Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 - 5 Litres ⚫ Review 🏆

Liqui Moly is a German manufacturer that has been producing premium lubricants and additives for over 60 years. Based in Ulm, Germany, the company has grown into one of the most recognized and trusted brands for oils and lubricants, particularly in the European automotive market. With a focus on research, development and rigorous testing, Liqui Moly aims to produce products that meet the highest industry standards for quality and performance.

The Top Tec 4500 5W-30 engine oil is one of Liqui Moly's flagship products, formulated for modern gasoline and diesel engines. As a fully synthetic motor oil, it combines advanced additives with synthetic base oils to provide exceptional protection and performance across a wide temperature range. Liqui Moly claims this oil can help reduce fuel consumption while keeping critical engine parts clean and minimizing wear.

Product Overview

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 is a premium multi-grade engine oil available in a 5 liter container. It is formulated for use in both gasoline and diesel engines and meets the 5W-30 viscosity grade.

The "5W" refers to the oil's behavior at low temperatures, with a lower number indicating better flow at cold starts. The "30" refers to the viscosity at high engine temperatures. So 5W-30 provides easier cold starting and sufficient viscosity when the engine is hot.

This oil is designed to provide excellent protection and performance across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for year-round use. The large 5 liter jug offers convenience and value for vehicles that require frequent oil changes.

Performance

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 engine oil delivers exceptional performance that meets or exceeds major industry standards. It is officially approved for use in vehicles from leading manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and others.

This oil carries certifications from API and ACEA, two of the most respected organizations that set motor oil quality standards. It meets API SN Plus requirements, making it suitable for use in gasoline engines. The ACEA C3 certification means it provides reliable protection for diesel engines, even under extreme driving conditions.

The 5W-30 viscosity grade is optimal for providing protection across a wide temperature range while maintaining fuel economy. It flows well when cold to reduce wear during startups but does not thin out too much when hot. This versatility makes it a smart choice for many types of engines and driving conditions.

Overall, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 delivers on performance, meeting manufacturer approvals and industry specifications. Drivers can trust it to keep their engines running smoothly.

Key Ingredients

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 features a blend of high-quality synthetic base oils and advanced additives that provide exceptional performance and protection for modern engines. Some of the key ingredients include:

Synthetic Base Oils - The foundation of this motor oil is synthetic base stocks that deliver excellent low-temperature fluidity for cold starts while maintaining viscosity and film strength at high temperatures. Synthetics also resist oxidation and thermal breakdown better than conventional oils.

Viscosity Improvers - These advanced polymers allow the oil to operate across a wide temperature range while providing consistent viscosity. They prevent excessive thinning when hot and thickening when cold.

Detergents - Detergents in the formula keep engine internals clean by suspending oil-insoluble contaminants and combustion byproducts. This prevents the formation of deposits and ensures long-term engine cleanliness. The detergents also have neutralizing properties to combat corrosion.

Overall, the blend of premium synthetics and additives allows Top Tec 4500 5W-30 to provide exceptional wear protection, thermal stability, and engine cleanliness - making it suitable for extended drain intervals in modern gasoline and diesel engines.

Pros

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 has several key benefits that make it a top choice for many drivers.

• Good cold start ability - This oil has a low viscosity rating that allows it to flow easily and circulate through the engine quickly on cold winter mornings. This allows for faster lubrication and reduced engine wear during start-up.

• Fuel economy - The advanced formulation helps minimize friction and provides efficient lubrication at all operating temperatures. This can result in improved fuel efficiency compared to lower quality oils.

• Engine protection - It contains special anti-wear additives that form a protective layer on engine components. This protects against damage from wear, high temperatures, and oil oxidation. The oil helps keep critical engine parts lubricated and running smoothly.

Cons

While Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 is a high-quality oil, it does have some potential drawbacks to consider:

• More expensive than budget oils - This fully synthetic oil comes at a premium price point. While the price is justified by its performance and protection, it may be out of reach for some budgets, especially when performing frequent oil changes. More affordable conventional oils may be a better fit if cost is the primary concern.

