Not All Engine Oils Are Created Equal

Look behind the scenes at the extensive testing involved for modern engine oils.
Today’s best oils will have API SP, ILSAC GF-6, and Dexos Gen 3 Certifications.

Modern engine oils continue to decrease in viscosity grades, and yet their performance continues to improve, as mandated by industry regulations and certifications. The latest set of certifications pushes engine oils even further, and in this video we’ll examine how Mobil 1’s Triple Action Formula is tested. Tests include a Sequence VH Engine Test for Sludge and Varnish, a Sequence IIIH Engine Test for Oxidation and Deposit, and a 120,000 mile dynamometer test on a vehicle.

For each test, we’ll talk about how the test is conducted, and why the test is difficult (like poor fuel quality, running hot, high engine loads, and excessive blowby). We’ll then discuss the test requirements in order to pass, how to identify oils that have passed, and discuss how Mobil 1 performed in the various tests. The 120,000 mile dyno test will also include a full engine tear down and evaluation.

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[weilandcock]

Wow, this is very impressive. Excited for them to release Mobil 2!

[craigquann]

It's pretty impressive how much actually goes into motor oil. Shout out to Mobil 1 for giving us so many peeks behind the curtain. Gives a lot of confidence to the customer when a company is that open.

[zorikos_]

While I do find all these methods of testing and their results extremely impressive.. I do wonder why they don’t have any tests that simulate short drives where the engine is cooled off and heated back up frequently, as the constant heat cycling of engines is really the hardest on them.

[CMunch]

My Grandfather worked for Mobil oil doing lubricant testing, He retired in 1974 After 30yrs. I wish I had asked him more questions about his experience.
I don't remember much. I think at the time the facility was in long Island City. All I could think of while watching this is him doing this work so long ago. Thank You

[solocamo]

12:00 ... exactly why I subscribe. I was afraid you were going to say the oil made the difference in those intake valves when it's clearly just the port injection cleaning them up. Thanks for doing what you do so honestly.

[redlywaxer]

This was an impressive behind-the-scenes look of motor oil development and testing and some of what goes into making an excellent finished product. Thank you and Mobil 1 for collaborating on this to bring us this information!

[dc]

Been using Mobil 1 since the 1980s. Lots of mechanics I've spoken to say the engines they have worked on that uses Mobil 1 motor oils are amazingly clean and little wear in the bearings and journals after teardown. I experienced it as well with engines over 150, 000 miles.

[DracoOmnia]

Definitely worth whatever it costs them to bring you out, us gear heads really appreciate the transparency and deeper explanations that can't be put on a bottle label.

[kalabash]

I wish anyone who doubts modern oils would watch this. I don't how many times I've heard that they thought manufacturers are conspiring to run longer oil change intervals so they can sell more vehicles. So they stick to the 3, 000 mile change...🤦‍♂️

[salemlott]

I use Mobil 1 for this exact reason, the testing standards and the amount of R&D they put into their oils. Big thanks to Mobil 1 for showing us behind the scenes and also for helping you to expand the knowledge of engine design and testing. 👍

[Nathan_King]

I used to be brand loyal on motor oil, but now any of the big name brands works for me. I agree, overall oil has improved significantly. Very interesting video and thanks to Mobil 1 for inviting you!

[buzzpedrotti]

Thank you and Mobil 1 for illustrating so much

Takeaways.
1. Use a highest rated oil from a top & trustworthy manufacturer.
2. Cut the auto & oil manufacturers intervals to the heavy use interval.
3. Keep car tuned up. Fix running problems.
4. Don't run motor cold. Especially loaded.
5. Run a top tier fuel
6. Avoid direct injected engines.
7. Buy much older or late model Toyotas.

[joseacuna]

I’m not using Mobil 1 because of cost, but the one I’m using meets the API highest standards because I learn from you Jason. Thanks!

[ABMAustralia]

The amount of information your videos provide and the way you break down complex automotive engineering into lego pieces so its easily understandable for a non engineer is commendable. Your videos are next to none! Keep it up.

[krassimirpetrov]

I’m not a Mobil 1 fan by any means but this is pretty awesome and glad to see they do all this - thanks for sharing

[LMacNeill]

The technology behind both oil and tires are two things that go largely unappreciated in our modern cars. Even cheap oil and cheap tires today are better than the most expensive stuff was only 20 years ago. And if you pay extra for the higher-quality tires and oil today, you're really getting so much more than you realize. This is the kind of stuff you get from competition in the marketplace. It's so fascinating to see this kind of behind-the-scenes stuff -- thanks for showing it to us.

[jimmyaber]

I have had many instances of doing observations of the same engines with similar milage when I did repairs where engines were opened. I have a shop in a Suburban town and the latest observations are vehicles of customers that work at a very large employer at the airport so the use of vehicles is about as close as you get. One owner is a 5000 mile oil servicc and the other does oil service when reminder built into vehicle tells him to. These are Ford Explorers with 3.7 engines. Both had the cam chain driven water pumps changed at 145K miles. The 5k motor needed no chain or guides parts. The cam chain tensioner on this clean engine was 8 mm extended which is in the range of new parts install extension. The 8k to 9k oil service engine was not sludge and had no severe accumulations anywhere but its guides had 1/8 " grooves and the tensioner was full extension and hinged guide was loose. There is fine particle dust that passes air filter and plastic like particles that form from combustion residue and heat. Draining oil is the only way you get these out of engine. The long oil drain vehicle needed chains and guides plus labor that erased any savings. The waste oil may have been more environmental waste but the discarded old parts and the energy and waste from making those parts is to be considered. Long oil drain has a cost for most drivers if you keep your vehicle longer.

[nathanadams]

Automotive technician here, and yes I'm sure under the right conditions Mobil 1s oil can work on these longer mileage intervals and it's very impressive. HOWEVER there are a thousand different variables that cannot be controlled or tested for in the real world that your car will be exposed to. Modern engines have very tight tolerances when it comes to the need for oil, and all it takes is a slip second with less than ideal oil condition to permanently damage your engine. I have seen particularly on kia's or Hyundai 2.0 turbo motors chew threw turbos in under 30k miles because the owner was doing 7 or 8 thousand mile oil changes. Most Subarus are going to burn through at least a quart of oil in a 5k mile oil change interval, and that would get worse with more and more distance put on that oil. Long story short just do your oil changes every 5k miles, really it's not that hard and it's the bare minimum to keep your engine In good health. I have a job because people can't do their oil changes on time, save your self the money in the future and do your oil changes.

[mrmiscast]

Being the owner of a couple of 2.0 DI VVT turbocharged 4cyls, seemingly the new "go to" generally spec'd power plant for many manufacturers I run this exact Mobil 1 oil. The oil temp lives at 200F for my version, which isn't bad, yet, given the southern Texas environment, it lives in day in and day out. We have 2 of these SUV's with this engine combination. The first is just a touch over 150k miles, with zero trips to any repair shop. The other is just starting its life, but Mobil1 had made a believer out of me many years ago, so nothing will ever be used but Mobil. I'm sure there are other brands out there as impressive, but usually, they aren't as easy to access.

[milo]

One parameter has been omitted in this testing. Time. Over time, over so many kilometers, the results might be different due to heat/cool cycles which play a huge role in oil's behaviour.