Engine Oil 101: Choosing the Right Oil for Your Car

We know how it feels when you get a new car. If you could, you’d bubble wrap everything to keep it in pristine condition. Well, there is one way to keep your car performing like new without going to such extremes – engine oil!

But why would a new car need engine oil?

Well, even high performance race cars like Porsches and Corvettes use it from day one – and more specifically, Mobil 1. Beyond improving fuel consumption, engine oil optimizes engine performance and keeps it running for longer.

Now before we delve into the nitty-gritty of engine oil, go ahead and pull out your car owner’s manual. In it, you’ll find clear guidance on viscosity, certifications and specifications that the manufacturer recommends for your engine.

If all this is new to you, don’t worry. We’ll start you off with the basics of engine oil.

Viscosity

Think about honey and water. When you pour them from a cup, both liquids flow at different speeds. That’s viscosity! For engine oils, viscosity determines the speed it flows to protect the engine. A greater number represents a higher viscosity, which means the oil is more viscous and more resistant to flow.

If you use a viscosity that is too high, you’ll experience unresponsiveness in your engine. This means that more energy (i.e. fuel) is needed for your engine to overcome the oil’s resistance to flow, in order to reach critical engine parts. Newer engines typically require ‘light’ engine oil. So this makes a lower viscosity oil like Mobil 1 0W-40 the perfect choice for engine and fuel efficiency.

OEM specifications

Recognize that even if the viscosity is the same, not all engine oil brands have the same level of certification. Reputable brands like Mobil 1 also adhere to OEM specifications by top car manufacturers such as Mercedes AMG and McLaren. So opting for Mobil means your oil has proven performance and quality that is fully endorsed by renowned OEMs!

Certifications

Yes, even engine oils need certification. Mobil 1 oils are formulated to meet industry certifications, and beyond. Our range of Mobil engine oils are formulated to surpass even the most stringent criteria set by high-performance automaker groups, such as:

API (American Petroleum Institute)

ACEA (Association of Certified European Automakers

ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee)

So when you see the above acronyms on your Mobil engine oil bottle, rest assured that it has been certified by experts.

Before you judge an engine oil by its label…

Remember that our reputable Mobil-branded engine oil family offers a full spectrum of products that you can choose from. Go on, ask your mechanic to use Mobil oil in your next car servicing appointment and enjoy how it keeps your engine performing like new, for a long, long time.

Here's a quick checklist to help you pick engine oils for your car: