A recent FAQ e-mail posted at the M1 site:
10/18/2004 Just How Long Can an Engine Last?
Q - I did read the part at the top of the page that you do not disclose [proprietary] stuff, but I recently caught the TV spot that states that Mobil 1 protected an engine to the extent that almost no engine wear was found in a new vehicle after 200,000 miles. Upon what research was this claim based? I am also curious about how this study compares to some of Amsoil’s claims that it outperforms Mobil 1 in a series of tests, i.e., would Amsoil’s oils have prevented more wear than Mobil 1 would have? Finally, the ad begs the question of how long an average engine will go till it fails on Mobil 1 – 250,000 miles? 300,000? 350,000? 400,000?
-- Sally, Tullahoma. TN
A - How about 1 million miles? More on that in a moment, but first let’s address your question about testing. Mobil 1 formulations undergo what we believe are the most intensive and extensive testing of any motor oil. Many of the tests to meet industry standards—API, ILSAC, ACEA and others, are “laboratory” tests, using clearly specified equipment and procedures. In addition to these tests, Mobil 1 also meets and exceeds many global engine-builder specifications. These tests are also conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, but they usually involve a specific manufacturer’s engines or drivetrain components. In recent years, ExxonMobil has conducted two long-term tests with Mobil 1 – one for 200,000 miles with engines on a test bed, and another for over 1 million miles using a popular European sedan. The 200,000-mile test used two identical domestic four-cylinder engines, one using Mobil 1 and the other a premium conventional oil. At the end of the test, the engines were torn down and examined. The engine run with conventional oil had higher wear rates and significant deposits, while the Mobil 1 engine was virtually clean. What’s more, consumption of the conventional oil was eight times higher than with Mobil 1. The 1-million-mile test involved a car on an outdoor dynamometer running through a start-stop, low-speed/high-speed protocol more or less 24 hours a day. Oil drain intervals were 7,500 miles, the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer. At the end of the test, with 1,001,120 miles on the vehicle, the engine was removed and disassembled. Overall engine wear was extremely light. In fact, with the exception of light-to-moderate wear on the camshaft and followers, no other significant engine wear was noted. And oil consumption over the entire test was just .040 quarts per 1,000 miles. So, how long will an engine last until it fails on Mobil 1? It’s safe to say that no one knows!
10/18/2004 Just How Long Can an Engine Last?
Q - I did read the part at the top of the page that you do not disclose [proprietary] stuff, but I recently caught the TV spot that states that Mobil 1 protected an engine to the extent that almost no engine wear was found in a new vehicle after 200,000 miles. Upon what research was this claim based? I am also curious about how this study compares to some of Amsoil’s claims that it outperforms Mobil 1 in a series of tests, i.e., would Amsoil’s oils have prevented more wear than Mobil 1 would have? Finally, the ad begs the question of how long an average engine will go till it fails on Mobil 1 – 250,000 miles? 300,000? 350,000? 400,000?
-- Sally, Tullahoma. TN
A - How about 1 million miles? More on that in a moment, but first let’s address your question about testing. Mobil 1 formulations undergo what we believe are the most intensive and extensive testing of any motor oil. Many of the tests to meet industry standards—API, ILSAC, ACEA and others, are “laboratory” tests, using clearly specified equipment and procedures. In addition to these tests, Mobil 1 also meets and exceeds many global engine-builder specifications. These tests are also conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, but they usually involve a specific manufacturer’s engines or drivetrain components. In recent years, ExxonMobil has conducted two long-term tests with Mobil 1 – one for 200,000 miles with engines on a test bed, and another for over 1 million miles using a popular European sedan. The 200,000-mile test used two identical domestic four-cylinder engines, one using Mobil 1 and the other a premium conventional oil. At the end of the test, the engines were torn down and examined. The engine run with conventional oil had higher wear rates and significant deposits, while the Mobil 1 engine was virtually clean. What’s more, consumption of the conventional oil was eight times higher than with Mobil 1. The 1-million-mile test involved a car on an outdoor dynamometer running through a start-stop, low-speed/high-speed protocol more or less 24 hours a day. Oil drain intervals were 7,500 miles, the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer. At the end of the test, with 1,001,120 miles on the vehicle, the engine was removed and disassembled. Overall engine wear was extremely light. In fact, with the exception of light-to-moderate wear on the camshaft and followers, no other significant engine wear was noted. And oil consumption over the entire test was just .040 quarts per 1,000 miles. So, how long will an engine last until it fails on Mobil 1? It’s safe to say that no one knows!
