Is engine cleanness being overblown?

[Audi Junkie]

Originally Posted By: Patman
Originally Posted By: finalyzd


So Pennzoil ultra is no better then platinum? So Pennzoil just rebottled platinum. They didn't change the formula? There is no reason for the higher cost of ultra? Just they want more money? I'm curious


Ultra is definitely NOT rebottled Platinum! We've seen the VOAs on here showing it's different. I doubt any oil company would ever try to get away with re bottling a lower priced product and selling it at a higher price.



Pat, Platinum is looking a little different these days...

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2002-vw-gti-3-746-miles-pennzoil-platinum-5w30.130907/

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
They think they are being skeptical and smart by dismissing Pennzoil's claims because they haven't seen sufficient evidence. That's a good thing. They just don't understand the difference between "I'm skeptical" and "Pennzoil is lying."


I agree. Are Pennzoil's claims true? I can give them the benefit of the doubt. Pennzoil makes great products. I'm confident that any Pennzoil, synthetic or conventional, will keep my engine quite clean. That applies to many, many other oils out there, too.

The use of Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra, however, is not a necessary condition to having a clean engine. The average engine will still be very clean after using Pennzoil Conventional for its entire life with appropriate OCIs.

I do realize what Pennzoil is trying to do. The myths about Pennzoil and "wax" buildup, whatever that's supposed to mean, still abound. I can't blame them for trying to get rid of such myths by promoting the cleaning power of their synthetics. They just conveniently left out the fact that Pennzoil Conventional is more than sufficient as it is.

 

[dsmith41]

Originally Posted By: Garak
I do realize what Pennzoil is trying to do. The myths about Pennzoil and "wax" buildup, whatever that's supposed to mean, still abound. I can't blame them for trying to get rid of such myths by promoting the cleaning power of their synthetics. They just conveniently left out the fact that Pennzoil Conventional is more than sufficient as it is.


There is probably some truth to that because just a couple months ago I had a worker at one of the chain parts stores tell me the only oil I should stay away from was the yellow bottle. I just took it with a grain of salt. Most of those guys are just auto parts peddlers and nothing more.

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I am softening my stance on Ultra a little. I might give it a go after I add about 3k more miles to my current fill of Platinum. Maybe.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Garak
...
I do realize what Pennzoil is trying to do. The myths about Pennzoil and "wax" buildup, whatever that's supposed to mean, still abound. I can't blame them for trying to get rid of such myths by promoting the cleaning power of their synthetics. They just conveniently left out the fact that Pennzoil Conventional is more than sufficient as it is.



Excellent point, and nice to see that you're being almost fair to Pennzoil. Sure, it's entirely understandable that they'd be looking to shed the wax myth. As for the "conveniently left out..." part, is this not exactly what ALL motor oil makers do, and I do mean ALL of them?

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
Excellent point, and nice to see that you're being almost fair to Pennzoil. Sure, it's entirely understandable that they'd be looking to shed the wax myth. As for the "conveniently left out..." part, is this not exactly what ALL motor oil makers do, and I do mean ALL of them?


Absolutely. Mobil markets Mobil 1 with claims that conveniently forget Mobil conventional. Castrol does the same; they all do.

I've mentioned in other threads I use mostly Mobil. That doesn't mean I approve of all of Mobil's tactics, nor do I think other products are garbage. Pennzoil products are fantastic. For some reason, QS and Pennzoil got saddled with reputations for sludge and wax buildup, respectively. The latter seems especially ridiculous. I can't see a buildup of wax forming under the temperatures inside the engine.

There are so many good products out there these days; it's a pity I can't give them all a good go. Up in Canada, we unfortunately often get these products far later than the United States does, too.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: Garak
I do realize what Pennzoil is trying to do. The myths about Pennzoil and "wax" buildup, whatever that's supposed to mean, still abound. I can't blame them for trying to get rid of such myths by promoting the cleaning power of their synthetics.

I strongly doubt that's the reason. Shell Helix Ultra is being marketed with the same strategy.

 

[MolaKule]

Quote:
But I am wondering how much it really matters.


I think it is partially a marketing aspect and partially a performance aspect.

Clean engines perform better and with less fuel if the ring packs, hydraulic lifters, and oil passages are clean.

If you don't have sludge or varnish reducing clearances that is a plus as well.

I for one am gald to see advanced additive chemistry that keeps the engine clean without all of those ash/deposit forming metallic additives of old.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
I strongly doubt that's the reason. Shell Helix Ultra is being marketed with the same strategy.


It's certainly not the sole reason. I'm sure it was a factor, however. As for Helix Ultra, I've never seen any ads for it or seen it up here. The only mention of it I've come across has been on BITOG.

 

[Vizzy]

Although BITOG IS a forum dedicated forum for this type of thing, but honestly most of what you hear from the various major brands is nothing more than hoopla and marketing hype....

The bottom line is any SAE rated oil that is spec'd for a particular engine and meets requirements will provide ample protection from sludge and wear at reasonable oil change intervals...

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Vizzy
The bottom line is any SAE rated oil that is spec'd for a particular engine and meets requirements will provide ample protection from sludge and wear at reasonable oil change intervals...


Agreed. Pennzoil conventional will keep my engine clean, and won't "wax" it, either. QS won't sludge it. They're all fantastic oils.

Considering the wax myth remains in some circles, perhaps Pennzoil should take advantage of it and promote the notion that "engine wax" protects against sludge, just like car wax protects against road grime.

 

[Vizzy]

The wive's tales will die out when that generation goes away!

 

[labman]

You really think that soon?

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: Garak
As for Helix Ultra, I've never seen any ads for it or seen it up here. The only mention of it I've come across has been on BITOG.

That's because you live in North America.

Helix Ultra is quite well known everywhere else in the world.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
That's because you live in North America.

Helix Ultra is quite well known everywhere else in the world.


Well, if it becomes popular in the States in the next few years or so, I'm sure we'll see it in Canada in about seventy-five years, and we'll pay at least a 65% premium on it, too.

 

[d00df00d]

Actually, some of the grades in the current generation of Shell Helix Ultra are already sold here as Pennzoil Ultra "European" oils.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Actually, some of the grades in the current generation of Shell Helix Ultra are already sold here as Pennzoil Ultra "European" oils.

Coming soon to a Canadian Tire near you, at an introductory price of $29.99 per litre!

 

[Craig in Canada]

Originally Posted By: Garak

Well, if it becomes popular in the States in the next few years or so, I'm sure we'll see it in Canada in about seventy-five years, and we'll pay at least a 65% premium on it, too.