outstanding value for drivers looking for a top-tier synthetic motor oil without paying a premium price. The performance and protection are on par with oils costing significantly more.

Availability

Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 motor oil is widely available for purchase at auto parts stores, online retailers, and from Liqui Moly directly. This premium synthetic oil is stocked at national chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. Many independent parts stores and mechanics also carry Liqui Moly oils.

Online, Liqui Moly 5W-30 can be purchased through Amazon, Walmart.com, and other major retailers. Liqui Moly's website has a store locator to help find local retailers that carry their products. This oil may need to be special ordered at some locations since it is a European brand that is less common in the US. With Liqui Moly's growing popularity, availability is increasing at retailers that stock automotive fluids.

Comparison to Other Oils

Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 utilizes synthesis technology to offer performance comparable to other leading full synthetic motor oils like Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge.

Liqui Moly's 5W-30 viscosity grade makes it suitable for a wide range of operating temperatures, similar to Mobil 1 5W-30 and Castrol Edge 5W-30. The "LL" designation indicates it meets requirements for longlife service intervals in many European vehicles.

In terms of protection and wear prevention, Liqui Moly Special Tec provides exceptional resistance to viscosity breakdown, comparable to top-tier synthetics. It also effectively reduces friction for smooth operation and protects against sludge and deposit formation.

One area where Liqui Moly stands out is its shear stability. It retains viscosity extremely well when exposed to high temperatures and shear forces, outperforming many competitor synthetics. This helps maintain protection over extended drain intervals.

Overall, Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 provides advanced full synthetic performance on par with premium offerings from Mobil and Castrol. It utilizes similar technology to deliver extended drain intervals, excellent wear protection, thermal stability and fuel economy. For European vehicles that specify a 5W-30 synthetic, Liqui Moly Special Tec is a top-tier option.

Conclusion

Overall, Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is an excellent fully synthetic motor oil that utilizes advanced additive technology to provide optimal engine protection and performance. It meets strict VW oil specifications of 505.01 and 504.00/507.00, making it an ideal choice for many VW, Audi, Porsche, and Skoda models.

The low viscosity 5W-30 grade provides fast lubrication during cold starts while maintaining excellent oil pressure at high temperatures. The synthetic base oils and advanced additives work to minimize wear, deposits, and oil breakdown over extended drain intervals. Many users report going 10,000 miles or more between oil changes with this oil.

If you're looking for a high-quality full synthetic oil specifically designed for VW/Audi engines, Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 is a great option. It provides all the key performance benefits you want from a modern engine oil. The oil is readily available online and competitively priced. Just be sure to verify it meets the specifications required for your particular vehicle. For most drivers, this oil delivers everything you need for superior engine protection and performance.