Mobil 1 is original equipment in some of the world’s finest vehicles, including potx

Mobil 1 is original equipment in some
of the world’s finest vehicles, including:
Acura RDX
Aston Martin DB9 & DBS
Bentley Arnage
Bentley Azure
Bentley Brooklands
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley Continental GC & GTC
Bristol Fighter
Bristol Fighter S
Cadillac BLS Diesel
Cadillac CTS & CTS-V
Cadillac DTS
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV & EXT
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Cadillac SRX
Cadillac STS & STS-V
Cadillac XLR & XLR-V
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Corvette C6RS
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet CSV CR8
Chevrolet HHR SS
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Chrysler 300C SRT8
Chrysler Crossfire SRT6
Daewoo G2X

Dodge Caliber SRT4
Dodge Charger SRT8
Dodge Magnum SRT8
Dodge Viper
Holden HSV (All)
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (All)
Mitsubishi Evolution
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ400
Nissan GT-R
Opel GT
Pontiac G8 GXP
Pontiac Solstice GXP
Porsche 911
Porsche 911 GT2
Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Cayman
Saab 9-3 TTiD
Saturn Sky Red Line
S&S Motorcycles (All)
Vauxhall VXR8

©2009 Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Mobil, Mobil 1, and the 1 icon are trademarks of
Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
www.mobil1.com

Many Drivers. One Oil.


Table of Contents
4

What Does Motor Oil Actually Do?

6

Discover the Mobil 1 Difference

7

What’s the Synthetic Difference?

8

Keeps Your Engine Performing Like New

12

Exceptional Cleaning Power for Dirty Engines

14

Improved Temperature Performance

16

Mobil 1 Success Stories

18

Mobil 1 Motorsports

20

Questions & Answers

26

Special Applications for Mobil 1

World’s Leading
Synthetic Motor Oil

4

Forty years ago, researchers at ExxonMobil
faced a daunting challenge from the U.S. military.
As planes returned to their aircraft carriers,
cold in-flight temperatures froze the wheelbearing grease in the landing gear, leading to
bearing failure. ExxonMobil devised a way of
synthesizing grease that retained its lubricating
characteristics over a wider range of temperatures
than was possible with mineral-based grease.
In the late 1960s, ExxonMobil developed synthetic
engine oil that lubricated diesels powering oil
rigs in Alaska at temperatures as low as -40°C.

ExxonMobil discovered that the innovative
synthetic oils delivered advantages in every engine
aspect: long oil life, reduced fuel consumption
and wear, quicker cold starts and cleaner,
longer-lasting engines. In 1974, Mobil 1
synthetic engine oil was born.
The power of Mobil 1 technology gives you the
most advanced engine protection in three ways:
• Keeps Your Engine Performing Like New
• Exceptional cleaning power
for dirty engines
• Extreme temperature performance

www.mobil1.com


What Does Motor Oil Actually Do?

Your engine is a complex machine with
hundreds of moving parts that operate
under a wide range of temperatures
and stresses. The oil you select needs
to be equally capable of coping with
these operating conditions to protect
your engine against wear, corrosion,
and the build up of dirt and deposits.

Motor Oil Basics

Rough Temperature

Regimes
200 - 350° C
80 - 150° C
50 - 80° C
30 - 50° C
Ambient - 140° C

Prevent Valve Train Wear
Prevent Rust
Prevent Sludge and Varnish

Keep Intakes Clean

Prevent Ring Sticking
Prevent Piston Deposits

Prevent Cylinder Wear
Prevent Bore Polishing

1. What does motor oil
actually do in an engine?
Motor oil probably handles more tasks within
an engine than any other component, fluid
or material. While most people know that motor
oil’s main job is to protect the engine by lubricating
its moving parts, modern motor oil also needs to:
• Cool critical engine parts by
transferring heat away from them
• Seal and protect against wear that could
be caused by a variety of contaminants,

from acidic combustion by products
to sludge and soot deposits
to dirt and dust particles
• Pump easily to critical engine
parts at low temperatures
• Remain stable at high temperatures
• Help improve fuel economy
• Keep internal components clean and
free from varnish and harmful deposits
2. What’s inside the oil that can
help it accomplish all these tasks?
Since lubricating engine components –
reducing friction for smoother running
and optimal efficiency – is only part of what
motor oil must do, it obviously must rely
on help. That’s where the additives come in.
All detergent-type motor oils contain detergent
and dispersant additives that suspend
contaminants and combustion by-products.
That’s why your oil may look dirty when you
check it – it’s doing its job. And that’s also
why you can’t tell when it’s time to change
the oil simply by looking at its color.
The oil is designed to prevent these corrosive
contaminants from being deposited on engine
surfaces, where they can cause piston rings
to stick and oil-pump screens to plug.

