Mobil-1 Oils Explained

15 Minutes long, whats the verdict?

I've been using Mobil one in my vehicles for years. Went with the Penzoil for the Challenger because its SRT rated.

 

Pennzoil is now owned by Shell and Shell produces a unique FULLY Synthetic base oil from Natural Gas. I worked on this technology for another company but fully understand the chemistry of Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) base oil versus Polyalpha Olefin (PAO) base oils. The PAO oil is a poor solvent for additives, so they HAVE to add esters to make the finished formulation completely soluble. The Shell GTL base oil does not need this ester component making it both less expensive and more thermally stable (less oxidation). Also, the Shell GTL base oil has much higher Viscosity Index meaning less polymer is needed to meet the typical viscosity grade such as 5W-30 than needed with PAO blends. This means less deposits in the ring land area keeping piston seal tighter for a longer engine life. I have seen engine tests (Sequence IIIG at 300°F engine oil temperature) where the measured deposits on the piston ring lands is lower for GTL base oils than PAO base oils.

The bottom line is that I don't think Mobil 1 is more than an extensive advertising program and that other oils out there outperform Mobil 1. Pennzoil high end formulas wtih GTL base oils are examples. But what I really learned in 18 years of engine oil formulation work is that it is far more important to change your oil than to worry about which brand of oil you use. I proved this in NY City taxicab testing where a 3000 mile oil drain using a very old formuation of oil had essentially no deposits or wear compared to full synthetic oils at 10,000- and 20,000-mile drain intervals. The low-quality engine oil was 100% mineral base oil and 1/2 the additives in the fully synthetic engine oil formulations.

 

Nice explanation. I like hearing real facts and not marketing BS.

 

@2009 Classic B5

You saved me watching the video. I'll go with the Penzoil, all around from now on.
I have 3 Ecoboosts, a Jeep Liberty CRD, a John Deere tractor, and the wife has a Rav4.

 

Sexy Blue, I like blue the best as well. From what I have seen on youtube (I Do Cars), the EcoBoost engine with the rubber ribbed oil pump drive belt are prone to losing oil pressure due to belt failure (either chunking of lugs or complete drive belt breakage) 2019 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE! Full Teardown W/ (youtube.com)
There are many more such videos. And people complain about Hemi camshaft failures! Ford recalled several hundred thousang EcoBoost engines for this failure as the engine failure resulted in accidents (remember the Pinto stalling and getting rear ended then catching fire?)

 

Yes, Indigo Blue was the deal maker for me.
Lucky for me I am not on that generation, I am on the valves get plugged generation. 2017 2.7, 3.5, and 2019 3.5
Yes all vehicles have their garbage quality now a days, I have heard the 2023 Challengers have issues too. Glad I went for the older one.

 

My '09 5.7L 6sp has been bulletproof for 80,000 miles with only a radiator fan failure so far. I have the Lifetime Warranty for powertrain issues, which helps with a 15 YO car, but so far not needed.

 

That was a great breakdown of facts. I have 3 vehicles with Hemi's. I've always used Pennzoil Platinum 5w20. No issues.