Transparency update: where do our oils come from?

For many people, it is still unclear that motor oils are often produced by larger, reputable companies rather than by the brands on the label. In fact, many brands that appear to have their own production facilities rely on major refineries or blenders that manufacture oils for multiple labels.

At Motor Milk™, we are a small group of passionate track drivers with a background in tuning. In an environment where changing turbochargers or camshafts is standard practice, we began to notice a concerning trend. Particularly in Europe, larger manufacturers are increasingly cutting costs by reducing additive content. Through discussions with tribologists and colleagues at major brands, it became clear that this reduction is not driven by reduced engine requirements, but primarily by emissions considerations.

We reviewed manufacturer specifications and the exact formulations required to meet specific ACEA or API standards. We observed that many manufacturers take a conservative approach and do not maximise the use of ZDDP or other additives that are critical for camshaft and component protection. This approach did not align with our philosophy or with the needs of our clientele. As racers, adding a generic aftermarket ZDDP additive without understanding its impact on the overall base oil composition was not an acceptable solution. Instead, we chose to optimise ZDDP levels while remaining fully within relevant manufacturer approval limits.

To achieve this with complete transparency, we source esters, polyalphaolefins, and additives from around the world. These components are shipped to the port of Rotterdam, where we collaborate with a reputable European blender that also produces for other well-known brands. Our base stocks are sourced from suppliers such as Petronas, Eni, and S Oil, and are combined into our proprietary blends. Our blender is contractually bound not to produce these formulations for any other party. We work closely with their tribologists and with independent third-party laboratories to ensure that every batch meets our exacting standards for racing and high-performance tuning.