Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 - 5 Litres ⚫ Review 🏆

Liqui Moly is a German company that has been manufacturing motor oils and additives since 1957. They are well known for producing high quality lubricants that meet strict German specifications.

Liqui Moly offers a wide range of motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines. Their Top Tec line represents their premium motor oils that are designed to provide maximum engine protection.

The Top Tec 4200 5W-30 oil is Liqui Moly's advanced full synthetic motor oil. It is engineered for modern passenger vehicles with gasoline and diesel engines, including those with exhaust gas turbocharging and direct injection.

This motor oil is designed to provide exceptional protection against wear while allowing for extended oil change intervals when used as recommended by the manufacturer. It meets strict Volkswagen oil specifications for longevity.

Product Details

Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 is a fully synthetic motor oil specially formulated for gasoline and diesel engines in passenger cars and vans. It's specifically designed for vehicles from the Volkswagen Group, including Audi, VW, Porsche, and Skoda.

This oil has a viscosity rating of 5W-30, indicating a multi-grade oil that provides characteristics of both a thinner 5W oil for cold starts and a thicker 30 oil for high temperature performance. The 5W-30 viscosity ensures stable lubrication in both hot and cold temperatures.

Some key specifications of Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30:

• Meets strict VW oil standards 504 00 and 507 00
• Low SAPS formulation suitable for gasoline and diesel particulate filters
• Tested for catalytic converter compatibility
• High shear stability for viscosity retention
• Utilizes synthetic base oils for reduced volatility

This oil is recommended for the latest direct injection turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines found in VW, Audi, Porsche, and Skoda vehicles. It meets the long oil change intervals required by these manufacturers.

Another excellent product from Liqui Moly is the Liqui Moly Special Tec V 0W-30 - 5 Litres. This fully synthetic engine oil is specifically designed for energy-efficient engines and provides optimal lubrication even in extreme temperatures. With excellent cold-start capabilities, it ensures quick engine protection and enhances fuel efficiency. Its low viscosity promotes smooth operation and reduced wear, making it ideal for high-performance gasoline and diesel engines.

Performance

When it comes to protecting and lubricating engines, Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 is a top-tier motor oil. It meets the latest standards for fuel efficiency and provides excellent wear protection for both gasoline and diesel engines.

The oil is formulated with fully synthetic base oils and advanced additives that help reduce friction and operate efficiently in a wide temperature range. It flows well when cold to protect critical engine parts during start up and maintains a strong oil film at high temperatures to prevent component wear.

In demanding driving conditions like stop-and-go city traffic or towing heavy loads, Liqui Moly 8973 holds up well. Its shear stability prevents viscosity breakdown, ensuring the oil maintains the right thickness to properly lubricate moving parts. This motor oil also does a great job of keeping engines clean by minimizing sludge and deposit formation.

Overall, Liqui Moly 8973 offers robust protection and lubrication for modern engines operating under normal to severe service. Drivers can rely on this oil to deliver strong performance mile after mile.

Additionally, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 5W-30 - 5 Litres is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance synthetic oil. It is specially designed to provide low-friction, high fuel efficiency, and superior wear protection. Suitable for both petrol and diesel engines, it ensures optimal lubrication even in extreme conditions. With its advanced formula, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 minimizes engine deposits and maintains engine cleanliness, contributing to prolonged engine life. For more information, check out Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 5W-30 - 5 Litres.

Fuel Economy

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 is formulated to provide improved fuel economy compared to lower grade oils. The advanced additive package creates a very low friction environment inside the engine, allowing parts to move more freely. This reduces parasitic losses from friction, helping the engine convert more of the fuel energy into usable power.

Independent testing has shown a potential fuel economy improvement of 2-3% when switching from a basic mineral oil to Top Tec 4200 5W-30. For the average driver doing 12,000 miles per year, this could translate into fuel savings of up to £50-75 annually based on current UK fuel prices. The fuel savings help offset the higher initial cost of the synthetic oil over the long run.

The low viscosity 5W-30 grade flows easily when cold yet provides sufficient protection when hot. This allows the oil to reduce friction in variable temperature conditions. The oil exceeds strict Mercedes-Benz fuel economy standards that also benefit other makes. So drivers can expect to get more miles per tank when using Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.

Oil Change Intervals

One of the key benefits of Liqui Moly's Top Tec 4200 5W-30 oil is its ability to extend oil change intervals. Most modern oils need changing every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, thanks to its advanced formula, Top Tec 4200 5W-30 allows you to safely extend oil changes to up to 25,000 miles or 24 months.

This increased oil change interval is achieved through the oil's high thermal stability and resistance to oxidation. The oil maintains its lubricating properties for longer, while its special additives help neutralize contaminants and prevent sludge build-up. Even after extended use, the oil still flows freely and provides effective engine lubrication.

