There are a total of three types of engine oils that you can get your hands on in the market conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend.
If you have an old engine, then the traditional motor oil will do it for your vehicle. Whereas if you have a modern engine, you will have to purchase a synthetic or a synthetic blend of motor oil.
Also you can read our related article on: Shell Rotella T4 vs T6: Best Oil Comparison in 2022.
One is synthetic, and the other is a synthetic motor oil blend. As numerous options are available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your vehicle.
So, let's look at the detailed comparison below so you can make the best choice for enhancing the life span of your vehicle's engine.
Table of Contents
Shell Rotella T5 vs T6: Quick Overview
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations...
- Triple Protection Plus technology protects against wear, deposits...
- Helps control engine deposits for reliability at extended oil...
- Formulated to control engine wear, 37% better than the maximum...
- Heavy duty engine oil formulated with synthetic base oil...
- Full synthetic 15W-40 diesel engine oil with Triple Protection...
- Exceptional wear protection for longer life in a wide range of...
- Enhanced fuel economy capability of 1.5 percent without...
- Multi-functional dispersant additives provide an enhanced level...
- Increased shear stability for better viscosity control and...
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose Between Rotella T5 & T6:
Viscosity Grade
Rotella T5
Two viscosity grades are available in Rotella t5, which include 10W-30 and 15W-40. It is a synthetic motor oil for your engine but is heavy-duty and built to last.
A combination has been used along with some additives in this synthetic oil. This combination is perfect for making this motor oil perform well in extreme weather conditions.
Even if you live in a frigid climate, you will not face any issues using this motor oil in your car's engine because it will protect your engine in the long run.
The viscosity grade of this synthetic motor engine oil will ensure that your machine lasts long and stays protected throughout the winter season.
Rotella T6
Rotella T6 provides three viscosity grades: 15W-40, 5W-40, and 0W-40. It is fully synthetic engine oil, unlike the other engine oil we reviewed for you.
However, it does contain premium quality additives, which will provide you with a more excellent fuel economy, and the engine in your car will also last for a long time if you use this oil in your vehicle.
Oil Type
Rotella T5
This is a semi-synthetic blend of motor oil for your vehicle that makes it last longer.
The traditional and synthetic engine oil is combined to produce this oil, which is why it can provide much better timing for an oil change in trouble than any other oil.
If you use any fully synthetic oil, then you will not get this much fuel on average. As this one is semi-synthetic, you can expect some great results from this motor oil compared to any conventional oil.
Rotella T6
As it is a fully synthetic engine oil for your card, as we have mentioned above, you can use it in any weather condition.
So far, no customers have faced any problem with this oil using it in an extremely cold or scorching environment. It is going to provide you with an impressive amount of engine protection.
However, this oil type is a little bit on the expensive side. If you can afford it, it will be a great addition to your vehicle in the long run.
Key Features
Rotella T5
- Gasoline/Diesel Engine Type
- Antioxidant Additives
Rotella T6
- Fully synthetic
- Gasoline/Diesel Engine Type
Engine Performance
Rotella T5
The engine performance with this oil is excellent, and you can expect exceptional deposit control technology results.
This technology will ensure you can get significant protection against sludge even if the temperature is hot in your area. The good thing about this oil is that it will provide you with better cleanliness of sludge build-up in your car's engine.
Rotella T6
If you use this motor oil in your engine, you can expect a specifically clean machine because there will be no sludge. It will prevent the sludge build-up in your vehicle and provide the maximum amount of protection possible for your engine.
Oil Change Frequency
Rotella T5
Rotella oil will provide you with a pretty good oil change frequency, and you will have to change it in your engine after you have driven at least 7500 miles in your car.
It is an impressive mileage considering that it is a semi-synthetic motor for your vehicle.
Rotella T6
Rotella T6 provides a mileage of up to 15000 miles, and then you need to change the motor oil in your engine. It is a better performance as compared to the engine oil that we have reviewed for you above.
When it comes to this oil, there is no other comparison or winner, and this is the one you should be using in your vehicle if you need a long-lasting performance in the long run.
Fuel Economy
Shell Rotella T5 versus T6 does not contain any wax, which is why it does not become thick when it has been in your car for quite some time.
It also provides less energy consumption, which means you will get impressive fuel economy in your vehicle.
Engine Wear Off
Rotella T5
Rotella t5 provides an extra anti-wear additive in it that is also known as Molybdenum. It province the engine wear off in your car to a great extent.
Rotella T6
Rotella T6 is the right motor oil for you because it comprises phosphorus and zinc. It will protect your engine in the long run and provide a lasting effect on your car.
Additives
Rotella T5
If you are wondering whether Rotella t5 contains any additives, then the answer to your question is that yes, it has some additives.
The four additives incorporated in this semi-synthetic motor oil blend include anti-wear, detergents, antioxidants, and dispersants.
Rotella T6
Rotella T6 includes antioxidants, detergents, anti-wear, and multi-functional dispersant additives.
Price
Rotella T5
Rotella T5 costs $18 if you want to get your hands on one gallon of the oil. However, if you wish to 2.5 gallons, you will have to pay $58.
Rotella T6
Rotella T6 costs $30 for one gallon. However, if you want a 2.5 gallon, you have to pay $68.
Pros & Cons
Rotella T5
Pros
- Less pricy
- Great mileage
Cons
- Only suitable for modern engines
Rotella T6
Pros
- Anti-wear
- Detergent additive
- Better mileage
Cons
- Expensive
Customer Review
Rotella T5
I have been using Rotella t5 for six years now, and so far, I have faced no issue with it in my vehicle. My vehicle is running great and is giving me pretty good mileage.
I usually don't need to change the motor oil for the next 7000 miles to go. Voila!
Rotella T6
I have been using T6 for three years, and so far, I didn't face any issues until now in my vehicle.
The fuel average I am getting is also pretty great, and last time I had to change the motor oil T6 in my vehicle after I drove 15000 miles in my car.
I was very impressed, so I recommend this motor oil to everyone who has a modern engine to make it last longer and get the most out of it.
FAQs
1. Is Shell Rotella T5 & T6 full synthetic?
Shell Rotella t5 is semi-synthetic, whereas T6 is entirely synthetic.
2. What happens if you use diesel oil in a gasoline engine?
Diesel is thicker in consistency compared to gasoline. If you do this, the fuel pump will struggle a lot, and it will not be able to move this thick mixture into the system and clog up the filter.
3. Is Rotella T5 OK for gas engines?
Rotella 5 uses synthetic technology, and it is designed in such a way that it will provide you with full-time protection for your engine.
No matter what the temperature is outside is going to be suitable for your vehicle in the long run. It is approved for use in Cummins LNG/CNG engines.
4. What does T5 mean in oil?
It means a synthetic blend of oil that you can put in your engine and will provide triple protection.
5. What is comparable to Rotella T6?
T5 has a great comparison with D6; however, T6 is better in many aspects compared to the first.
6. Does Shell Rotella T6 have zinc?
Yes. T6 comprises approximately 1200 PPM of zinc.
Final Verdict
The above is a comprehensive comparison of Shell Rotella T5 vs. T6 oil. We have mentioned all the advantages and disadvantages of using both of them.
We have also mentioned the essential features so you can find out which one will be a better option for you, depending on the condition of your vehicle.
T5 is a cheaper option; however, T6 is the only expensive side.
If you are willing to pay the price, then T6 is the clear winner because it will provide you with a better mileage of 15000 miles which is an imposing number.