Not All Engine Oils Are Created Equal Reports This Mechanical Engineer

Here’s an informative look behind the scenes at how engine oils are developed and analyzed with this reveal that shows not all engine oils are created equal.

New Engine Oil Developed

In today’s article we will take a look at a Mobil 1 sponsored peek behind the scenes about oil development and research with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 motor oil as a representative example. The development of this and other oil formulations undergo extensive testing that encompasses three important engine performance foci:

• Oil sludging

• Oil viscosity resilience

• A 120,000-mile test with extended train intervals

Along with the testing, a complete engine teardown is performed to see how well the oil performed.

Related article: Engine Compression Test Demonstrated After 280,000 Miles

In the video you will observe how testing is done under extreme engine operating conditions:

• Using dirty fuel designed to gunk up an engine

• Exposure to a range of extreme engine temperatures

• Operation under high fuel ratios so rich that much of the gas does not burn

• Using increased piston ring gaps to encourage blow-by

All of which leads to heavy gasoline contamination in the crankcase where oil will be subjected to excessive deterioration and is a true measure of how durable the oil is.

Related article: One Fatal Flaw That is Destroying Vehicles with Ford Engines

Here is the video that shows what it takes for a new oil to pass these tests with an examination on the effect of an engine’s components following a tear-down inspection. Plus, other engine road tests and dynamometer tests on how oils are put to the test via Mobil 1’s rigorous quality control measures and specifications for their oil formulations and products.

Not All Engine Oils Are Created Equal

And finally…

For additional articles about oil performance and engines, here are some selected supporting articles:

• Consumer Reports Car Experts Have This to Say About Whether You Should Pay More on Synthetic Oil for Your Oil Change

• Oil Change Failures: Expect the Unexpected

• Crosstrek Engine Oil Analysis After 3,000 Mile Test

• Ford Mechanic Catches Engine Rebuild Scam

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Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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