Prevent Bearing Wear

The oil filter helps by removing abrasive
particles as the oil passes through the filter.
But an oil filter can’t catch fuel dilution
and other liquid contaminants.

Control Viscosity Increase
Keep Oil Screen Clean
Reduce Oil Consumption
Prevent Sludge

No matter how good the oil and the oil filter,
eventually they can no longer do their jobs
effectively. That’s because with time and
mileage, the oil’s additives get used up –
causing the oil to degrade (oxidize or thicken).
At that point, the oil must be changed, before
sludge and deposits build up. When the oil is
drained, the contaminants are removed with it.

6

Obviously, oil should be changed before
its contamination level reaches the point
where engine damage could result. Yet
it’s unlikely that the individual motorist will
be able to determine this critical point.
For this reason, automobile manufacturers
recommend oil changes at a specific time
or mileage interval, whichever comes first.
3. My owner’s manual lists two different

schedules. How do I know if I should follow
the “normal” or “severe service” schedule?
Many manufacturers list two types of “service” –
normal and severe. Normal (or “ideal”) service
consists of relatively high-speed driving
(55-105 kph) on paved roads in dust-free
areas, with trips over 16 km each. The
owner’s manual uses this type of driving
to determine your car’s maximum time or
mileage oil change recommendations.
Severe service operations will require
more frequent oil and filter changes. Severe
service can include any of the following:
• Trips of less than 16 km
• Driving in cold weather
• Idling for extended periods
• Stop-and-go traffic
• Pulling trailers/carrying heavy loads
• Driving in dusty conditions
Short trips, especially during cold weather,
can be particularly severe. The engine may
not get a chance to warm up sufficiently to boil
off moisture and unburnt fuel in the oil, leading
to the developments of acids in the oil.
Since the engine is partially cooled by airflow,
temperatures can increase when the engine
is idling. High temperatures can lead
to more rapid oil oxidation and thickening.

Discover the
Mobil 1 Difference

What’s the Synthetic Difference?

Exceptional Product Performance

Synthetics

Conventional

The high performance synthetic fluids that
are used in Mobil 1 are just one reason for
exceptional product performance. Here’s
what else we do to bring you a consistently
outstanding product.

Uniform molecules = less friction

Inconsistent molecules size = more friction

• We have over four decades of synthetic
research experience so we know
how to combine the ingredients
in exactly the right quantities.

Attribute of
Synthetic Basestock

8

Feature

Benefit

Higher Viscosity Index

Reduces engine wear, especially
at temperature extremes

• Our Mobil 1 formulations are proprietary
and exclusive and are not rebranded
to any other brand.

Prevents oil becoming too thick
at low temperatures and too thin
at high temperatures

Low Temperature
Performance

Keeps oil flow at starting up

Oil reaches critical engine parts
more quickly to reduce engine wear

• Recommended by name by more OEM’s
than any other brand.

Lower Volatility

Reduces oil burn-off

• Consistently bring new innovations to the
market to meet the latest needs in engine oil.

Reduces oil consumption
and need for frequent top-off

Lower Traction

Due to the more consistent molecular
structure of synthetics, there is less
friction within the fluid

Leads to greater efficiency and
lower oil temperatures

Increased Oxidative
Stability

Resists breakdown and attack from
oxygen molecules

Slows down the rate of oil
thickening and minimizes engine
deposits and varnish

• We test our formulations to the extreme
to ensure they’ll provide the performance

you can depend on.

Mobil 1 uses approximately 15 to 20 different components from around the world
to make each Mobil 1 product.
Mobil 1 is always formulated with high performance base stocks, designed to provide optimum low
and high temperature protection in each viscosity grade. Our advanced synthetic fluids are expertly
combined to enhance high temperature cleanliness and anti-wear performance.

Friction Modifier

Synthetic Fluid I
Synthetic Fluid II

Anti-Wear Additives

Combination of Dispersants

Synthetic Fluid III
Synthetic Fluid IV

Defoamant
Short Term Antioxidant

Seal Swell Agent
Long Term Antioxidant
Shear Stable
Viscosity Modifier

www.mobil1.com

Combination of Detergents


10

Mobil 1 provides excellent control of oil consumption over extended distance
at 21,000 kilometer oil drain intervals.
In a controlled research environment, engineers tested a Mercedes-Benz E350 engine with Mobil 1
0W-40. The engine demonstrated excellent oil consumption control, only 1 liter (approximately)
for every 41,000 kilometers.

