These are the rules our content follows. They exist to keep Oil Manual genuinely useful and trustworthy.
Neutrality
Recommendations follow the OEM specification and viscosity grade — never a brand relationship. We don't crown a "best brand" without stated criteria, and no advertiser or affiliate partner can change which oil we recommend.
No pay-to-play
We do not accept payment to alter a verdict, a comparison, or a ranking. Any sponsorship, if introduced, buys placement that is clearly labeled — never the outcome of a recommendation.
Affiliate disclosure
The site is currently education-first with no ads or affiliate links. If we add them, any link that may earn us a commission will be disclosed, recommendations will remain spec-driven, and we'll show non-affiliate or store-brand equivalents so you can compare honestly.
Safety first
Every recommendation carries this notice: Always check your owner’s manual. This guide is educational and does not replace manufacturer recommendations or mechanic advice. We avoid blanket advice, separate viscosity from specification, and flag where engine, year, climate, market, or warranty status changes the answer.
Corrections
We date our reviews and fix errors promptly. See Sources & corrections to report one.
Use of AI
We may use AI tools to help draft and structure content, but every page is held to the sourcing and accuracy standards in our methodology, with human editorial responsibility for what we publish.