• May not be ideal for high mileage engines - Some experts recommend using heavier viscosity oils or those with more seal conditioners in engines with over 75,000 miles. The light viscosity and lack of extra seal conditioners in Top Tec 4500 make it less than ideal for older, high mileage engines. An oil specifically formulated for high mileage may be a better choice in those cases.

Ideal Applications

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 engine oil is ideal for modern gasoline and diesel engines, especially German vehicle makes. Its low viscosity 5W-30 formulation meets the latest specifications for fuel economy and engine protection in European cars.

The oil is particularly suited for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and other German manufacturers that call for extended oil change intervals. It meets strict standards like BMW Longlife-04 and Mercedes-Benz 229.31/229.51. So you can rely on extended drain intervals when using this oil in compatible vehicles.

The low viscosity 5W-30 weight provides rapid lubrication during cold starts while maintaining excellent wear protection when the engine is hot. This balance of viscosity makes it ideal for stop-and-go driving in modern engines. The oil flows rapidly to critical components like turbochargers that need immediate lubrication on startup.

So Top Tec 4500 is optimized for the latest direct injection gasoline and diesel engines from German automakers. It meets strict standards for fuel efficiency and emissions control. The synthetic formulation provides long-lasting protection between oil changes.

Value

The Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 oil offers excellent value for money compared to other premium synthetic motor oils. Though not the cheapest option on the market, it is competitively priced given the advanced formulation and performance benefits.

Most quality synthetic oils fall within a similar price range of £15-25 for a 5 liter jug. More budget synthetic blends can be found for under £10, while some premium synthetics run over £30. So at around £20, Liqui Moly hits a nice sweet spot between cost and performance.

When you consider the extended drain intervals, improved fuel economy, and exceptional wear protection offered by the Top Tec 4500, it is very reasonably priced. Paying a small premium upfront can end up saving money in the long run through reduced maintenance costs and improved engine life.

Compared to other leading synthetic brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, or Shell Helix, Liqui Moly is cost competitive. In some cases it may be priced slightly lower for a comparable viscosity grade.

Overall, for drivers seeking a top-tier synthetic oil without paying a high premium, the Top Tec 4500 5W-30 offers an ideal balance of quality, performance, and affordable pricing. The price per liter is very competitive for what you get, making it a great value synthetic motor oil.

Alternatives

When shopping for engine oil, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 is certainly a top contender, but there are other quality synthetic oil options on the market worth considering as well.

Mobil 1 is one of the most well-known synthetic motor oil brands. Like Top Tec 4500, Mobil 1 offers advanced full synthetic formulas designed to protect critical engine components and enhance performance. Mobil 1 oils meet strict standards for purity and provide exceptional protection against wear. Mobil 1 is readily available at most auto parts stores and retailers.

Castrol Edge is another leading global brand for full synthetic motor oils. Castrol Edge features patented Titanium FST technology that provides a strong protective barrier for your engine. It delivers enhanced performance, especially under extreme pressure. Castrol Edge oils are endorsed by many top automakers and also meet key industry standards.

So while Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 stands out for German engineering and specialized formulas, Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge offer comparable premium synthetic options. Consider your specific vehicle requirements and oil change intervals when deciding between these high-quality brands. Any of them will likely outperform basic conventional oils.

Conclusion

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 5W-30 is a high-quality fully synthetic motor oil that offers many benefits for certain types of drivers and vehicles.

This oil is best suited for newer gasoline and diesel engines, especially those with turbochargers or direct fuel injection systems. The low viscosity 5W-30 grade provides fast lubrication during cold starts while also maintaining a protective oil film at high temperatures.

The synthetic base oils and advanced additive package make this oil ideal for extended oil change intervals, which can save time and money compared to lower quality oils. The oil meets strict Mercedes-Benz specifications for gasoline and diesel engines.

Overall, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4500 is a good option for drivers of European performance luxury vehicles or newer cars still under the factory warranty. The premium quality ensures maximum engine protection and efficiency. For older, high-mileage vehicles, a less expensive conventional oil may be suitable. Consider this fully synthetic 5W-30 oil if you want advanced protection and performance from a leading German brand.