Very Low Oil Consumption

Mercedes-Benz E350

0W-40

Proven to Keep Your Engine Performing Like New
Engineered to Help Keep Your Engine Performing Like New

Litres of Oil Consumed per ODI

3

As piston rings and cylinder bores wear with use, more and more combustion gases pass into the
crankcase, which contaminates engine oil. Mobil 1 minimizes these effects in several ways to keep
your engine performing like new. As oil becomes more acidic due to contamination from combustion,
the engine builds up these acids, which degrades the oil and increases wear and tear on critical parts.
Engineers use Total Base Number retention (TBN) to measure the ability of the oil to neutralize acidic
contamination. Mobil 1’s robust engine oil chemistry neutralizes these harmful acids to protect critical

engine parts, enabling the vehicle to maintain its performance level for a longer period of time. Engine
oil should retain its original viscosity as the kilometers accumulate. While conventional oils may increase
in viscosity grade while in service, Mobil 1 demonstrates excellent viscosity control. As engines wear,
iron can accumulate in the oil. Mobil 1 provides superior protection versus conventional motor oil and
enhanced durability to minimize wear metal accumulation. Iron particles should remain low indicating
good protection against engine wear.

2

1

0
00

0,
21
0

00

00

,0

,0

9
18

8

16

00

7,0
14

00

,0

6
12

00

00

,0

,0

5
10

84

00

,0

00

00

,0

63

42

,0
21

0

Test Kilometers

When using Mobil 1, oil consumption is extremely low over extended service, even at 21,000 km
oil drain intervals.

Engine Oil Durability

Mercedes-Benz E350

0W-40

14

TBN (mgKOH/mg)

12
10
8
6
4

suggested minimum

2
0

www.mobil1.com

Even after 200,000 km using extended oil change intervals (every 21,000 km), Mobil 1 exhibited excellent
total base number retention, remaining several times above the minimum recommended limit.

00

0

00

00

00

1,0
23

0,
21

,0

9
18

,0

8
16

00

7,0
14

00

,0

00

00

,0

6
12

5
10

,0

00

,0

84

63

00

,0

42

00

,0
21

0

Test Kilometers

12

Keeps Your Engine Performing Like New (cont.)

Helps Prevent Engine Wear

Keeps Your Engine Performing Like New (cont.)

Mercedes-Benz E350

New Parts vs. Parts after 210,000 kilometers

0W-40

350
300

Iron Level

350

Brand new

200

suggested alert level

150
100
50

0

00
1,0
23

0
00
0,
21

0
00
9,
18

0
00
8,
16

00
7,0
14

0
00
6,
12

0
00
5,
10

00
,0
84

00
,0
63

00
,0
42

00
,0
21

0

Mobil 1 used

Test Kilometers

Even with 21,000 km oil changes, the engine was in excellent condition after 210,000 km.

Resists Viscosity Increase

After running on Mobil 1 for over 210,000 kilometers, critical engine
components showed virtually no wear, helping prove that Mobil 1
keeps engines performing like new.

Mercedes-Benz E350

0W-40

100%

%KV @ 100°C Increase

90%
80%
70%
60%

suggested maximum

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

00

1,0

23

0

00

0,
21

00

,0

9
18

00

,0

8
16

00

7,0
14

00

,0

00

00

,0

6
12

5
10

,0

00

00

,0

,0

84

63

42

00

,0
21

0

Test Kilometers

While conventional oils may increase in viscosity with use, Mobil 1 maintained its specified
viscosity - even with 21,000 km oil changes.

Mobil 1 helps provide excellent protection against deposits, even after 210,000 kilometers.


Exceptional Cleaning
Power for Dirty Engines

14

Mobil 1 Cleans Up Sludge in Your Engine

Get the Sludge Out
To evaluate the cleaning power of Mobil 1,
researchers tested* a European performance
vehicle in which a large amount of sludge had
been formed. After just three oil drains and
19,000 kilometers of driving with Mobil 1 the
level of sludge was significantly decreased.
In particular, the rocker cover, cam hold

downs, oil screen and oil pan were much
cleaner after using Mobil 1.

Top Deck of Engine

*Testing performed under controlled conditions.

Excellent Engine
Cleanliness
Mobil 1’s uniquely balanced additive system
provides outstanding protection against
deposits and sludge.

