Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1: Which One Should You Go For?

After being on the road for a long while, you might start to hear your engine making a weird noise, and something doesn’t smell right. Well, it could be time for an oil change.

You probably notice a wide selection of motor oils going to your store. In case you’re thinking, ‘which one should I go for?’ Well, our top picks would have to go to Pennzoil and Mobil 1, but then again, you have to pick one.

Numerous factors could affect your purchase choice, whether the additives, viscosity, or features. So stick around to get the best comparison between Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1.

Understanding Motor Oil

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison between both oils, it might be a good idea to brush up on some motor oil info first.

Like any other oil, motor oil is used as a lubricant for your engine to prevent overheating and friction and increase your engine’s lifespan. Not only that but it’s also used to keep your engine clean and free from any build-up accumulated from overuse.

Around 80% of a motor oil’s components are base oil, usually extracted from crude oil or natural gas.

The other 20% includes additives such as detergents, seal conditioners, antioxidants, viscosity index improvers, and corrosion inhibitors—all designed to protect your engine.

You’ve always got to make sure you get an oil change whenever needed. It’s usually best to get it done every 7,500 miles or so, but some motor oils can extend beyond that.

Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1

If you’re a little confused about which product you want to pick, a buying guide could be your best friend.

In the case of motor oil, there are a few factors to look out for that might help you decide which one is suitable for your car engine.

Without further ado, let’s get into them below.

Features

Every motor oil has different features to offer to stand out. We’ll be comparing the Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage line vs. the Mobil 1 Extended Performance for this section.

Pennzoil

This motor oil is mainly composed of natural gas along with additives. If your car has around 75,000 miles, this synthetic oil would be a well-suited option. It’s not limited to car use; this Pennzoil model can benefit light truck and van drivers.

Since it’s not made out of crude oil, you could expect a reduced burn-off rate, which will help make it last longer.

Some engine oils struggle to control deposit formations on the engine, which can lead to increased nitrogen oxide emissions and a lack of thermal regulation.

Some engines with a lack of proper lubrication can also wear and cause pistons and seals to weaken, which can cause a loss of horsepower.

Pennzoil’s High Mileage product can steer clear of most deposit formations. It can also provide exceptional protection from wear and tears in the engine parts.

The bottom line is that Pennzoil could offer you an increased engine lifespan, which is crucial in the long run, economically speaking. Engines aren’t cheap!

Mobil 1

You can go for around 20,000 miles before your following oil change with this motor oil. If we’re talking varieties, Mobil 1 can give you more options in oil type. You can choose between synthetic and conventional oil, rather than just synthetic like Pennzoil.

The motor oil’s main component is crude oil, and the rest are additives. In addition, it has seal conditioners that help prevent any leaks during warmer climates.

Mobil 1 also has a lot to offer in terms of protection. For one, it can handle high heat, up to 446 degrees F. It also works well in temperatures as low as -43 degrees F.

Some oils are faced with oxidation issues when the oil becomes thicker and results in deposits causing more build-up. Luckily, Mobil 1 is equipped with an oxidation control mechanism to avoid those issues.

Mobil 1 also stands out because it has more detergent additives. This helps to prevent rust from forming and any combustion damage that might occur in the engine.

Viscosity Level

Let’s get into some physics here. Viscosity refers to how dense any liquid is. For instance, when you compare syrup to water, the prior has a higher viscosity or density rate.

Now, how would that benefit your engine? First, oil viscosity helps minimize any friction in your engine and produces a protective layer for all your engine parts.

Choosing the right viscosity level usually depends on the current weather. For example, in colder conditions, a thinner or less dense motor oil will be more beneficial, whereas a warmer climate could call for a thicker motor oil viscosity rate.

This factor can be measured using the viscosity index. Generally, the higher the index, the more likely the motor oil will last and provide you with prolonged lubrication.

When it comes to Pennzoil and Mobil 1, both are similar in their viscosity levels. Here’s why.

Both synthetic oil brands’ viscosity index measures at a range of 5W-30. This means it can go as low or thin as five and high or thick as 30.

It also indicates that both brands of synthetic oil are primarily ideal for all lighter engines. The “W” in the number is abbreviated to winter. This makes sense since the number before it is the viscosity rate for low temperatures.

To Conclude

If we have to take our pick between Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1, Pennzoil would have to win. The natural, gas-extracted oil supplies your engine with a plethora of protection methods. This, in turn, will give your engine a lengthier life, which is the main concern when getting motor oil.

Nevertheless, both motor oils are leading brands and have more to offer. Essentially, there is no wrong choice here.