Motor oil or engine oil is essential in making the smoothest of rides. It lubricates and cleans your engine and helps in reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Keeping up on your regular oil changes can ensure your daily rides and road trips are safe and problem-free.
Two of the most popular motor oil brands in the market today are Pennzoil and Mobil 1. Today, in this article we will look into the comparison between the two. From their viscosity, oil types, to price, we will show you whether Pennzoil or Mobil 1 is the best choice for yourself.
Check out this table comparing Pennzoil Platinum vs Mobil 1 for a quick summary.
| Factors | Pennzoil Platinum | Mobil 1 |
| Mixture | Natural Gas | Crude oil, multi-layer anti-wear formula |
| Viscosity Grades | 0W16,0W20,5W20,5W30,10W30 | 5W20,5W30,1W30,15W50 |
| Fuel Efficiency | +550 miles per year | 2% more fuel economy |
| Volatility | 11% | 9.17% |
| Alkalinity | 8.4 | 8.45 |
| Longevity | 3,500-10,000 miles | 10,000-15,000 miles |
| Price | $26.44 | $29.99 |
Table of Contents
What is Pennzoil Platinum?
Previously known as the South Penn Oil Company, Pennzoil was founded in Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1889. One of their newest innovations is the Pennzoil synthetic motor oil made from natural gas.
The Pureplus technology additive is used in many of their products such as Pennzoil Platinum, Pennzoil Platinum Pureplus, and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w30, which is a Pennzoil diesel oil that has the highest cleaning level.
Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic oil is derived from natural gas using their patented gas-to-liquid technology. By using natural gas, this product offers extended performance and high mileage for your car.
What is Mobil 1?
Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic oil manufacturer. Mobil 1 fully synthetic engine oil uses a multi-layer anti-wear technology that provides advanced fuel economy and performance.
Mobil 1’s special additives provide an amazing defense against debris and sludge that can clog up your engine and protect it against extreme temperatures. These innovations allow Mobil 1 to pass Japanese, European, and American standards.
Pennzoil vs Mobil 1
In this section, we will break down the performance of Mobil 1 vs Pennzoil Platinum into different factors, from fuel economy to viscosity grades.
1. Viscosity Grades
Viscosity is an important aspect of lubricants. It determines how efficiently it can work in an engine. Certain engines require higher or lower amounts of viscosity, depending on their output.
Mobil 1 synthetic oil has a large variety of viscosity available. The Mobil 1 advanced full synthetic products have viscosity grades of 5W20, 5W30, 10W30, and 15W50, which are appropriate for most modern vehicles.
Pennzoil Platinum, on the other hand, offers viscosity grades of 0W16, 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, and 10W30.
2. Fuel Economy
A dirty engine can clog up and cause your car to use more fuel to operate. Good motor oil can help improve your car’s fuel economy by preventing build-up through suspension or by dissolving unwanted waste.
Mobil 1’s Advanced Fuel Economy line of products is a low-viscosity oil that has 2% better fuel economy compared to other brands.
Pennzoil Platinum, on the other hand, guarantees an extra 550 miles of driving every year while using their product.
3. Volatility
A motor oil’s volatility is measured through the Noack Volatility test. This test determines how fast oils evaporate at certain temperatures.
Since cars operate under high heat, having a low percentage means that the oil will evaporate slower and provide better performance. Between the two products, Mobil 1 has a slightly lower percentage at 9.17% compared to Pennzoil Platinum’s 11%.
4. Alkalinity
The TBN or the Total Base Number determines the alkaline reserve of a motor oil. Higher numbers mean the oil can neutralize acids inside the engine, giving it a longer lifespan.
Pennzoil has a TBN of 8.4, while Mobil 1 has 8.45, which means Mobil 1 is better at neutralizing acidic agents and will last longer.
5. Longevity
Engine oil that can last a long time can save you a lot of hassle and money. Long-lasting engine oil will allow you to drive for a long time without having to stop for oil changes and inspections.
Pennzoil recommends following your car’s specifications on when to have your oil changed. When the car is operating in severe conditions, engine oil should be changed at around 3,500 miles and before 10,000 miles.
Mobil 1 on the other hand, guarantees a much longer run time at 10,000 to 15,000 miles between changes. They even offer a limited warranty for their oils, so users can be sure their products will last.
6. Price
Mobil 1 is a bit more expensive compared to Pennzoil. For comparison, a 5-quart 5W30 engine oil from Mobil 1 can cost up to $29.99, while a Pennzoil Platinum 5W30 of the same quantity retails at $26.44.