Before

After

Engine Oil Screen

Before

After

Bottom of Engine

Before

After

Photographs demonstrate dramatic visual cleanliness improvement after just 19,000 kilometers with Mobil 1.

www.mobil1.com


16
15

Mobil 1 Low Temperature Pumping

Improved Temperature Performance

Viscosity (cP)

300,000

Better

Engine wear can take place within the first few seconds after start-up. This
means it’s critical for oil to flow freely and quickly to these parts, even when
the oil has been sitting overnight in sub-zero temperatures. In a controlled
laboratory experiment, Mobil 1 showed a significant performance advantage
over conventional oil at extremely low temperatures. Mobil 1 greatly surpasses
the industry standard requirements for low temperature oil flow. Mobil 1 0W-40
remains pumpable down to -40°C. These results confirm the outstanding
cold weather performance of Mobil 1.

Mobil 1 0W-40
Synthetic Competitor 5W-40
Semi-synthetic Competitor 10W-40

400,000

Powerful Cold Weather Start-Up Protection

200,000

100,000

0

SAE Maximum

0

-30°C (10W-40)

-35°C (5W-40)
MRV Temperature (°C)

www.mobil1.com

-40°C (0W-40)


Mobil 1 Success Stories

18

Success Stories

China

USA

Poland

Trust the Experts

“I closed my eyes as I turned the ignition
key and the engine fired up immediately.
It was incredible. The engine had
been turned off for six hours in -40° C
temperature and within a few seconds
the oil pressure had reached the necessary levels without
any drive train noise. There is no other oil I would use for
an arctic trip like this besides Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil.
The idea of using an oil other than Mobil 1, would be like
driving on ice with bald tires. It’s just something I would
never do.”
– Scott Brady, Expeditions West

It’s no wonder Mobil 1 is original equipment
in some of the world’s finest vehicles, including:
Aston Martin, Bentley Arnage & Continental
GT, Cadillac CTS, XLR, SRX, STS, DTS, and
Escalade, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Charger
SRT8, Dodge Viper, Mercedes-Benz AMG
vehicles, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Mitsubishi

Evolution, Porsche and the Nissan GT-R. After
all, Mobil 1 offers better wear protection and
better resistance to thermal degradation than
conventional or semi-synthetic oils. Mobil 1 motor
oils will continue to perform at temperatures
that make conventional and semi-synthetic
motor oils start to oxidize and turn to sludge.

“For the past 15 years, Mobil 1 has provided the
engine protection needed to minimize component
wear, resulting in enhanced engine reliability and
improved overall performance,”
– Tom Wallace, Vehicle Line Executive and
Global Chief Engineer of performance
cars for General Motors.



Mexico

Canada

Sweden

“While I have always been very interested
in the science and technology of how
things work, I am a person who is far
more interested in results. And, the
results I have had are a testament to
the superior technology that is behind Mobil 1

synthetic engine oil.”
– Peter Gilbert, Million Mile Saab Owner
“In looking for a high performance oil that would
deliver long lasting protection for the advanced
turbocharged engine, Mobil 1 was a natural fit
because of its proven performance, and the long
track record of success we have had using Mobil 1
in our other General Motors vehicles,”
– Chris Meagher, chief engineer for Ecotec engines
Mobil 1 is going “Round the World.” Literally.





Japan

Sweden

USA

China

Turkey

Egypt

When a team of adventurers embarked on a roundthe-world expedition in several Land Rover Discovery
sport utility vehicles, they put their trust in Mobil 1
0W-40. While trekking through the deep country

inside Cambodia – where “gas stations” amounted
to roadside stops where people poured fuel from
glass bottles into gas tanks – poor fuel quality caused
terminal catalytic converter failure. The lead vehicle
was summoned to pull over as the converter was
glowing red and on fire. Even though the engine was
subjected to the most severe abuse, and the oil hadn’t
been changed in over 40,000 kilometers, the engine
remained protected by Mobil 1 - established proof
that Mobil 1 0W-40 can last over 40,000 kilometers
under some of the world’s most difficult conditions!

Mobil 1 motor oils are capable of protecting
engines at temperatures up to 204°C. This type
of stability is especially important for stop-and-go
driving, for high-tech engines which tend to run at
higher temperatures, and for turbocharged engines.
Mobil 1 5W-30 and 0W-40 were chosen by leading
automobile manufacturers for their ability to provide
outstanding protection not only under normal operating
conditions, but also under extreme conditions.
Extreme Performance
Mobil 1 engineers weren’t surprised when
a high-performance race car equipped with
Mobil 1 continued to run even when the engine
coolant was lost. The oil temperature sensors broke
at 130°C (engine oil temperature was estimated
to have reached 170°C). Mobil 1 allowed the car
to stay in the race and cross the finish line.

