Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler JK

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Oil is essential for every engine car and this is not any different for Jeep Wranglers JK. Changing the oil often will keep your JK clean and ensure smoother rides.

From crude oil, comes synthetic oil – which is a refined version of crude oil used in cars.

It’s also an inexpensive, fast, and easy way to keep your brakes in good shape. It is recommended to change the engine oil after every three months or 3,000 miles, especially for new vehicles.

That said, there are many different engine oils out there, and finding the best for your JK can be challenging. Fortunately, I am here to help you find the best oil for Jeep Wrangler JK, whether old or newer models.

What are the Best Oil For Jeep Wrangler JK?

Here are some of the best Oil choices for Jeep Wrangler JK:

  1. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil 5 QT
  2. AmazonBasics 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
  3. Mopar SAE 5W-20 Synthetic
  4. Valvoline MaxLife SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
  5. Castrol EDGE 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Engine Oil
  6. Royal Purple SAE 5W-20 High-Performance Synthetic Engine Oil
  7. Shell Rotella Gas Truck Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30

This article will review of 8 best JK engine oil also added buying guide, and answers to your most pressing questions.

Comparison of the Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler

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Review of the Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler

Here are the top picks:

Best Overall

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil 5 QT

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-30

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Size(s): 5 qts.

Valvoline maintains quality and high standards for its award-winning oil. This brand adds superior detergents to Group 5 base oil to ensure they produce the best.

The SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil guarantees engine cleanliness through superior sludge and varnish protection in comparison to conventional motor oil. This oil delivers outstanding high-temperature protection for the valves and pistons under extreme riding conditions.

It also provides unmatched protection from cold temperatures, achieved through oil flow at startup. With the increased demand for highly efficient engine oil and exclusively fully synthetic oil, Valvoline efficiently serves these needs and delivers satisfaction to customers.

Lower viscosity in this oil enables you to run a compressor on your engine as it can withstand the higher temperatures involved.

It is a perfect choice for new vehicles with less than 125,000 miles but will still benefit older vehicles. To get the best performance with this oil for your Jeep Wrangler JK, always follow the manufacturers recommendations as labelled on the container.

If you are looking for an easy way to maintain oil efficiency and overall engine life in your vehicle, you can’t go wrong with this oil.

Runner-up

Amazon Basics Full Synthetic 5W-40

Amazon Basics Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5W-40, Euro Formula, 1 Quart, 6 Pack

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-40

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Size(s): 1 qt.

The AmazonBasics 5W-40 full synthetic is a fantastic synthetic motor oil than a conventional motor oil, excellent in creating a protective coating to reduce wear on the engine components. Compared to 15W-40 engine oils, the AmazonBasics 5W-40 full synthetic motor oil provides better fuel economy.

It promotes improved power output and performance. It is ideal for longer drain intervals and provides low and high-temperature protection, including cold-weather startups.

Whether you want new oil for topping off levels or doing a full oil change, AmazonBasics full-synthetic motor oil comes in handy. It offers terrific vehicle maintenance.

Since this oil is available in many viscosity ratings, it is essential to follow the manufacturers recommendations and get the right rating for your Jeep Wrangler. This oil is CK-4/SN approved, so you can be sure that it will meet up all your expectations by offering extraordinary quality and convenience.

Mopar SAE 5W-20

Mopar - Oil 5W20 Synthetic - Part# 5166240PA

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-20

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Size(s): 1 qt.

The Mopar SAE 5W-20 another excellent of the synthetic oils for Jeep Wrangler Jk, especially the 2017 model. It is also beneficial for older Jeeps since it has higher mileage than most substantial oil. With an ideal Viscosity rating of 5W-20, this oil is suitable for your Jeep Wrangler Jk.

It cannot get too thick to run properly in cold temperatures or too thin to operate efficiently in warmer climates. The Mopar SAE 5W-20 oil is designed to lubricate and maintain a healthy engine in different temperatures.

Additionally, this oil is fortified with active cleansing agents designed to eliminate impurities from the system including the cooling system and prevent further accumulation of contaminants. This oil is simply the best for those looking to keep their Jeep Wrangler JK’s engine clean and running smoothly.

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Valvoline MaxLife SAE 5W-20

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 5 QT

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-20

Full Synthetic? No, blend

Available Size(s): 1 qt.

The Valvoline MaxLife SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend is yet another fantastic engine oil ideal for most operating temperatures.

