Myths About Synthetics

People have a lot to say about synthetic oils. Unfortunately, it's not always accurate. Let's learn the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions about synthetic oils and your vehicle.

Myths: You should break in your engine with conventional oil, then switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1.

Reality: You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time. In the past, engine break-in was necessary to remove any metal flashing (called swarf) or abrasive material left inside the engine after machining as well as to allow the valves and rings to "seat" properly. Today's engines are built with tighter tolerances, improved machining and under cleaner conditions compared to the engines of 10 or 20 years ago. Current engine manufacturing technology does not require a break-in period using petroleum-based motor oils. In fact, Mobil 1 is installed in the factories of:

Acura RDX
Aston Martin
Bentley Vehicles
Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, Escalade, XLR, XLR-V, SRX and STS and STS-V
Chevrolet Corvette C6 and Z06
Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Dodge Charger SRT-8, and Magnum SRT-8
Holden Special Vehicles
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Mercedes-AMG Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mitsubishi Evolution
Nissan GT-R
Pontiac Solstice GXP
All Porsche Vehicles
Saturn Ion Red Line and Saturn Sky Red Line
Dodge Viper

Therefore, Mobil 1 is used in a car, even before you drive it off the showroom floor.

Myths: Using Mobil 1 Will void the warranty on my new car.

Reality: Mobil 1 will not void new car warranties, with the exception of the Mazda rotary engine because Mazda does not recommend any synthetic engine oil. Mobil 1 exceeds the API and ILSAC engine oil service requirements for all newly imported and domestic vehicles. If in doubt, always check your vehicle owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer.

Since most new car warranties call for shorter service intervals than those enabled by Mobil 1, ExxonMobil recommends you to follow the recommendations in your owner's manual while your car is under warranty.

Refer to your vehicle service manual for correct lubricant requirement and service intervals.

Myths: I need to flush my engine before switching to Mobil 1.

Reality: No special preparation is necessary when switching from conventional engine oil to Mobil 1.

Myths: Mobil 1 requires a special oil filter.

Reality: While ExxonMobil recommends that you use a high-quality filter, you can use the same type of oil filter that you would normally use with conventional mineral oil.

Myths: Motorcycles can't benefit from synthetic oil.

Reality: Motorcycles are an ideal application for synthetic oil. ExxonMobil offers three fully synthetic engine oils for motorcycles:

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 is recommended for on-road, high-performance 4-cycle sport bikes which are typically liquid cooled. It can also be used in air-cooled engines calling for a 10W-40 oil.
Mobil 1 V-Twin is a 20W-50 oil recommended for 4-cycle V-twin engines, particularly those that are air-cooled and tend to run hotter than other types of engines.
Mobil 1 Racing 2T is recommended for 2-cycle motorcycle engines that specify the use of a pre-mix, 2-cycle engine oil.

Myths: Mobil 1 will leak out of the seals of older cars.

Reality: Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. In fact, new Mobil 1 was tested in dozens of industry standard and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) tests to prove its seal performance. It is fully compatible with the elastomeric materials from which automotive seals and gaskets are made. If an older engine is in good condition and does not have oil leaks, Mobil 1 provides the same advantages as it does when used in a new engine. ExxonMobil recommends taking measures to repair the leaks before using Mobil 1. ExxonMobil also recommends following the automobile manufacturer's manual for the proper oil to use.