Mobil 1: Proof of
Performance Summary
The engineers and researchers for Mobil 1
have tested numerous types of vehicles
in many different tests designed to evaluate
the performance of Mobil 1. In summary, Mobil 1:
• Helps keep engines performing like new
by maintaining proper oil viscosity
• Maximizes engine protection
with its unique SuperSyn formula
• Visibly cleans dirty engines of sludge
• Increases low-temperature oil flow
• Has proven reserves of protection
even with severe use


20

Formulated for Performance

Mobil 1 Motorsports
“Formula One is an extremely rigorous test ground for the Mobil product.
We’re seeing extremely high temperatures, high loads in the engine, and
of course the lubricants and fuels that support those processes have to
be the very best. And that’s exactly what we strive to achieve with our
partner, ExxonMobil.”


– Ron Dennis, McLaren Group Chairman and CEO

FPO

When the Mercedes-Benz McLaren team
wants to run its Formula One cars, it turns to
ExxonMobil, which has been leading the field
in synthetic lubricants for over 30 years. The
reason that ExxonMobil is involved with the
Mercedes-Benz McLaren team is, on the surface
at least, simple. Formula One cars are among
the most technically demanding vehicles on the
planet, providing an advanced and exacting test
bed to develop lube and fuel technology that we
all use in our road cars every day. In short, if any
area of a Formula One car is not up to speed, it
will soon be found out on the race track – while
the eyes of the world bear witness.
“Just from a pure research
standpoint, we’re always looking to
find ways of stressing the materials
we are making, Formula One
provides us with that opportunity,
because it’s a very tough environment, and the
stresses that it places on our lubricants and fuels
allow us to keep improving them. The benefits of
this are obvious, because it helps us to develop
products that can cope with the unique tests
that Formula One provides and then pass this
technology, and their benefits, directly on to
the consumer.”
– Bruce Crawley, Global Motorsport Technology

Manager at ExxonMobil
What Experts Say
Mobil 1 Technology is used in race cars around
the world – Formula One, NASCAR, endurance
racers, you name it. Here are some comments
from some of the top drivers and race engineers
who rely on the protection of Mobil 1.
Porsche
“The collaboration in research
and development, combined
with Porsche and Mobil 1
technology, unites two of the
world’s strongest brands with
one single philosophy: maximum performance
for the ultimate driving experience.”
– Hartnut Kristen, Director of Porsche Motorsports

www.mobil1.com

Porsche
“For the past ten years, Porsche
engineers have trusted Mobil 1
for its outstanding performance
capabilities and engine
protection. The Transsyberia
Rally is a true test of a vehicle’s ability to
perform in extreme conditions and as we
equipped our team of 25 Porsche Cayenne S
vehicles we knew we needed to use a motor
oil that could help maximize engine protection

and performance. As we’ve done before, we
turned to Mobil 1 fully synthetic motor oil.”
– Jürgen Kern, Porsche Cayenne Transsyberia
Team Manager
NASCAR
“Mobil 1 is the only motor oil I’ll
trust in my race engine and in
my own car.”
– Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR race driver
GM Racing
“Mobil 1 has always been highly
regarded throughout GM by the
GTO, Cadillac and GTS V8 race
teams. We needed a lubricant
that would not only maximize
power and reliability of the Corvette’s roadorientated engine, but also provide a stable
platform from which to develop its potential.
Mobil 1 exceeded our requirements.”
– Mike Atkins, Purchasing/Customer Service
Manager for Pratt & Miller


22

1. 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. In general, fully synthetic
motor oils contain non-conventional, highperformance fluids. Semi-synthetic oils
(also called “blends”) usually use a small

percentage of non-conventional, highperformance fluids in combination with
conventional oil.
2. Is Mobil 1 a fully synthetic oil?
Yes, it is. To meet the demanding requirements
of today’s specifications (and our customers’
expectations) Mobil 1 uses high-performance
synthetic fluids, along with a proprietary system
of additives. In fact, each Mobil 1 product
is engineered from a specific combination
of synthetic fluids and hand selected additives.

