5W-40 engine oil – keep your motor in tip-top nick

5W-40 engine oil

If you’ve ever stood in the motor oil aisle and scratched your head at all those numbers, you’re not alone. But let’s make things simple: 5W-40 engine oil is a proper all-rounder, loved by everyone from Sunday drivers to petrolheads. Whether you’re nipping to the shops or heading off on a cross-country jaunt, this oil’s got your back – whatever the Great British weather decides to throw at you.

So, what does 5W-40 actually mean? In a nutshell, it tells you how runny (or thick) the oil is at different temperatures. The “5W” bit means it doesn’t get sluggish in the cold (down to a chilly -30°C, so you’re sorted on those frosty January mornings), while the “40” bit means it holds its own when the engine’s nice and hot. In other words: it keeps everything running silky-smooth, from the first turn of the key to the last mile home.

Who’s it for? Spot on for loads of cars

You’ll find 5W-40 is spot on for a huge range of motors, especially if your car’s from a European brand like VW, Audi, BMW, Merc, Renault, Fiat, Vauxhall – you name it. If your car was built after 2000, there’s a good chance this is exactly the oil your handbook recommends. It’s especially good if your motor’s got a turbo, high-pressure fuel system, or you do a lot of start-stop driving (sound familiar to any city drivers?). ...

And it’s not just cars – loads of vans, people carriers, and SUVs happily run on the stuff. If you’re putting your engine through its paces with family trips, long motorway slogs or even just the traffic light grand prix, 5W-40 keeps it running sweet as a nut.

Top tip: Always double-check the handbook or give us a bell if you’re not sure. Some manufacturers have their own standards (think fancy VW or Mercedes letters and numbers) and it pays to get it exactly right if you want your pride and joy running for yonks.

Why bother with 5W-40? Here’s what makes it a cracking choice

Cooler starts, warmer hearts. Ever tried starting your car on a freezing morning and felt it struggle? That’s where 5W-40 shines. It flows quickly at low temperatures, so you’re not waiting around for the oil to get moving – your engine’s protected from the off, even when it feels like the Arctic outside.

Doesn’t flinch when it’s hot under the bonnet. Modern engines run hotter, especially with turbochargers kicking in. Some oils can get a bit thin and flustered, but 5W-40 keeps its cool. That ‘40’ rating means it doesn’t go runny or lose its protection when things heat up, so you’re well covered whether you’re stuck in traffic or flying up the outside lane on the M1.

Fights off nasty engine gunk. Good 5W-40 oils are loaded with clever additives that keep the inside of your engine cleaner than a whistle. No more sludge or sticky muck building up – it just gets washed away, which is a win for your engine’s longevity (and probably your bank balance too).

Plays nicely with modern kit. Got a fancy start-stop system? Or maybe a car with a diesel particulate filter (DPF)? Today’s 5W-40 blends are tweaked to work perfectly with all the tech under your bonnet, so you don’t have to worry about knackering your emission bits or failing your next MOT.

What’s in the bottle? Typical 5W-40 oil ingredients

To put it simply:

✔️ Mostly fully synthetic – top-tier stuff, built to last, though you’ll find a handful of semi-synthetic options if your car’s a touch older.

✔️ Packed with additives – anti-wear agents, detergents, antioxidants, foam-busters – all the good gear to keep your engine ticking happily.

✔️ Low on oil burn – stays in the sump where it belongs, not vanishing into thin air (so fewer top-ups between services).

What specs should I look out for?

If you fancy sounding clued up down the pub, here’s the nitty-gritty:

✔️ ACEA A3/B4, C3: Solid European specs for modern engines and emissions systems.

✔️ API SN/CF: Good for petrol and diesel.

✔️ Those carmaker codes: VW 502.00/505.00, MB 229.3/229.5, BMW Longlife-01, Renault RN0700/0710. If your handbook mentions one of these, you’re laughing.

We’ve listed all this for the oils in our range, so it’s easy to match what you need. Or just give us a shout for a steer.

How does 5W-40 engine oil actually help?

✔️ Cuts down engine wear – stops the metal bits wearing themselves out, especially right after you fire up the engine.

✔️ Keeps things running smoothly – less friction means your engine spins easier, feels livelier, and sips a bit less fuel.

✔️ Stops nasty sludge – cleaner insides mean your engine runs better for longer.

✔️ Protects all the clever tech – the right oil won’t mess with your DPF, catalytic converter, or other fancy bits.

✔️ Peace of mind – less chance of big repair bills and breakdowns. What’s not to like?

Give your engine the TLC it deserves

A well-oiled engine isn’t just smoother to drive – it’s one less thing to worry about. So why not treat your car (and yourself) to some top-drawer 5W-40 oil? Have a mooch through our selection, pick one that ticks all your boxes, and get ready for more trouble-free miles. And if you get stuck, you know where we are. Happy motoring!

Showing 1–28 of 51 results

Engine Oil Carlube 5W-40 Fully Synthetic 1 Litre

£11.25