Q. What’s the difference between a fully synthetic and a semi-synthetic motor oil?

All motor oils are made up of base oils and additives. Fully synthetic motor oils contain 100% non-conventional, high-performance fluids. Semi-synthetic oils (also called “blends”) contain a smaller percentage of these high-performance fluids in combination with conventional oil. Mobil 1 is a fully synthetic motor oil.

Q. What makes synthetic motor oil superior to conventional motor oil?

The performance of synthetic oils, and in particular Mobil 1, is more robust, especially in terms of low-temperature pumping and flow, and high-temperature stability and protection against deposits. These attributes translate directly into less engine wear and longer engine life. Conventional oils also contain much greater amounts of impurities, such as sulphur, reactive and unstable hydrocarbons, and other undesirable contaminants that cannot be completely removed by conventional refining of crude oil.

Q. Is it true that new engines need break-in periods using conventional motor oil?

That is a myth. In the past, engine break-in was necessary to remove any metal flashing (called swarf) or abrasive material left inside the engine after machining, as well as to allow the valves and rings to “seat” properly. Today’s engines are built with much tighter tolerances, much improved machining and under much cleaner conditions compared to the engines of 10 or 20 years ago.

Current engine manufacturing technology does not require a break-in period using petroleum-based motor oils. In fact, Mobil 1 is chosen as the standard factory-fill for many leading vehicle manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Aston Martin and many more. So Mobil 1 is often used in a car, even before you drive it off the showroom floor.

Q. Is it okay to mix conventional oil with Mobil 1?

Yes, Mobil 1 is fully compatible with conventional motor oils, semi-synthetic motor oils and other synthetic motor oils should it be necessary to mix them. However, the superior performance of Mobil 1 will be reduced by diluting it.

Q. Is it okay to mix brands of oil?

Yes, Mobil 1 fully synthetic oils are fully compatible with other brands of oil. No flushing is required.

Q. What’s inside the oil that can help it accomplish all these tasks?

Oil is made up of basestocks and additives. Additives are the ingredients in oil that take it beyond basic lubrication and help it perform specific functions.

Q. Can I use an oil supplement and/or engine treatment with Mobil 1?

We do not recommend it. If the oil you use meets the specification required by your vehicle manufacturer, then this eliminates the need for supplemental engine oil additives. Considering the comprehensive testing and engineering that has gone into Mobil 1, nothing can be gained by using these supplements.

Q. What is viscosity and why is it important in motor oils?

Put simply, viscosity refers to the ‘thickness’ of a fluid. ‘Thin’ or low viscosity fluids flow easily – water is a good example. On the other hand, honey is an example of a ‘thick’ high viscosity fluid. However, the viscosity of a fluid isn’t always constant. It changes with temperature.

For example, motor oil becomes thicker when cold and thinner when hot. The technology used in engine oils tries to combat this viscosity change to ensure that at high temperatures it remains thick enough to form a protective film on engine parts and at low temperatures it remains thin enough to quickly flow to the critical engine parts.

Q. What does “multigrade” refer to?

Multigrades are multi-viscosity oils that have been designed to perform over a wider range of temperatures than older ‘monograde’ oils. Multigrade oils are identified by two SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) grade designations e.g. 0W-40. The lower number in front of the ‘W’ indicates the oil’s viscosity in cold temperatures – the lower the number the better the oil’s ability to flow.

Vist the Mobil 1 website (external link)