We get that feeling. When you get a new car, you just want to keep it perfect, maybe even wrap it in bubble wrap! While that’s a bit extreme, there’s a practical way to keep your car performing like new: engine oil.
But why would a brand-new car even need engine oil? Consider high-performance race cars like Porsches and Corvettes—they use it from day one, often specifically Mobil 1™. Beyond just improving fuel consumption, engine oil optimizes engine performance and extends its lifespan.
Before we dive into the specifics of engine oil, grab your car owner’s manual. It provides clear guidance on the viscosity, certifications, and specifications your manufacturer recommends for your engine.
If this is all new territory for you, don’t worry. We’ll cover the fundamentals of engine oil to get you started.
1. Viscosity
Think about honey versus water. When you pour them, they flow at vastly different speeds. That difference is viscosity! For engine oils, viscosity dictates how quickly it can flow to protect your engine. A higher number indicates greater viscosity, meaning the oil is thicker and resists flow more.
Using an oil with viscosity that’s too high can lead to your engine feeling sluggish. This happens because the engine needs more energy (and therefore more fuel) to overcome the oil’s resistance, pushing it to critical engine parts. Newer engines typically require “light” engine oil. This makes a lower viscosity oil, such as Mobil 1 0W-40, an excellent choice for both engine and fuel efficiency.
2. Types of Engine Oil
Yes, there’s more than one type! Again, consult your car manual for specific guidance on what your engine requires. At the same time, it’s beneficial to understand the key distinctions between full synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils.
In general:
- Mineral oil exhibits relatively low resistance to heat and oxidation. On average, they last around 5,000 km before needing a change, which means more frequent replacements, costing you both money and valuable time. However, if your engine is older and has always used mineral oil, continuing with it will still provide beneficial protection.
- Full synthetic oil boasts high resistance to heat and oxidation. It can last for over 10,000 km between oil changes, leading to less frequent mechanic visits. Being more “slippery,” full synthetic oil offers superior anti-friction properties compared to mineral oil. This translates to better engine responsiveness, improved fuel economy, and helps prolong your engine’s life, especially beneficial if you frequently drive in stop-and-go city traffic. If your new car came pre-filled with synthetic oil, using Mobil 1 synthetic oil can help maintain its like-new performance for a long time.
- Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offering a balance of benefits from both.
Now that you know your Mobil engine oil often exceeds industry certifications, what’s the next step?
3. OEM Specifications
It’s important to recognize that even if two engine oils share the same viscosity, they might not have the same level of certification. Reputable brands like Mobil 1 also adhere to stringent OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications set by top car manufacturers such as Mercedes-AMG and McLaren. Opting for Mobil means your oil has proven performance and quality that is fully endorsed by renowned OEMs!
4. Certifications
Yes, even engine oils require certification! Mobil 1 oils are formulated not just to meet, but often to surpass, industry certifications. Our range of Mobil engine oils is designed to exceed even the most rigorous criteria established by high-performance automaker groups, including:
- API (American Petroleum Institute)1
- ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles – European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association)2
- ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Com3mittee)
So, when you spot these acronyms on your Mobil engine oil bottle, you can be confident that it has been rigorously certified by experts.
Before you make a judgment about an engine oil based solely on its label, remember that the reputable Mobil-branded engine oil family offers a comprehensive range of products for you to choose from. Go ahead, ask your mechanic to use Mobil oil during your next car servicing appointment and experience how it helps keep your engine performing like new, for a very long time.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you select engine oils for your car.