Liqui Moly Synthoil vs Leichtlauf Engine Oil: 8 Differences

Liqui Moly is a renowned brand that produces some of the best synthetic motor oils for modern automobile engines. However, their range of products can be overwhelming, especially when choosing between Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf.

Understanding the differences between these two synthetic engine oils is essential before using one in your vehicle.

Liqui Moly Synthoil offers a broader range of viscosity grades, including 5W-40, 5W-30, and 10W-60, while Liqui Moly Leichtlauf primarily focuses on the 5W-40 viscosity grade. 

In terms of engine compatibility, Synthoil is designed for modern high-performance engines with multi-valve technology, turbocharging, and long intervals between oil changes.

On the other hand, Leichtlauf is designed for gasoline and diesel engines without diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and is suitable for more vehicles.

We will discuss all the distinctions among Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf in detail. So you can choose accordingly based on your specific vehicle’s needs and preferences.

8 Differences Between Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf Engine Oil

When comparing Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf, several key differences exist.

• Product range
• Viscosity characteristics
• Engine compatibility
• Cold start performance
• Approvals and recommendations
• Oil burnoff susceptibility
• Available container size
• Price

1. Product Range

You need to examine their respective product ranges to understand the distinctions in Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf.

The Synthoil series offers a wide variety of synthetic motor oils, including the Synthoil High Tech 5W-40, Synthoil Premium SAE 5W-40, Synthoil Energy A40 SAE, Synthoil High Tech 5W-30, and Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60.

These oils are formulated with advanced synthetic base oils and a high-tech additive package, providing superior engine protection and performance.

In contrast, the Leichtlauf series primarily consists of the Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 and Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40. These oils are designed with a low-friction formula that reduces wear and enhances fuel efficiency.

While both series offer high-quality oils, the Synthoil series provides a wider range of options for different engine needs.

2. Viscosity Characteristics

There is a wider range of viscosity grades available from Liqui Moly Synthoil, including 5W-40, 5W-30, and 10W-60. This allows you to select an oil that aligns with your engine’s requirements and environmental conditions.

Currently, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf primarily focuses on the viscosity grade 5W-40. The 5W-40 viscosity grade of the Liqui Moly Leichtlauf series provides versatility, but it may not offer the same level of customization based on viscosity as the Synthoil series.

3. Engine Compatibility

To determine which Liqui Moly engine oil is best for your vehicle, consider the differences in engine compatibility between Synthoil and Leichtlauf.

Liqui Moly Synthoil, particularly the ‘High Tech’ variants like 5W-40 and 5W-30. In particular, it is formulated for modern gasoline and diesel engines with multi-valve technology, turbocharging, and high-performance requirements.

It’s designed to meet the needs of engines with long intervals between oil changes and those with heavy-duty demands.

On the other hand, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf, especially the ‘High Tech’ variants like 5W-40, is ideal for use in both diesel and gasoline engines without diesel particulate filters (DPF). It’s tailored to suit a wide range of vehicles without DPFs.

4. Cold Start Performance

Liqui Moly Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40 is specially formulated to provide excellent low-temperature flow properties, ensuring quick oil delivery during cold starts. This means that the oil will reach critical engine parts faster, reducing wear and tear and promoting smooth operation from the moment you start your engine.

Conversely, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is slightly thicker at low temperatures compared to 0W-40 oils. While it may still provide adequate protection during cold starts, it may take a bit longer for the oil to circulate and reach all the necessary components.

Therefore, if you live in a colder climate or frequently experience extremely low temperatures, the Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40 may be the better choice for optimal cold start performance.

5. Approvals and Recommendations

You need to consider the approvals and recommendations that Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf hold from different standards and manufacturers to understand their differences.

The Synthoil series, including Synthoil High Tech 5W-40, holds approvals and recommendations from respected organizations like ACEA, API, BMW, and Porsche. This demonstrates the high quality and compatibility of Synthoil with a wide range of vehicles.

On the other hand, Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is also approved by ACEA and recommended for use in several car brands, further highlighting its reliability and performance.

Both engine oils have undergone rigorous testing and have received the necessary certifications to ensure their effectiveness and compatibility with different vehicle types.

6. Oil Burnoff Susceptibility

When comparing the oil burnoff susceptibility of Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf, you need to consider their composition and performance differences.

Synthoil is more susceptible to early oil burnoff due to a higher concentration of lighter molecules. These lighter molecules tend to evaporate more quickly at higher temperatures, leading to oil consumption or burnoff.

Meanwhile, Leichtlauf is formulated with a focus on reducing oil burnoff. It contains fewer light molecules that are more resistant to early evaporation. This reduced susceptibility to oil burnoff helps maintain oil levels in the engine for longer periods, potentially extending the oil change interval.

