Synthetic oils were developed to solve issues with mineral oil like oil breakdown, which causes sludge and deposit build-up as engines begin operating outside the thresholds of mineral oil due to advances in engine technology. As engine technology advanced, engines started punching higher performance numbers from small sizes and capacities, while some manufacturers began to employ forced induction through the use of superchargers and turbochargers to gain even more performance. It only means one thing: the oil has got to withstand a lot of heat. This build-up causes excessive wear, poorer fuel mileage, and sluggish performance. While this article covers 5W-30 synthetic oils, please be sure to check your vehicle’s manufacturer required oil specifications before buying any lubricants and be sure to read the oil’s specifications carefully as some are only for gas engines while some will work for both gas and diesel engines. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to excessive carbonization, poor performance, and potentially, engine failure. This is especially critical for engines equipped with a supercharger or turbocharger. Check out the top synthetic oil options below.