Synthetic Oil - Frequently Asked Questions

What's so good about synthetic engine oils?

Engine oils are made of base oils and additives. A synthetic lubricant contains more highly refined base oils than conventional mineral oils, offering superior protection and performance. Synthetic engine oils provide a variety of benefits that keep your car’s engine running at optimal performance for years, such as helping to prevent wear, keeping the engine clean, flowing easily, maintaining viscosity, preventing rust and reducing friction.

How should I dispose of used synthetic engine oil?

The same environmentally sound procedures should be followed as for conventional engine oils. Please contact your local Environment Agency or regulatory body for more detailed guidelines on disposal.

What's the difference between a fully synthetic and a semi-synthetic engine oil?

All engine oils are made of base oils and additives. Fully synthetic engine oils contain 100% non-conventional, high-performance fluids. Semi-synthetic engine oils (also called ‘blends’) contain a smaller percentage of these high-performance fluids in combination with conventional mineral oil.
Mobil 1 is a fully synthetic motor oil.

Why use Mobil 1 and not another synthetic?

Mobil 1 offers very high levels of engine protection. Back in 1974, when Mobil 1 was launched, it was the first widely available automotive synthetic lubricant on the market. Today, Mobil 1 is still universally acknowledged as an advanced lubricant.

Can different synthetic engine oils be mixed together?

Yes. Mobil 1 is fully compatible with conventional engine oils, semi-synthetic engine oils and other synthetic engine oils if you need to mix them. However, it’s worth knowing that diluting Mobil 1 may reduce its performance.

Is Mobil 1 suited to 'stop-start' driving?

Yes. Free-flowing Mobil 1 begins protecting as soon as the engine is started, making it the perfect choice if most of your driving involves short journeys. On short journeys – the quick trip to work, the school run or drive to the shops – the engine hardly has time to warm up before it’s turned off again, so outstanding cold start protection is needed to save engine wear.

In tests, it’s been proved that Mobil 1 still flows freely at temperatures as low as minus 40°C and it can reach all moving parts of the engine 10 seconds faster than some conventional oils at start-up. That means Mobil 1 starts protecting the engine straight away, saving it from a great deal of punishment, and saving you money on fuel and maintenance costs. And, of course, it also means more reliable starting, even on the coldest mornings.

Is Mobil 1 suitable for long haul motorway driving?

Yes, Outstanding protection, even at the most extreme temperatures, makes Mobil 1 ideal if most of your driving involves high speed motorway cruising. If you often drive long distances on fast roads, your car’s engine will get extremely hot and could become less fuel-efficient. By virtually eliminating engine wear, Mobil 1 keeps the engine in almost the same condition as the day it was fitted. That means even during long motorway journeys, it will continue to perform at its peak, run more efficiently and use less fuel.

Is Mobil 1 right for performance driving?

Yes. Tried and tested at the highest levels of motorsport, the world's leading synthetic engine oil is the very best choice for the enthusiastic driver. If performance really matters to you, you’ll continually be placing extreme demands upon your car’s engine. And, as the Vodafone Mercedes McLaren F1 team know, using the right lubricant can make a significant difference in terms of increased power output. What's more, by using Mobil 1 you’ll enjoy the reassurance of knowing that your car’s engine has the ultimate protection, no matter how hard you drive it.

Does Mobil 1 offer value for money?

Yes. While Mobil 1 costs a little more than other engine oils (simply because it costs more to produce) you will be better off using its unique formulation, which is the result of an enormous ongoing investment in research and development.

But can you justify paying the extra?

Yes. The outstanding protection provided by Mobil 1 technology can keep your engine in virtually the same condition as the day it was fitted; potentially avoiding significant maintenance costs. Just as importantly, free-flowing Mobil 1 conserves energy in your car’s engine, helping to give better fuel consumption. So while Mobil 1 may cost you a little more upfront, it can save you money down the road.