Automotive engine oils don’t change as often as car models although over time, they do constantly get upgraded in terms of formulations and meeting new service standards, typically those set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). So you don’t hear much about new oils being launched every year and for the marketing people in the oil companies, the effort is pretty much on getting more customers to buy the oils.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Mobil (which is part of the ExxonMobil group of subsidiaries) with regard to new oils. Their flagship Mobil 1 product remains prominent and is available today in more variants than ever to suit all kinds of applications but in the range catering to the mass market, there has apparently been a global update which began in 2007.
The previous Super S Plus and Super XHP oils have been replaced by a new family which is designated Mobil Super 1000 and 2000. The new product designation is said to be more consumer-friendly as motorists can easily understand that the attributes of Super 1000 would be logically lower than those of Super 2000. This allows them to make a choice as to which level of protection and performance they want.
Both are certified to the API 'SM’ service classification, the highest classification at the moment. The oils can also be used in older engines which specified earlier API classifications like 'SL’ and 'SJ’ (there was no 'SK’ because a Korean company had been using it and there would have been confusion). They have also been certified by ACEA in Europe and meet the tough tests established by VW and Mercedes-Benz.
The two new oils also have a API 'CF’ certification which means they can be used for diesel engines although it’s a good idea to use dedicated diesel engine oils which will have additional additives to cope with the specific conditions of a diesel engine.
A significant difference between Super 1000 and Super 2000 is that the former is a mineral-based oil whereas the latter is a semi-synthetic (also known as synthetic blend). Mineral oils are fine for everyday driving and even cruising on the highways but if the driving conditions are occasionally more severe – eg weekend trips up into the mountains with the whole family on board – then a semi-synthetic would be better.
A semi-synthetic oil can cope with extremes well but unlike a full synthetic like Mobil 1, its ability to cope is limited. But it is unlikely that the average motorist will need a high-performance oil to cope with extreme operating conditions for a very long period and so a semi-synthetic, which costs a lot less than a full synthetic, is an ideal oil. It gives that extra degree of protection when it may be needed.
For the Malaysian market, Super 1000 is available in SAE 10W30 and 15W40 viscosities which should suit most of the popular models, while Super 2000 is available only in 10W40 viscosity. The pack sizes are in 1 litre and 4 litres so if your engine requires 4.5 litres, you don’t have to buy two 4-litre packs (which some oil companies force you to do because they don’t want to offer 1-litre packs). Prices range from RM19 for the 1-litre Super 1000 to RM98 for 4 litres of Super 2000.
As experts from the oil company were present at today’s media briefing, questions were also raised on some frequently asked issues and the answers should be of interest to readers:
1. How long can a full synthetic oil like Mobil 1 be used before being drained?
The recommendation is to follow whatever the vehicle’s manufacturer stipulates. Though Mobil 1 is known to be long-lasting, the oil company does not make recommendations which relate to the engine as they do not wish to be liable for any issues that may occur as a result of them recommending a specific and longer oil change interval that differs from what the vehicle manufacturer recommends.
2. Should after-market additive products claimed to enhance performance be used?
Mobil has spent millions on R&D to find the right formulation that offers optimum performance and benefits to motorists so they do not recommend adding anything else to their oil.
3. Is it okay to use a full synthetic oil in a brand new engine? Won’t it affect the running-in process because it is so slippery and prevents the parts from being run-in?
All Porsche engines get Mobil 1 as their first oil fill in the factory in Germany
In the past, manufacturing processes were such that tolerances between parts and the manufacturing quality of the parts was not like it is today. The engines in today’s cars are much more finely machined and finished that even the traditional running-in process is no longer required with brand new engines. Therefore it is okay to use a full synthetic oil and in fact, Porsches come out of the factory with Mobil 1 in their engines.
Source: Motor Trader
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