It prevents thickening when operating in low temperatures and does not get too thin in warm weathers. This oil is available in many viscosity ratings and is suited to extend the engine life and mileage for engines over 75,000 miles.

The Valvoline MaxLife SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend comes loaded with all the relevant anti- oxidants to resist oil breakdown and sludge accumulation.

It also has added detergents, which bond with sludge and deposits and then removes them from the cooling system. To prevent leaks, this engine oil includes seal conditioners that revitalize ageing seals.

The bottle is well-made with an easy pull tab and a precision pouring spout to avoid messes. However, this oil is not very suitable for extremely hot temperatures.

Castrol EDGE 5W-40

Castrol EDGE Euro 5W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart, Pack of 6

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-40

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Sizes: 1 qt.

The Castrol Edge 5W-40 Advanced Fully Synthetic Oil is one of the synthetic oils which is a relatively affordable option you can find in the market. This oil comes in varied viscosity ratings, including 5W-20, 5W-30, and 5W-50. You can get it in1 quart, 5 quart, 3 x5 quart, or 6 gallons.

The Castrol Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Oil performs exceptionally well in varied operating conditions. It resists thickening in cold-weathers and prevents thinning in warm- weathers.

Another impressive feature in this oil is that it helps significantly boost the overall mileage. It is made with the fluid titanium technology, which prevents wear and damage even in adverse conditions and under extreme pressure.

The titanium technology is also excellent for eliminating old sludge and contaminants that build up in the engine, as well as reducing future buildups. Such characteristics are ideal for keeping your JK’s engine clean and efficient and extending its lifespan.

Royal Purple SAE 5W-20 High-Performance

Royal Purple 51520 API-Licensed SAE 5W-20 High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil - 5 Quart, (Model: ROY51520)

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-20

Full Synthetic? No

Available Size(s): 1 and 5 qts.

The Royal Purple SAE 5W-20 is high-performance synthetic engine oil, which justifies its high price. Although this oil is a bit expensive than the regular oil, it is definitely worth the price due to its top-notch performance.

It comes with a wide range of viscosity ratings and is designed for engines with lower mileage. But it can also be used for older engines.

If your Jeep Wrangler Jk uses a diesel engine and has already hit 10,000 miles, then this oil is for you. It is recommended to wait until your vehicle hits 2,000 miles to use this oil.

With this oil in your Jeep Wrangler, you can be sure that it will provide extensive protection from tear and wear. The Royal Purple SAE 5W-20 is very compatible with fuel containing ethanol.

It is designed to avert catalytic damage, rust, and corrosion. It also contains some additives that remove and prevent buildups of any kind. It is essential to keep in mind that this high-performance synthetic oil is an excellent option for overall fuel economy.

Shell Rotella Full Synthetic 5W-30

Shell Rotella - 550050319 Gas Truck Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil for Pickups and SUVs (5-Quart, Pack of 1)

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-30

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Sizes: 1 and 5 qts.

The Shell Rotella 5W0-30 is a complete portfolio of full synthetic engine oil ideal for gasoline and diesel engines. This oil is one of the most high-performing engine oils that is known to offer excellent protection to hard-working engines.

If you ride your Jk in extreme conditions, it is essential to ensure that you use oil that can protect the engine efficiently. The Shell Rotella 5W0-30 truck engine oil will protect the engine in your Jeep Wrangler JK and resist tear and wear.

It is ideal for both new and old engines. The Viscosity grade 5W-30 performs well under all driving conditions. It prevents thickening in cold-weathers and does not thin when operating in high temperatures.

Ultralub SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic

Ultra1Plus SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil API SP ILSAC GF-6A - 6 QTS (Gal & 2 QTS)

Specifications

Oil Weight: 5W-20

Full Synthetic? Yes

Available Size(s): 1, 6, and 16 qts.

The Ultralub SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil is also another affordable options and is designed to improve fuel efficiency in your engine. It comes in a 4-quart bottle and is available in various viscosity ratings such as 0W-20, 5W- 20, 5W-30, and 10W-30.

This oil is suitable for fuel injected, turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engines. It also works well in most temperatures since it can resist thinning in warm-weathers and prevent thickening in cold-weathers.

Being a quality engine oil, it does not require to be changed too often. It surpasses the performance requirements API SN Plus, ILSAC GF-5, and GM dexos1 Gen 2. Besides, this full synthetic is made with several additives that remove and prevent the accumulation of sludge and contaminants.

