People have a lot to say about synthetic oils. Unfortunately, it’s not always accurate. But ExxonMobil is here to clear things up. Read below to get the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions about synthetic oils and your vehicle.
Myth:
You should break in your engine with conventional oil, then switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1.
Reality:
You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time, even in brand new vehicles. In fact, Mobil 1 is original equipment (it is installed at the factory) in:
Acura RDX
Aston Martin DB9, DB9 Volante, DBS, DBS Volante, Virage, Virage Volante, Rapide
All Bentley Vehicles
Bristol Fighter
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ZR1 and Grand Sport Coupe
Chevrolet CR8
Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Dodge Challenger SRT-8
Holden HSV
Ilmor MV-10 710 Marine Engines
Lexus LFA
Mercedes-Benz AMG Vehicles
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Nissan GT-R
Opel Insignia
All Porsche Vehicles
All S&S Motorcycles
Saab 9-3 TTiD
Vauxhall VXR8
Viper Motorcycles
One of the myths surrounding synthetic oils is that new engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. The fact is, current engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in period. As indicated by the decisions of the engineers who design the high-performance cars listed above, Mobil 1 can be used starting the day you drive the car off the showroom floor.
Myth:
Using Mobil 1 will void the warranty on my new car.
Reality:
Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance will not void new car warranties, with the exception of the Mazda rotary engine (Mazda does not recommend any synthetic motor oil). Mobil 1 exceeds the API and ILSAC motor oil service requirements for all new vehicles, both import and domestic. If in doubt, always check your vehicle owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer.
Since most new car warranties call for shorter service intervals than those enabled by Mobil 1 Extended Performance, ExxonMobil recommends you follow the recommendations in your owner's manual while your car is under warranty.
Myth:
I need to flush my engine before switching to Mobil 1.
Reality:
No special preparation is necessary when switching from conventional motor oil to Mobil 1 or Mobil 1 Extended Performance.
Myth:
Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance require a special oil filter.
Reality:
While ExxonMobil recommends that you use a high-quality filter, you can use the same type of oil filter that you would normally use with conventional oil. ExxonMobil does offer a very high-quality oil filter that is a perfect companion to Mobil 1. The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter contains synthetic blend filter media instead of the typical cellulose filter media. With a 99.2 percent efficiency rating (under SAE J1858 Multi-Pass Efficiency Test), the Mobil 1 filter is much more efficient than a typical oil filter. Its new high-capacity design stores more contaminants (two times the capacity of the leading brand).
Myth:
Motorcycles can't benefit from synthetic oil.
Reality:
Motorcycles are an ideal application for synthetic oil. ExxonMobil offers two fully synthetic motor oils for motorcycles:
Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 is recommended for on-road, high-performance, 4-cycle sport bikes, which are typically liquid cooled. It can also be used in air-cooled engines calling for a 10W-40 oil.
Mobil 1 V-Twin is a 20W-50 oil recommended for 4-cycle V-twin engines, particularly those that are air cooled and tend to run hotter than other types of engines.
For certain passenger car and light duty truck diesel engines, Mobil 1 is appropriate for vehicles calling for engine oils that meet specific car builder approvals or ACEA-quality oils as indicated below:
Mobil 1 Appropriate for Diesel Engines
Mobil 1
Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40
Mobil 1 Extended
Performance 5W-30,
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10W-30,
Mobil 1 5W-30,
Mobil 1 10W-30
Mobil 1 0W-40,
Mobil 1 15W-50,
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-30,
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40
Mobil 1 Extended
Performance 5W-20, Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced
Fuel Economy,
Mobil 1 0W-30 Advanced
Fuel Economy,
Mobil 1 5W-20
Meets or exceeds
the requirements of:
API CJ-4
CI-4 Plus
CI-4
CH-4
CG-4
X
Meets or exceeds
the requirements of:
ACEA B1
X
X
Meets or exceeds
the requirements of:
ACEA B3
X
Meets or exceeds
the requirements of:
ACEA B4
X
Meets or exceeds
the requirements of:
ACEA B5
X
Recommended by
ExxonMobil for quality level:
API CD/CF
X
X
X
X
Recommended by
ExxonMobil for quality level:
ACEA E5
X
Be sure to check your owner's manual for the oil quality recommended for your diesel engine.
Heavy duty trucks requiring a viscosity other than 5W-40 should consider one of the Mobil Delvac 1300 Super products. Mobil Delvac products can be purchased at a large number of truck stops across America, and select retail and auto parts stores, as well as from ExxonMobil Distributors.
Updated July 2011
Myth:
Mobil 1 will leak out of the seals of older cars.
Reality:
Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. In fact, new Mobil 1 was tested in dozens of industry standard and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) tests to prove its seal performance. It is fully compatible with the elastomeric materials from which all automotive seals and gaskets are made. If an older engine is in good condition and does not have oil leaks, Mobil 1 provides the same advantages as when used in a new engine. ExxonMobil recommends taking measures to repair the leaks, then using Mobil 1. ExxonMobil also recommends following the automobile manufacturer's manual for the proper oil to use.
