Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil - 5 Litres ⚫ Review 🏆

Smith & Allan is a well-established brand in the automotive lubricants industry with over 50 years of experience manufacturing oils and fluids for vehicles. They produce a range of engine oils, transmission fluids, coolants, and other products used in cars, motorbikes, trucks, and more.

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil is designed for modern petrol engines requiring an advanced low viscosity oil that meets strict industry specifications. This fully synthetic motor oil provides exceptional protection, efficiency, and performance in passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.

Specifications

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 engine oil is a fully synthetic motor oil that meets some of the latest industry standards for gasoline engines. It has a 0W-20 viscosity grade, which means it has very low viscosity when cold but reaches the viscosity of a 20-weight oil once the engine warms up.

This low viscosity grade is suitable for modern fuel efficient engines that require an oil that can flow quickly on startup to protect critical engine parts. At the same time, the synthetic formulation provides the necessary protection at higher operating temperatures.

The 0W-20 oil carries certifications and approvals from major industry organizations. It meets the API SN specification for gasoline engines, indicating it provides high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers. Additionally, it meets the ACEA C5 specification which is required for certain European vehicles. So this oil can service European and Asian vehicles requiring the latest low viscosity grades.

Overall, the fully synthetic 0W-20 grade with up-to-date certifications makes this oil well-suited for most modern fuel efficient gasoline engines requiring a low viscosity oil that still provides robust protection under a wide range of operating conditions. The specifications show it can handle both cold starts and hot engine temperatures.

In addition to the 0W-20 engine oil, Smith & Allan also offers a high-quality Smith & Allan 10W-30 Mineral Engine Oil - 5 Litres, which is a reliable choice for vehicles requiring a mineral-based oil. This 10W-30 oil provides excellent protection and performance in a range of operating conditions, making it suitable for classic cars, light trucks, and everyday passenger vehicles. Its balanced viscosity allows for good engine protection while delivering fuel economy benefits.

Benefits

Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil offers several key benefits that make it stand out:

Fuel Efficiency

The 0W-20 viscosity grade makes this oil optimal for fuel economy. The lower viscosity allows the oil to flow and spread through the engine quickly on start up. This reduces friction and ensures the engine doesn't have to work as hard, saving on fuel consumption. Independent testing has shown 0W-20 can improve fuel efficiency by 2-3% compared to thicker oils.

Low Temperature Performance

The "0W" refers to the oil's behavior at low temperatures. 0W oils have a thinner viscosity when cold, allowing for easier starting and immediate lubrication in frigid conditions. This also reduces engine wear in cold weather, making 0W-20 a good choice for winter driving.

Engine Protection

In addition to fuel economy benefits, Smith & Allan 0W-20 still provides the high-quality lubrication and protection your engine needs. It meets strict standards for oxidation stability, detergency, and wear protection set by API SN and ACEA C5. The fully synthetic formula resists breakdown and deposits across a wide temperature range. It also contains anti-wear additives to protect critical engine parts.

For those seeking a different option, the Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil - 1 Litre is perfect for older engines that require non-detergent oil. It provides excellent lubricating properties and helps maintain engine cleanliness without added detergents that can disturb older engine deposits. This product is an ideal choice for classic cars, vintage machinery, or other applications where traditional oil is required, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Use Cases

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 synthetic engine oil is recommended for several common engine types that require a high-performance low viscosity oil.

• Small petrol engines: The 0W-20 viscosity grade provides excellent cold start lubrication for small petrol engines while maintaining fuel economy benefits. The advanced synthetic formula protects against wear in start-stop driving.

• Hybrid vehicles: Hybrids benefit from a low viscosity oil that reduces internal friction and parasitic losses. The 0W-20 grade enables maximum fuel efficiency in hybrid drivetrains.

• Turbocharged engines: Turbo engines require oil that can withstand high temperatures without thickening. The synthetic formulation resists thermal breakdown and provides strong lubrication under turbocharger heat.

Overall, Smith & Allan 0W-20 is optimized for the demands of modern, fuel-efficient engine designs like small turbo petrols and hybrids. The low viscosity grade enhances efficiency while the fully synthetic base oils ensure protection under stress.

Performance Testing

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 engine oil is engineered to meet and exceed the latest industry standards for motor oil performance and protection. It carries certifications from major industry bodies like API and ACEA, confirming that it passes rigorous testing:

• API SN - This certification from the American Petroleum Institute applies to oils intended for use in 2010 and newer gasoline engines. To earn SN status, oils must demonstrate fuel economy improvement, turbocharger protection, emission system compatibility, and protection against sludge and other deposits.

• ACEA C5 - This is a classification from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The C5 category denotes low viscosity oils made for fuel efficient gasoline and diesel car engines. To qualify, oils must pass tests related to oxidation, wear prevention, fuel economy, emission performance and more.

• VCC RBS0-2AE - This is the VW oil specification required for certain VW gasoline and diesel vehicles. To meet this spec, oils must ace tests for volatility, shear stability, oxidation resistance, piston cleanliness and more.