Doubling your oil change interval not only saves on maintenance costs, but it's also more convenient since you don't need to visit the auto shop as often. Just make sure to regularly check the oil level and watch for any changes in its condition. As long as the oil isn't excessively dirty or diluted, you can confidently maximize your oil change intervals when using Liqui Moly's Top Tec 4200 5W-30.

Compatibility

The Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 motor oil is compatible with a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, making it a versatile choice. This oil meets and exceeds the specifications for many European, American, and Asian vehicles.

It can be used in many gasoline engines, including those from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, and GM. It is also suitable for many diesel engines, including those from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Peugeot-Citroen. The 5W-30 viscosity grade makes it ideal for many turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines.

In addition, this motor oil meets or exceeds the latest API SN specification for gasoline engines and is backward compatible with earlier API ratings. It also meets or exceeds ACEA C3 for diesel engines. Overall, the Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 can cover a wide range of vehicles from Europe, North America, and Asia, both old and new. Just check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity grade and specifications.

Price

When it comes to engine oil, you get what you pay for. Liqui Moly's Top Tec 4200 5W-30 oil is in the premium category and is priced accordingly. This oil costs approximately £16-20 for a 5 liter jug, which makes it more expensive than budget conventional oils. However, the old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly applies here.

The higher price of Top Tec 4200 buys you extended oil change intervals, superior wear protection, better fuel economy, and the ability to meet and exceed manufacturer specifications for many European vehicles. When calculated over the course of a year, the potentially longer oil change intervals and fuel savings can offset some of the increased upfront cost.

Compared to other leading full synthetic oils, Top Tec 4200 is competitive on price while still delivering premium performance and protection. The investment is well worth it for the performance gains and potential long-term engine longevity benefits. While more costly than basic oils, Top Tec 4200 delivers value in line with other top tier synthetics. For those seeking a high-quality oil, the few extra pounds per oil change is money well spent.

Pros

Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 motor oil offers several benefits that make it a great choice:

• Excellent engine protection: This oil meets strict Mercedes-Benz 229.51 and Porsche A40 standards for outstanding wear protection, keeping your engine running smoothly. It also has excellent shear stability to maintain viscosity.

• Improved fuel economy: The advanced formula helps maximize fuel efficiency compared to conventional oils. The low-friction characteristics can lead to fuel savings over time.

• Long drain intervals: Thanks to high thermal stability and resistance to oxidation, this oil allows for extended oil change intervals of up to 30,000 km or 2 years. This saves on maintenance costs.

• Keeps engines clean: Detergent and dispersant additives help prevent sludge build-up and keep critical engine parts clean. This enhances engine life.

• High compatibility: Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, including GDI direct injection, turbocharged, and hybrid vehicles that require a low SAPS oil. Always check owner's manual.

• Trusted brand: Liqui Moly oils meet some of the highest standards and are used by many German automakers. The company has a reputation for high-quality lubricants.

Cons

While Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 is a high quality oil, it does have some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Price - This is a fully synthetic oil, so it comes at a premium price point. For some consumers, the cost may be prohibitive, especially for larger, higher-capacity engines that require more oil. The improved performance comes at an increased price tag.

• Limited Availability - Liqui Moly oils are not as widely available as brands like Castrol or Mobil. You may need to visit a specialty auto parts store or order online to find this oil, which adds an extra step compared to picking up something common at any gas station or auto shop.

• Oil Consumption - Some reviewers note this oil seems to burn faster in certain engines. While the oil meets strict quality standards, it may be consumed at a higher rate between changes for some motorists. This can mean you need to top off the oil more frequently.

• Thicker Oil - With a viscosity rating of 5W-30, this oil may be thicker than recommended by some vehicle manufacturer specifications. Always check your owner's manual before using a new oil. The thicker oil could lead to increased fuel consumption in some engines.

• Shorter Change Intervals - To keep the oil within optimal operating specifications, some manufacturers recommend shorter change intervals with full synthetic oils. This can minimize the cost benefit of the extended lifespan.

So while Top Tec 4200 offers enhanced performance and protection, the higher price, availability, potential oil consumption, thickness, and shorter change intervals required could be disadvantages for some consumers compared to conventional oils. Check your vehicle requirements before using.

Conclusion

Overall, Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 motor oil is a high quality synthetic oil that offers many benefits for most modern gasoline and diesel engines. It meets the latest performance specifications from major automakers and outperforms conventional oils in areas like fuel economy, extreme temperature performance, and extended oil change intervals.

The advanced formula is suitable for many European, Asian and American vehicles that recommend a 5W-30 viscosity grade. It provides excellent wear protection, engine cleanliness, and high temperature stability. The oil is said to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to standard oils.

For drivers seeking a high-end synthetic oil that can go 10,000 miles or more between oil changes, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 is an excellent choice. The oil is not the cheapest option, but it offers proven performance and protection for the latest engines. Unless you are seeking a budget oil or have an older vehicle, Liqui Moly 4200 5W-30 is a great all-around motor oil that outperforms conventional oils. It provides peace of mind for those wanting maximum engine life and efficiency from their vehicle.