Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil - 1 Litre ⚫ Review 🏆

Smith & Allan is a classic British brand that has been producing high-quality lubricants since 1903. They are best known for their vintage motor oils that are specially formulated for classic and vintage vehicles.

The Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil is designed to protect and lubricate veteran, vintage and classic petrol engines. It uses a non-detergent mineral formula that is free of modern additives, making it suitable for use in older engines.

Product Details

The Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil is a vintage-style motor oil designed for classic and vintage vehicles. It is a monograde oil with an SAE viscosity grade of 30. This means it has a viscosity of approximately 9.3-12.5 cSt at 100°C.

The oil is non-detergent, meaning it does not contain additives found in modern motor oils that help keep engines clean. Non-detergent oils are recommended for use in certain classic engines, as detergents can loosen engine deposits and cause leaks or clogs.

This motor oil does not have any industry certifications. It is intended solely for use in older engines that do not require modern performance specifications. The oil is likely not suitable for use in most modern engines.

Packaging

Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil comes in a 1 liter plastic bottle with a screw-on cap. The bottle is lightweight and easy to handle, making it simple to pour the oil. The opening is wide enough to get a good flow rate when adding oil to your engine.

Some key aspects of the packaging:

• 1 liter volume is a good size that should last the average customer a while between oil changes. Not so big that it's cumbersome.

• The plastic bottle feels durable and is translucent so you can see the oil level. Has a nice, clean look.

• Screw-on cap provides a tight seal. Has notches that allow you to easily grip and open it. Closes securely to prevent leaks.

• The shape and handle-like indentations on the sides make the bottle easy to pick up and pour from without spilling. The flat bottom allows it to stand upright.

Overall, the packaging is thoughtfully designed for functionality and ease of use when adding oil to your engine. The 1 liter bottle strikes a nice balance of size versus portability.

Additionally, Smith & Allan offers the Smith & Allan 0W-30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil - 5 Litres, providing superior engine protection and performance. This fully synthetic oil is designed to enhance engine efficiency and reduce wear, ensuring a smoother ride while prolonging engine life. Its 5-litre packaging is ideal for multiple oil changes, making it a practical choice for both enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

Performance

The Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil provides strong performance when it comes to engine protection, cleanliness, and fuel economy.

This oil is designed to provide excellent lubrication for older engines, helping reduce friction and wear. The mineral base oil along with zinc and phosphorus anti-wear additives help protect critical engine components like bearings and cylinder walls from damage. Even under heavy loads or higher operating temperatures, this oil maintains its viscosity to keep metal surfaces separated.

In terms of keeping engines clean, the non-detergent formula prevents the buildup of deposits and sludge, especially compared to modern detergent oils. By not including detergent additives, this vintage motor oil allows engines to slowly develop protective varnish layers over time while avoiding sudden sludge accumulation. The oil flows freely and doesn't get thickened with contaminants.

When used in older engines, the SAE 30 weight and minimal additive formula also contributes to improved fuel economy. Without thick modern viscosity index improvers, this oil maintains a light viscosity at operating temperature to reduce pumping losses and internal drag. The simple non-detergent additive package requires less oil volume for effective lubrication, further enhancing fuel efficiency. Altogether, owners can experience optimal mileage when using this oil in a compatible vintage motor.

For those looking for modern performance, the Smith & Allan 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil - 5 Litres offers exceptional engine protection and fuel efficiency. This fully synthetic oil is engineered to provide superior lubricating properties, enhancing the performance of both new and existing engines. It reduces engine wear, improves cold-start performance, and helps maintain engine cleanliness for longer intervals between oil changes. Its advanced formulation ensures optimal flow and protection under varying temperature conditions, making it an excellent choice for high-performance applications.

Pros

• Provides excellent lubrication for older and vintage engines: This motor oil is designed specifically for older engines that may have wider clearances and benefit from a non-detergent formula. The mineral base oil offers good viscosity and film strength.

• Minimizes wear and friction: The SAE 30 weight and mineral oil base provide enough viscosity to minimize metal-to-metal contact between engine components. This helps reduce friction and wear.

• Good thermal stability: Reviewers mention this oil withstands heat well and doesn't thin out or break down easily. This allows it to continue protecting the engine even when hot.