Questions and Answers
The following questions and answers are presented to help explain some
of the more difficult motor oil-related concepts, and to help dispel some of
the myths about synthetics in general and Mobil 1 in particular. In some cases,
a certain degree of prior knowledge about motor oils and automotive technology
is assumed. If you’d like to learn about more fundamental questions, turn
to “Motor Oil Basics” on page 5 of this booklet or visit www.mobil1.com.

3. What makes synthetic motor oil
superior to conventional motor oil?
First of all, the performance of Mobil 1 is more
robust, especially in terms of low-temperature
pumping and flow. High-temperature stability
and protection against deposits are also
superior. These attributes translate into less
engine wear and longer engine life.
Conventional oils lack the performance of
synthetic oils in the areas of low-temperature
performance and high-temperature oxidation

stability. Mineral base stocks used in
conventional motor oils also contain much
greater amounts of impurities, such as sulfur,
reactive and unstable hydrocarbons, and
other undesirable contaminants that cannot
be completely removed by conventional
refining of crude oil.
4. What about high-temperature protection?
Mobil 1 synthetic motor oils offer better
resistance to thermal degradation than
conventional or semi-synthetic oils. Mobil 1
synthetic oil carries the benefit of a higher
Viscosity Index (V.I.) which facilitates a
thicker oil film over a wider range of operating
temperatures. This reduces the metal-to-metal
contact which generates excessive heat and
leads to engine wear. Mobil 1 will continue
to perform at temperatures that make conventional
and semi-synthetic motor oils start to oxidize,
thicken and eventually turn to sludge. Mobil 1
motor oils are capable of protecting engines at
temperatures up to 400°F. This type of stability
is especially important for stop-and-go driving,
for high-tech engines, which tend to run at higher
temperatures, and for turbocharged engines.

www.mobil1.com

5. Why do turbocharged engines
have special lubrication needs?

Oil temperatures in turbocharged engines can
run significantly higher than those in nonturbocharged engines, especially in the area of
the turbocharger bearing after engine shutdown.
With no oil movement after engine shutdown,
these elevated temperatures can cause “coking”
of conventional motor oil – that is, the oil literally
turns to carbon. The high-temperature oxidation
stability of Mobil 1 makes turbocharged engines
a perfect application for Mobil 1, which will help
prevent coking in a turbocharger.
6. Does Mobil 1 use the same
additives as conventional oils?
No. Mobil 1 uses carefully selected individual
components, creating a unique proprietary
formulation of additives designed to provide
outstanding all around performance (most other
oils use off-the-shelf additive packages). In addition
to additive packages which contain components,
such as dispersants, detergents, and antioxidants
to help keep the engine clean, motor oils also
rely upon a component called a Viscosity Index (V.I.)
improver to achieve the high-temperature viscosities
needed by today’s engines. Typically, V.I. improvers are
long-chain polymers that uncoil at high temperatures
to provide higher viscosity and coil up at low
temperatures to provide better oil flow. Unfortunately,
these molecules can be broken (sheared) by the sliding
action of engine parts with close tolerance. Once the V.I.
improver molecule is sheared, it is no longer effective.
Mobil 1 formulations do not require the same level of V.I.

improver as do conventional oils. Since Mobil 1’s highperformance components are less likely to break down,
Mobil 1 is engineered to protect your engine longer.
7. Does the viscosity of Mobil 1
differ from that of typical motor oils,
especially at high or low temperatures?
At very low temperatures, when the oil needs
to be “thinner” to flow readily, Mobil 1 is capable
of pumping easily while conventional oils can
thicken substantially. At very high temperatures,
when the oil needs to be thick enough to provide
a film on engine parts to prevent metal-to-metal
contact, Mobil 1 has a high viscosity index
and resists being squeezed out of the contact
area between metal surfaces by maintaining its
viscosity. This helps prevent premature engine
wear. Mobil 1 is also more resistant to oxidation
at high temperatures and so thickens less than
conventional oil. The Mobil 1 formulation, with
its combination of high-performance fluids and
a proprietary additive system, provides
greater stability in extreme low and high
engine temperatures.


