A few facts you may not know about Mobil 1
[Not a valid template]Look around you. The future as we once imagined it is here. Thousands of songs on a device the size of a pack of cards. Video phones. Hoverboards. Well, ok, not hoverboards. But soon, surely?
The arrival of technology that once seemed science fiction brings myriad advantages, but it can also cause confusion as public knowledge tries to catch up. And one such area is regarding engine oil. Today, the most advanced engine oils are synthetically made rather than derived from petroleum, and that’s led to various old wives’ tales about what such oils can and cannot do.
For instance, in the past general wisdom suggested that upon acquiring a new car you should break in the engine using conventional petroleum-based oil, then switch to a synthetic oil. The theory behind this is that breaking an engine in was necessary to remove what was known as swarf, metal flashing or abrasive material left in the engine after it was machined by the manufacturer. It also allowed valves and rings to seat properly.
According to engine oil producer Mobil 1, this is not the case any more. Modern manufacturing techniques have improved to the point where the tolerances in machining are incredibly fine. That means you can start using synthetic oil straight away. Indeed, manufacturers that use and recommend Mobil1 synthetic oil include Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. One can be pretty confident that makers of such premium cars will not take risks with their new engines.
What about the rumours that synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1, will void your new car’s warranty? Unless you own a Mazda rotary-engined car, that’s not true either. Mazda is unusual in that it doesn’t recommend any synthetic oil at all.
Your only possible sticking point is that Mobil1 allows for longer-than-recommended service intervals on many cars. That might look a bit strange on your service history if you have any warranty claims, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while the car is under warranty.
Got a motorbike? You may have heard the myth that synthetic oil is not for you, but in fact there have been several types of oil developed especially for bikes. Mobil1’s range includes Racing 4T 10W-40, made for high-performance four-stroke sport bikes, while the V-Twin is a 20W-50 oil recommended for, as the name suggested, V-twin-powered machines. Racing 2T oil is recommended for two-stroke bikes.
Here’s another – heard the tale of synthetic oil causing leaks on the seals in older cars? Nope, not at all. Mobil1 tests its oils to dozens of industry standards and manufacturer specifications to prove its seal performance, and is fully compatible with the materials from which automotive gaskets and seals are made. So if you use synthetic oil and your engine leaks, it was leaky before.
These are just a few of the myths surrounding synthetic oil. Don’t believe the rumours – embrace the future. Embrace synthetic oil. Not literally, but… well, you know what we mean.
*Looking for more information on Mobil 1 and its products? Why not check out further details through its Facebook page and Twitter account.
