If you’ve ever walked into a parts shop in Nairobi or scrolled through online oil listings, you know the confusion: 15W-40 mineral oil at KES 1,200 vs 5W-30 fully synthetic at KES 4,000. Which one should you pour into your engine? Is the cheap oil a bargain… or a disaster waiting to happen?

Let’s break it down.

What is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is refined directly from crude oil. Think of it as the “original recipe” for lubricating engines.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable and widely available (almost every petrol station stocks it).
• Works well for older cars (pre-2010 models) and low-tech engines.

❌ Cons:

• Breaks down faster at high temperatures.
• Offers less protection against wear, sludge, and deposits.
• Shorter service life (you’ll be back at the garage sooner).

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is engineered in a lab, built molecule by molecule for performance. It’s not just “refined crude” — it’s chemistry upgraded.

✅ Pros:

• Superior protection against engine wear.
• Stays stable in extreme heat (hello Nairobi traffic jams) and cold.
• Longer drain intervals (you change less often).
• Essential for modern engines with turbochargers, direct injection, or emission systems.

❌ Cons:

• More expensive upfront.
• Not every shady mechanic understands why your car needs it (cue the classic “boss, hiyo oil ni expensive bure”).

Which Oil Does Your Car Actually Need?

• Older cars (2005 and below, simple engines, carburetors): Mineral oil (15W-40, 20W-50) is acceptable.
• Modern cars (2010 onwards, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, BMW, VW, Mercedes): Stick to synthetic or semi-synthetic low-viscosity oils (5W-30, 0W-20, 5W-40).

Example: A 2015 Toyota Corolla NZE requires SAE 0W-20 / 5W-30 synthetic oil (OEM spec). Pouring 15W-40 mineral oil inside? You’ll clog the VVTi system, trigger the check engine light, and shorten engine life.

But Synthetic is Expensive in Kenya… Is it Worth It?

Yes. Here’s the math:

• Mineral oil change: KES 1,200 oil + 3,000 service = every 5,000 km
• Synthetic oil change: KES 4,000 oil + 3,000 service = every 10,000–12,000 km

Over 20,000 km:

• Mineral = 4 oil changes ≈ KES 16,800
• Synthetic = 2 oil changes ≈ KES 14,000

Surprise: Synthetic is actually cheaper long-term — and your engine lives longer.

The Spares Mall Kenya Verdict

• If you drive a 2015+ car (or anything with a turbo, hybrid, or modern emissions tech), use synthetic oil. Period.
• If you drive a workhorse Probox, matatu, or old pickup, mineral oil is fine — just service on time.

At Spares Mall Kenya, we stock genuine, OEM-approved engine oils (Wolver, Motul,Febi,ZF Shell, Total, Castrol,Liqui Moly ,Wolf Lubricants,Mobil) with the right specs for your car.

Pro Tip: Always check your car’s manual or ask us with your VIN/Chassis Number. We’ll match you to the correct oil — no guesswork.

Ready to switch to synthetic and save your engine?

🔗 Order Genuine Engine Oils on Spares Mall