Questions and Answers (cont.)
8. Can I use an oil supplement
and/or engine treatment with Mobil 1?
ExxonMobil does not recommend it.
According to the American Petroleum Institute
(API) and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

(AAM): “certified oils eliminate the need
for supplemental engine oil additives.” In fact,
the use of any oil supplement is not recommended
by car manufacturers and may void a warranty.
Considering the comprehensive testing and
engineering that has gone into Mobil 1, nothing
can be gained by using these supplements.
9. How often should I change
the oil if I’m using Mobil 1?
We recommend that you follow the oil and filter
change frequencies shown in your owner’s manual,
especially during the warranty period. With Mobil
1’s high-performance reserves, you can have the
confidence to go the full mileage or timeframe
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Mobil 1 is especially suitable for the latest vehicles
with extended drain intervals or vehicles with oil
monitoring systems that vary oil drain intervals.
10. Should I follow the “severe service”
oil change intervals mentioned in the
owner’s manual? Does Mobil 1 offer
specific benefits under these conditions?
Many kinds of driving conditions qualify your
vehicle for “severe service” oil change intervals,
and Mobil 1 is ideal for this service.
“Severe service” conditions can include:
• Frequent trips of less than 16 kilometers
• Driving in cold weather
• Idling for extended periods
• Stop-and-go traffic

• Pulling trailers/carrying heavy loads
• Driving in dusty conditions
Under both “normal” and “severe service” conditions,
Mobil 1 is engineered to provide performance
reserves in the areas of sludge prevention, piston
cleanliness, wear protection and
high-temperature durability.
11. I like to change the oil myself.
How should I dispose of Mobil 1?
You should follow the same environmentally
sound procedures that you do with conventional
motor oils. As general guidelines for disposal:
• Do not dump used motor oil in the trash
• Do not pour it on the ground
or down the sewer or storm drain
• Place the used motor oils in a closed container
• Take it to a service station or a collection
location that recycles used motor oil
• Do not burn the used motor oil in a space heater
• To make it easier to recycle, do
not mix motor oil with other substances,
such as gasoline or antifreeze
In all cases, you should refer to your local community
for specific disposal requirements.

24
23

Many Esso, Exxon and Mobil service stations will
take used motor oil from do-it-yourselfers and will

follow approved recycling practices.
12. When can I start using Mobil 1
in my new vehicle?
You can start using Mobil 1 at any time, even
in brand-new vehicles. In fact, Mobil 1 is original
equipment in some of the world’s finest vehicles.
See list on back cover.
13. 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 or any
other 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 petroleumbased motor oils. In fact, Mobil 1 has shown
excellent results in industry standard tests, most of
which use completely rebuilt engines for each new
test run. Mobil 1’s outstanding results in these tests
demonstrate that proper break-in using Mobil 1 is
not a concern. Mobil 1 can be used in an engine
from the day you drive off the showroom floor.
14. Can I use Mobil 1 as break-in
oil for a rebuilt engine?
Yes, but the timing of your first oil change
will depend largely on the quality of the rebuild.
Due to the tighter tolerance and improved

machining of today’s engines, the traditional
concept of “break-in” is not as critical. However,
if the engine rebuilder is using older machining
equipment or lower-quality components,
abrasive material can be left inside the engine.
In this case, you should use a short drain interval
on your initial oil fill.
15. Will the use of Mobil 1 void
my new-car warranty?
With the exception of the Mazda rotary engine
(Mazda does not recommend any synthetic oils),
Mobil 1 will not void new-car warranties.
If in doubt, always check your vehicle owner’s
manual or contact your vehicle’s manufacturer.

www.mobil1.com


Questions and Answers (cont.)
16. I’ve heard that Mobil 1 will cause
leaks – that it is not compatible with an
older car’s seals and gaskets.
Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. It is fully
compatible with the elastomer materials from
which all automotive seals and gaskets are
made. With extended use, additives can oversoften engine seals, resulting in leaks. More to
the point, an oil additive will not rejuvenate worn
or damaged seals. The damaged seal may
have been caused by a worn rotating metal
component on the engine. 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. If the engine does
have oil leaks, ExxonMobil recommends taking
measures to repair the leaks. ExxonMobil also
always recommends following the automobile
manufacturer’s manual to determine the
appropriate viscosity grade for the engine.
17. Is it okay to mix conventional oil
with Mobil 1?
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. But the outstanding performance
of Mobil 1 will be reduced by diluting it.
18. Can I mix one litre of Mobil 1
with three or four litres of conventional
oil to enhance the performance of the
conventional oil?
You can, but ExxonMobil does not
recommend this practice. You give up much
of the superior performance characteristics
of Mobil 1. The conventional oil in the mix
will adversely affect the exceptional lowtemperature flow ability and high temperature
oxidation stability of Mobil 1. And while Mobil
1 is fully compatible with conventional motor
oils, it has an additive system that has been
specifically developed to work with its own
high-performance components.
19. Do I need to flush my engine

before switching to Mobil 1?
Absolutely not. No special preparation
is necessary when switching from
conventional motor oil to Mobil 1.
20. What do the API designations mean?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) provides
an Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System
in which motor oils are categorized based on their
performance characteristics and the type of service
for which they are intended. Motor oils are classified
by a two-letter code. Gasoline engine oil categories
start with the letter S (originally designated “Spark
Ignition” engine oils, we now associate the S with
www.mobil1.com