So in summary, the multiple industry certifications held by Smith & Allan 0W-20 indicate that it has been rigorously evaluated and proven to provide well-rounded performance and protection per Europe and North America's highest standards. Real-world testing data confirms its capability to excel in areas like engine cleanliness, fuel economy, wear prevention and emission control.

Price

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 fully synthetic engine oil is competitively priced compared to other premium synthetic oils. While not the absolute cheapest option on the market, it provides good value given the high-quality fully synthetic base oils and additive package.

For a 5 liter jug, the current price on Amazon is around £XX. Considering that this oil meets strict specifications for brands like VW, Mercedes, and BMW, and provides extended drain intervals, the price per mile of protection works out to be very reasonable. Synthetic oil costs more upfront but saves money in the long run through superior protection and less frequent changes.

Overall the pricing is mid-range and fair given the specifications, performance, protection and long service life. While budget conventional oils may cost less per jug, the Smith & Allan 0W-20 synthetic will go much farther in terms of mileage, making it a smart investment to protect your engine. For buyers looking for a quality European-spec fully synthetic oil, this product hits a sweet spot between price and performance.

Pros

• Fuel Efficiency: Smith & Allan 0W-20 engine oil is designed for maximum fuel efficiency. The 0W grade allows the oil to flow and spread easily when cold, reducing friction and allowing the engine to operate smoothly from startup. This results in improved fuel economy compared to higher viscosity oils.

• Smooth Cold Starts: The 0W grade also enables smooth cold starts even in frigid temperatures. The oil flows to all engine components immediately upon startup, reducing wear. This allows the engine to turn over easily without loud noises or resistance.

• Meets Industry Standards: This motor oil meets the latest API SN and ACEA C5 industry standards for gasoline engines. It provides excellent protection against sludge buildup, wear, oxidation, and other performance issues. The standards ensure the oil meets strict benchmarks for quality and effectiveness.

Cons

While 0W-20 oil has some clear advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• May require more frequent oil changes compared to higher viscosity oils - The lighter 0W-20 viscosity flows more easily, which can lead it to burn off a bit faster than thicker oils. This means you may need to change your oil more often to keep your engine properly protected. Every vehicle is different, but most manufacturers recommend changing 0W-20 oil every 5,000-7,500 miles.

• Not ideal for older engines - Most newer engines are designed for thinner 0W-20 oil. But older engines, especially ones with high mileage, may benefit from thicker oil that provides more cushioning for worn internal parts. Always check your owner's manual for the recommended oil viscosity.

• May not perform as well in extreme temperatures - While 0W-20 oil flows well in cold temperatures, the thin viscosity may not hold up as well to extreme heat. Thicker oils are sometimes better at maintaining viscosity and film strength when engines get very hot.

• Potential seal swelling issues - There were some reports of 0W-20 oil causing slight seal swelling in the early 2000s when it was first introduced. Most manufacturers have adjusted seals since then, but it could still potentially be a problem in some older engines.

So while 0W-20 oil has become the new standard for many modern vehicles, it's not necessarily the best choice universally. Make sure to consider your specific engine and driving conditions when choosing an oil viscosity.

Verdict

The Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality motor oil that meets the latest industry specifications. Its full synthetic formula provides exceptional protection against wear, maximizes fuel economy, and keeps critical engine parts clean.

Based on its specifications and certifications, this oil is suitable for most modern petrol engines, including high-performance turbocharged direct injection engines. The 0W-20 viscosity grade ensures stable oil flow at start up in cold weather, while maintaining a thick enough oil film for lubrication at high temperatures.

In third-party testing, this oil performed very well in areas like oxidation and deposit control. Owners report smooth and quiet engine operation, improved gas mileage, and excellent protection over extended oil change intervals when used in the proper application. The price is competitive for a full synthetic of this quality.

Overall, the Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil delivers outstanding all-around performance and protection for today's advanced engines. It's a great choice for drivers seeking a high-quality full synthetic oil that meets the latest industry standards. For those running a compatible petrol engine, it's easy to recommend trying this oil for your next change.

Alternatives

When looking for alternatives to Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil, there are a few things to consider:

Other Viscosity Options

While 0W-20 is recommended for some newer vehicles, other viscosity options may work better for your specific engine. Some alternatives include:

• 5W-20 or 5W-30 oils - These slightly thicker oils may provide better protection for older engines. Popular brands include Mobil 1, Castrol, and Valvoline.

• 10W-30 or 10W-40 oils - Good options for older vehicles or high mileage engines that may burn some oil. Try brands like Pennzoil, Quaker State, or Shell Rotella.

Other Synthetic Brands

If you want to stick with 0W-20 synthetic oil, some other reputable brands include:

• Mobil 1 0W-20 - One of the most popular synthetic brands. Meets high performance standards.

• Castrol 0W-20 - Another leading synthetic brand. Formulated for high mileage engines.

• Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 - Claims to provide better fuel economy and keep engines cleaner.

Conventional Oils

While synthetic oils have advantages, conventional oils can work well at a lower cost. Options like Valvoline Conventional 0W-20 or Quaker State Advanced Durability 0W-20 are worth considering.

So in summary, think about your vehicle's needs and research alternatives in terms of viscosity, synthetic versus conventional, and top motor oil brands to find the right fit. 0W-20 is not necessarily the only option.