Which is Better? Pros and Cons of the Two Products
Now that we have a good idea of the differences between Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 motor oils, let’s take a look at their pros and cons. The better product depends on your preference.
- Made from natural gas
- A good amount of viscosity grades
- +550 miles of driving per year
- Cheaper Option
- Standard longevity with 3,500-10,000 miles
- Higher volatility
- Lower alkalinity reserve
- Good for 10,000 to 15,000 miles
- 2% more fuel economy
- A good amount of viscosity grades
- Lower volatility
- Higher alkalinity reserve
- Pricier Option
- Made from crude oil, which has more impurities than natural gas
Functions of Engine Oil
The main purpose of a car’s engine oil is to improve performance by reducing friction or lubricating the engine. Engine oil can come in different mixtures.
- Mineral engine oil is made from crude petroleum that has been refined and cleaned from impurities.
- Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are chemical mixtures created in a lab, though some can also come from crude petroleum. These oils have been modified to improve their performance in a variety of factors.
Regardless of its type, motor oil has two parts: the base oil, which can be polymers or crude petroleum, and additives which improve certain factors of the oil.
1. Lubrication
Being subjected to high temperatures, engine parts tend to be very dry. Over time, this can cause abrasion which can wear and tear important components.
The main purpose of engine oil is to create a coating that can reduce friction on metal surfaces.
2. Cleaning
Engine oil can keep your car’s engine clean. It prevents impurities from sticking to components by suspending contaminants using dispersant additives. Using detergent additives, engine oil can also dissolve certain solids and liquids in the engine.
3. Cooling
Reducing friction also lowers the operating temperature of your car. Lubricants like engine oil can also take the heat from the surface and move it to a safer location to cool down.
4. Sealing
Engine oil can create a dynamic seal in the piston rings, thereby maximizing engine compression and containing pollution caused by exhaust fumes.
5. Shock Absorber
Engine oil can act as a dampener for mechanical shock. It can absorb and disperse vibrations over a large area so that the engine incurs less damage.
6. Rust Protection
Rust can be a dangerous problem for vehicles. They can flake off and contaminate other areas of the engine, causing everything to degrade and need repair.
Lubricants can reduce and stop corrosion on its track.
Tips for Choosing the Right Motor Oil
Before you choose Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum for your car’s engine, it’s important to know several things. Here are some tips for choosing the right motor oil.
1. Read your car manual
Reading your car manual is the best first step in finding the right motor oil. Most car manuals have detailed specifications of your car’s oil requirement, such as its viscosity.
2. Determine your driving environment
The right motor oil can change depending on your environment. Certain viscosities are better in colder and some in warmer weather. Thin oils operate better under colder temperatures, while more viscous oils are better at high heat operations.
3. Know your Oil types
There are two types of motor oil, mineral and synthetic. Each has its own pros and cons that you must keep in mind when choosing your motor oil.
4. Standards
Keep a close look at the label of your engine oil. Scientists and experts have created a standardization of motor oils, such as API for the US and ACAE for Europe. The oil you should choose should have accreditation from either or both groups.
FAQ
How often should I change my synthetic motor oil?
If you’re asking yourself how many miles you should go before changing your oil, most manufacturers recommend having your oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, this number can go lower depending on your vehicle’s operating environment and oil type.
Can I mix Pennzoil Platinum with Mobil 1?
It is not advisable to mix two different brands of motor oil, since they are manufactured differently and have different mixtures of additives in them.
What is the difference between fully synthetic and synthetic blend motor oil?
Fully synthetic motor oil is usually made from processed chemicals in a laboratory. A synthetic blend is a mixture of fully synthetic and mineral engine oils. This blend has a better protection against oxidation and is less prone to evaporating than mineral oil.
Is Mobil 1 made from natural gas?
No. Mobil 1 is not made from natural gas but instead is made up of proprietary high-quality base oils. Pennzoil, on the other hand, uses motor oil made from natural gas.
Conclusion
Pennzoil and Mobil 1 are some of the best fully synthetic motor oils on the market today. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, the one you choose should depend on the vehicle you ride.
Pennzoil Platinum vs Mobil 1 is a close race, with the latter barely edging out the former in performance.
Pennzoil Platinum is the more economical option with a cheaper price, good fuel economy, and decent performance.
Mobil 1, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive but offers a longer operating time and better performance.