“Service”). Diesel engine oil categories start with
the letter C (originally designated “Compression
Ignition” engine oil, we now associate the C with
“Commercial”). The second letter is simply a
sequential designation that refers to the updating
of quality levels over time to coincide with
improvements and advances in engine technology.
In other words, when a new industry quality level is
established, the next letter of the alphabet is used
– so SM replaces SL, which replaces SJ, which
replaces SH. As you can see, the letters “I” and “K”
were intentionally skipped to eliminate potential
confusion with other commonly used designations.
The codes and viscosity grades are shown in an
API “donut” on the back label of Mobil 1 motor oils.

API also establishes industry guidelines on what
can and can’t be included in the donut. The current
designation system was implemented in 1968. At
that time, quality categories were established for
oils that were used from the early 1930s through
the current time. (Between 1952 and 1968, the first
oil categories were Motor Light, Motor Medium,
and Motor Severe.) In addition to the current API
category (which is SM), oil companies will often
list past API categories on their bottles just for
information purposes. If you wish to learn more
details about the American Petroleum Institute,
go to their website – www.api.org.
21. What are the ACEA specifications?
The Association des Constructeurs Européens
d’Automobiles (ACEA) is the European
Automobile Manufacturers Association. ACEA
has established a series of specifications
known as sequences which define minimum
performance levels for engine oils. There are
currently two sets of sequences covering
passenger cars: (1) oils for gasoline and light
duty diesel engines (e.g. ACEA A1/B1, A3/B3,
A3/B4, A5/B5), and (2) catalyst compatible
oils for gasoline and light duty diesel engines
with after treatment devices (e.g. ACEA C1,
C2, C3, C4). Some vehicle manufacturers
use the ACEA sequences to specify minimum
oil quality level for their vehicles, and others
use them as the basis for their own in-house

engine oil specifications. Mobil 1 products
carry ACEA claims and you can refer to
your owner’s manual to check whether these
standards are applicable to your vehicle.
More information about ACEA can be found
at www.acea.be.

26


Special Applications for Mobil 1
1. Can Mobil 1 be used in
passenger-vehicle transmissions?
For automatic transmissions, ExxonMobil offers
a synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF),
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. Mobil 1 motor oil should
not be used in automatic transmissions.
In recent years, individual automobile
manufacturers have developed unique
transmission oil requirements.
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is recommended for use
and/or suitable for use in many different types of
power-steering units. Please consult your Mobil 1
Synthetic ATF bottle or www.mobiloil.com and
click “Other Products” for applicable uses.
With a manual transmission, refer to the
owner’s manual. If it calls for motor oil,
Mobil 1 can be used.
2. Can I use Mobil 1 in my motorcycle?
ExxonMobil offers Mobil 1 fully synthetic motor

oils for motorcycles.
Although Mobil 1 15W-50 has been used
in 4-cycle motorcycle engines, ExxonMobil
engineers recommend using Mobil 1 Motorcycle
Oils, since they have been specifically
optimized for motorcycle applications. Be sure
to follow your owner’s manual for recommended
oil and filter change frequencies.

28

3. Why should I choose Mobil 1 synthetic
motorcycle oil versus a conventional
motorcycle oil?
There are a number of reasons. Mobil
Motorcycle Oils offer the following benefits:
• Mobil’s synthetic technology provides
outstanding shear stability, resisting
viscosity breakdown in high-performance
engines and transmissions in bikes
that use a common lubrication system
for the engine and transmission.
• You get exceptional high-temperature
oil stability, with less oxidation and
thermal degradation.
• The combination of synthetic components
and proprietary additive components
provides exceptional wear protection.
• The lubrication capability of Mobil 1
Motorcycle Oils helps maintain optimum

horsepower and acceleration throughout
the life of your engine.
4. Do you have any performance testing to
back up these oils?
ExxonMobil has been blending and racetesting motorcycle oils around the world for
many years at world-class professional road
events. In addition, ExxonMobil has had
factory-level racing sponsorships around
the world, including both road racing and
motocross team efforts in places as diverse
as Australia, Europe and Brazil.

www.mobil1.com