Submits letters to ASTM about oil analysis standards
Owns his own equipment for rheological and spectral analysis
Performs analysis every 500 miles
Creates his own additive mix from scratch and won't share the recipe
Conspiracy Theorist
Doesn't believe in viscosity index improvers
Is a moderator on BobIsTheOilGuy
Refuses to believe that anything less than 5W-30 can lubricate anything
Only imports German Castrol 0W-30
Total Nerd
Only buys from Amsoil
Knows the full additive percentages in his oil package
Believes only PAOs and Ester bases are real synthetics
Has opened his oil filter with a can opener to inspect the filter media
Enthusiast
Sticks to Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, or Castrol Edge
Does oil changes before the manufacturer recommended interval
Buys OEM or WIX XP filters.
Performs his own oil changes and got Blackstone analysis once.
Normie
Schedules oil changes with the dealer or a mechanic
Follows the OEM mileage interval
Uses the oil grade recommended in the owner's manual
Doesn't think about it too much, just asks mechanic what's best
Pleb
Buys whatever is cheapest at Wal-Mart
Changes the oil when he remembers
"You're supposed to change the filter every time?"
Is probably the seller you're talking to on Craigslist
Created Feb 12, 2026
Dive into the fascinating world of automotive fluid enthusiasts with "Oil Nerds"! This tier list ranks the dedication, obsession, and downright peculiar habits of people who truly live and breathe motor oil. From those who meticulously submit letters to ASTM about oil analysis standards and own their own rheological equipment, to the purists who only import German Castrol 0W-30 or craft their own secret additive recipes, you'll find them all here. We'll also explore the spectrum of oil change philosophies, from the "doesn't think about it too much" crowd to the fanatical Blackstone analyst who inspects their filter media with a can opener. See where you, or your mechanic, might fall on this spectrum of automotive dedication!