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Oil for Jeep Wrangler JK Buying Guide

Before purchasing oil for your Jeep Wrangler JK, there are a few critical things you need to know. Here are some of them:

Car Age

It is essential to note that the type of oil recommended for new cars is different from that of the old ones. If your Jeep JK was designed ten years ago, the ideal oil is synthetic instead of conventional. Synthetic oil is made to perform well and last longer, about 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type

Older Jeeps were designed with engines that run on conventional oil. Conventional oil consists of a thicker molecular structure and does not last so long like synthetic oil.

Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler JK
AmazonBasics 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Nonetheless, conventional oil is cheaper and does its job. Hence, it would not be of any use to use synthetic oil in older Jeeps. But if your Jeep JK is a newer model, you can install synthetic oil like those reviewed in this article.

Performance Conditions

Some oil types will perform well in both cold and high temperatures including regular oil, while others may not. It is wise to choose the jeep wrangler oil types that can withstand extreme conditions and maintain a good performance.

Price

The price of the engine oil is another critical factor to consider when buying oil for your Jeep JK. Different types of engine oil come at different prices, with some cheaper and others highly- priced.

The average price of engine oil ranges from $20 to $100. You don’t have to break a bank to get the best engine oil. You should always go for the best oil you can get within your budget. You may want to consider the oil types listed above since most of them are cost-effective.

Quick Summary – Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler JK

Before you get too far, here’s a quick take of the best oil for Jeep Wrangler:

  1. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil 5 QT
  2. AmazonBasics 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
  3. Mopar SAE 5W-20 Synthetic

Conclusion

Using quality and appropriate oil for your Jeep Wrangler Jk is essential in improving performance and enhancing fuel efficiency.

Check out Cory’s guide on jeep wrangler eco mode.

Faulty oil can limit your Jeep and cause wear and tear to the engine. The engine oil types listed above are ideal for your JK and are available in varied viscosity ratings.

You should always ensure that you get the right oil for your Jeep Wrangler to protect your engine and boost efficiency.

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FAQs on Jeep Wrangler Oil

Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions about Jeep Wrangler JK oil:

Synthetic vs Regular Engine Oil: Which is Better for My Jeep Wrangler JK?

Synthetic oil has over the past few years, grown as a significant replacement of natural oil. It is mainly loved because of its high performance and fewer effects on the environment.

No matter how much you can filter natural oil using oil filter, it will still have impurities. Synthetic oil has good molecular consistency, and thus very pure and high quality.

Due to its impurities, natural oil can cause clogging in the engine and thus leading to wear and tear. Despite the benefits and quality of synthetic oil, it is expensive, and there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Here, you have to choose what is best for your Jeep and also for your budget.

No matter how much you can filter natural oil, it will still have impurities. Synthetic oil has good molecular consistency, and thus very pure and high quality.
Due to its impurities, natural oil can cause clogging in the engine and thus leading to wear and tear.

Despite the benefits and quality of synthetic oil, it is expensive, and there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Here, you have to choose what is best for your Jeep and also for your budget. Synthetic oil has over the past few years, grown as a significant replacement of natural oil. It is mainly loved because of its high performance and fewer effects on the environment.

What is Oil Viscosity?

All oils have ratings like the 5W-20 rating for the Jeep Wranglers Jk. These ratings simply describe the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil viscosity is the oil’s resistance to flow.

For example, in 5W-20, the five stands for Fahrenheit and the “W” stands for winter. This oil can go up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit before it becomes very viscous.

The second figure in this case “20” refers to how hot the oil can go before it becomes very runny. This oil will not go beyond 5- and 20-degrees Fahrenheit. While doing an oil change with the Jeep Wrangler JK, the viscosity of 5W-20, 5W-30, or 5W- 40 should be sufficient for you.

How Often Does Synthetic Engine Oil Need to Be Changed?

The time you should take to do a synthetic oil change depends on the formulation and brand of synthetic oil. High-quality synthetic oil will last much longer compared to the synthetic blend oil or natural oil. High-quality synthetic oil can last up to 20, 000 miles before requiring change compared to blends that can last up to 5000 miles only.

Can I Switch from One Oil Type to Another?

If your Jeep is used to natural oil, you can switch to synthetic oil without experiencing any problems. However, changing from synthetic to natural is not recommended. Switching from synthetic to natural will result in reduced quality of performance

Who Worked on This?


Brian

Editor

A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.

No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!

Cory

Writer

Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.


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