• May help stop and prevent leaks: Some customers report this oil stopped existing leaks and prevented new ones in their older engines. This may be due to the mineral oil base providing excellent sealing properties.

Cons

• The viscosity of this oil may be too thin for some older engines, potentially leading to leaks or increased wear. Its 30 weight is on the lighter end for a classic motor oil.

• It lacks the detergent additives found in modern oils, so it may allow more sludge buildup over time. This requires more frequent oil changes.

• The bottle lacks a spill-proof cap. The basic screw cap could lead to accidental spills when pouring the oil into the engine. A flip-top cap would be more convenient.

Value

The Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil provides good value for the price. At around £10 for 1 litre, it is very competitively priced compared to similar vintage motor oils from other brands.

Many vintage motor oils can cost £15-20 per litre, so the Smith & Allan oil is a budget-friendly option. It doesn't compromise on quality either - the oil performs just as well as more expensive counterparts.

For classic car enthusiasts looking for an affordable, quality oil for older engines, the Smith & Allan SAE 30 oil is an excellent choice. You get reliable protection and lubrication without breaking the bank.

Considering its low price point and solid performance, this motor oil offers fantastic value for money. It's an ideal pick for getting the most out of your budget when maintaining a classic vehicle.

Use Cases

Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Oil is recommended for use in vintage, classic, and older vehicles manufactured before 1988 that specify non detergent 30 weight oil. This oil is suitable for flathead, sidevalve, and early overhead valve engines found in vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, stationary engines and other equipment.

The non detergent formulation lacks additives that can clog oil passages in older engines. It provides good lubrication and protection without interfering with the sludge that has built up over time in these engines. The 30 weight viscosity offers balanced performance across a range of operating temperatures.

This traditional mineral oil is well-suited for classic vehicles and engines that were designed in the era before multi-grade and detergent motor oils became standard. It can help keep older engines running smoothly while preserving their original character and condition. Enthusiasts often choose Smith & Allan's vintage motor oil when seeking an authentic oil for their classic vehicle or engine that reflects the original factory recommendation.

Alternatives

When considering alternatives to Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 Non Detergent Mineral Engine Oil, there are a few other vintage motor oils to look at.

Castrol Vintage Oil

Castrol Vintage Oil is designed for classic and vintage engines. It contains anti-oxidants to help prevent oil degradation but no detergents which can cause issues in older engines. Castrol Vintage comes in SAE 30, 40 and 50 grades.

Millers Vintage Oil

Millers produces a range of oils for vintage vehicles. Their Vintage Oil is mineral-based with zinc additives to help protect vintage engine components. It comes in SAE 30, 40 and 50 grades.

Morris Classic Oils

Morris is a British company specializing in oils for veteran, vintage and classic vehicles. They offer monograde engine oils in SAE 30, 40 and 50 specifically designed for early engines.

Penrite Vintage Oil

Penrite Vintage Oil is made from a blend of mineral oils with an additive package containing zinc but no detergents. It aims to provide protection for vintage engines without the detergents which can cause issues. Available in SAE 30, 40 and 50.

So there are a number of comparable vintage motor oils from reputable brands that could be considered as an alternative. The Castrol, Millers and Penrite oils in particular are likely to have similar characteristics and performance to the Smith & Allan vintage oil.

Conclusion

Overall, Smith & Allan Classic SAE 30 mineral engine oil is a high quality vintage motor oil suited for classic vehicles.

The key pros are that it provides excellent lubrication and protection for older engines, helps reduce wear and friction, and has a traditional non-detergent formula preferred by collectors. The oil flows well in cold weather and maintains a stable viscosity at higher temperatures. The packaging is also nostalgic and appealing for vintage car enthusiasts.

In terms of downsides, the product is more expensive than modern oils and may be challenging to source depending on your location. It also lacks some of the advanced additives and detergents found in newer formulations.

For owners of classic cars looking to maintain an authentic, period-correct drivetrain, Smith & Allan SAE 30 mineral oil is an excellent choice. The traditional non-detergent formula delivers proven vintage engine protection. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for the proper vintage oil experience. This product is ideal for collectors who want to keep their prized classic vehicles running smoothly while preserving historical accuracy.