7. Available Container Size

If you’re considering purchasing Liqui Moly Synthoil or Liqui Moly Leichtlauf, it’s important to note that the two oils differ in terms of their available container sizes.

Synthoil offers container sizes ranging from 1 liter all the way up to 205 liters. This variety allows you to choose the container size that best suits your needs, whether you require a smaller quantity for personal use or a larger quantity for commercial or industrial applications.

Conversely, Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 also offers container sizes of 1 liter, 4 liters, 5 liters, 20 liters, 60 liters, and 205 liters. However, it sets itself apart by offering an additional option of a 1000-liter container size, which can be beneficial for those with high oil consumption in commercial or industrial settings.

8. Price

When comparing the price of Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf, you need to consider the cost difference per liter.

Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40 is priced at US$13.49 per 1 liter, while Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is priced at US$18.99 per 1 liter.

Therefore, Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is the higher-priced option, costing approximately US$5.50 more per liter than Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40.

It’s worth noting that this price difference may vary depending on the retailer or location. However, it’s clear that if you opt for Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40, you’ll be paying a premium for the product compared to Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40.

Comparison Table Between Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf

Aspect	Liqui Moly Synthoil	Liqui Moly Leichtlauf
Product Range	Wide variety of synthetic motor oils, including 5W-40, 5W-30, 10W-60, and more	Primarily 5W-40 viscosity grade
Viscosity Characteristics	Offers 5W-40, 5W-30, and 10W-60 grades, allowing customization	Focuses on the 5W-40 grade with less viscosity variation
Engine Compatibility	Suitable for modern, high-performance engines with multi-valve tech and turbocharging	Designed for a broader range of gasoline and diesel engines without DPFs
Cold Start Performance	Synthoil 0W-40 optimized for quick cold start oil delivery	Leichtlauf 5W-40 may take slightly longer to circulate during cold starts
Approvals and Recommendations	Holds approvals from ACEA, API, BMW, Porsche, and more	Approved by ACEA and recommended for several car brands
Oil Burnoff Susceptibility	Higher susceptibility to oil burnoff due to lighter molecules	Formulated to reduce oil burnoff with fewer light molecules
Available Container Sizes	Sizes range from 1 liter to 205 liters	Includes a 1000-liter container option
Price (per 1 liter)	US$13.49 for Synthoil Energy A40 SAE 0W-40	US$18.99 for Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40

How long is it safe to use Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf motor oils in your vehicle?

As the manufacturer recommends, you can safely rely on Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf engine oil in your vehicle for extended oil change intervals of up to 40,000 kilometers.

These high-quality synthetic oils are specifically formulated to provide exceptional engine protection, reduce oil and fuel consumption, and maintain engine cleanliness.

By using Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf motor oils, you can ensure that your engine operates at its best for a longer period of time.

It’s important, however, to always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific oil change recommendations. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help you maximize the benefits of these motor oils while maintaining the reliability and performance of your vehicle’s engine.

Do Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf offer any fuel-saving benefits?

The Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf motor oils provide significant fuel-saving benefits. These motor oils are specifically formulated to reduce engine friction, resulting in smoother operation and improved fuel efficiency.

They optimize the engine’s performance by minimizing internal engine resistance, leading to reduced fuel consumption. The advanced synthetic formulation of both Synthoil and Leichtlauf ensures that your engine runs more efficiently, allowing you to save on fuel costs.

Can Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf be used in high-performance or racing engines?

Liqui Moly Synthoil and Leichtlauf are ideal for high-performance or racing engines due to their exceptional performance and protective properties. These fully synthetic oils are specifically formulated to withstand the extreme conditions encountered in racing applications.

Liqui Moly Synthoil Race Tech GT1 10W-60, in particular, is designed to provide high-temperature stability with its wide-band viscosity of 10W-60. This ensures optimal lubrication and protection even under intense racing conditions.

Both Synthoil and Leichtlauf oils offer quick lubrication during cold starts, minimizing wear and tear on the engine.

Optimize Your Vehicle’s Engine Performance with Liqui Moly’s Synthoil and Leichtlauf Motor Oils

When deciding between Liqui Moly Synthoil and Liqui Moly Leichtlauf motor oils, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements. The Synthoil series boasts a broader range of products, offering tailored options for various engines, while the Leichtlauf series focuses on efficient, low-friction performance.

Both are safe for extended oil change intervals and contribute to fuel savings. For high-performance or racing engines, Synthoil and Leichtlauf deliver exceptional protection.

Your choice should align with your vehicle’s needs, weather conditions, and your budget. Whichever you choose, Liqui Moly ensures top-quality lubrication for your engine, helping it run smoothly and efficiently.