There are two popular brands of motor oils that many car owners use on their vehicles. These two brands, Valvoline and Mobil 1 are so popular that you always see them in most car repairs shops and service centers. In this article, I will discuss Valvoline Vs. Mobil 1 – difference and which is better?
Valvoline and Mobil 1 are the closest rivals for motor oils. Both of them claim that they are performance motor oils. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil has about the same properties as Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil. Plus, they have a 5W-30 SAE viscosity grade and have the same 5 quarts capacity.
Independent entities tested 5W-30 grade samples. They found that Valvoline SynPower motor oil can provide four times more wear protection than Mobil 1.
Read on to learn more about Valvoline and Mobil 1, their differences, and which one of them is better.
Valvoline Vs. Mobil 1 – Difference and Which Is Better?
Different Brands of Motor Oils for the Lubrication of Automobile Engines
Both Valvoline and Mobil1 are two different brands of motor oils for the lubrication of automobile engines. They are the two most popular motor oils used by most vehicle owners and fleet operators. Mobil 1 vs Valvoline, which is better?
Valvoline SynPower or Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Valvoline SynPower or Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is classified as performance oil. The same is true with Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil. They both have a 5W-30 SAE viscosity grade, and both have the same capacity of 5 quarts.
Valvoline SynPower Is Four Times More Effective Than Mobil 1
While both are classified as performance motor oils, tests conducted by independent companies have revealed some differences.
When it comes to engine wear protection, the tests showed that Valvoline SynPower is four times more effective than Mobil 1, particularly in both their 5W-30 grade motor oils.
Valvoline has a reputation for making top-quality car care products. Aside from being highly efficient, its synthetic oil is also available at an enticing price. Once you have put them inside your engine, you will feel the improved performance of the engine. It will run quietly and smoothly right after.
Mobil 1 Has an Extended Performance Solution
Not to be left behind, Mobil 1 has an extended performance solution that can protect your engine up to a maximum of 20,000 miles under ideal driving conditions.
As for its effectiveness, some independent reviewers have chosen Mobil 1 as their best in the overall value of all motor oils available.
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Key Differences Between Valvoline and Mobil 1
What is the difference between Valvoline and Mobil 1? While both Valvoline and Mobil 1 are considered the leading motor oils in the market, they have key differences that can help you see which of them will satisfy your requirements.
Both have key features that you can use to determine which one is more adapted to your needs:
1. Conventional Motor Oil
In contrast, synthetic oils can protect engines up to 20,000 miles. In other words, you have to perform more oil changes with conventional oils than if you will use synthetic oils. That takes more work which results in added costs too.
Valvoline and Mobil 1 both have their grades of conventional oil. With Valvoline, it is the Valvoline Daily Protection Conventional. Mobil 1 has its Mobil Super Conventional.
Valvoline Daily Protection Conventional
Let’s start with Valvoline Daily Protection Conventional.
This is the only conventional oil from Valvoline. It has a grade of SAE 30 and comes in 32 fluid ounces. There are high-end additives included in this motor oil that will help prevent oil breakdown.
This motor oil also offers consistent viscosity flow even in low-temperature conditions. The Valvoline Daily Protection Conventional motor oil has also satisfied API SN Plus standards, effective in LSPI or low-speed pre-ignition protection.
Mobil Super Conventional Motor Oil
In contrast, Mobil 1 replaced its lineup of conventional oils with its Mobil Super Conventional motor oil. This is a more sophisticated and improved formula for motor oil. This motor oil has 5W-30 viscosity and 32 fluid ounce capacity by default.
With Motor Oil 1, you can expect guaranteed protection of 5,000 miles to the engine. This is far more than what Valvoline motor oil claims.
In this aspect, Mobil Super Conventional oil can give more performance than Valvoline because of the tweak improvements made by Mobil on it. However, this difference is less noticeable when applied to ordinary working conditions.
2. Synthetic Oil
Valvoline Advanced
Valvoline’s synthetic motor oil is called Valvoline Advanced. It’s full synthetic motor oil that offers more wear protection to the engine. Multiple tests have shown that this motor oil is four times better than its Mobil full synthetic oil counterpart in wear protection.
Inside Valvoline Advanced motor oil is superior additive technology that makes it resistant to high engine stress from extreme temperatures. More than 40% additional wear protection is provided by this additive technology compared to the industry standard.
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Meanwhile, Mobil has its Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic motor oil. Mobil claims that it is their best synthetic oil overall, compared to all its grades of synthetic motor oils. Mobil claims to provide 20,000 miles of maximum engine protection, which other manufacturers cannot match.
However, this claim cannot be verified since it has no approval from some vehicle manufacturers, including Audi.
Even then, Mobil claims that its Advanced Full Synthetic motor oil can keep its oxidation and thermal characteristics up to 500°F so it can resist high-temperature conditions. This synthetic oil also satisfies different industry standards and exceeds others as well.
3. High Mileage Motor Oil
Valvoline and Mobile 1 also have their versions of high mileage motor oils. High mileage motor oils can provide engine protection up to 75,000 miles.
Valvoline’s offering is the Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology. On Mobile’s part, it offers the Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil.
Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology
Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology motor oil has a thick and long-lasting anti-wear film formed by its additives. This film has enough thickness to give an additional layer of protection to protect the engine against extreme engine breakdown for vehicles with high mileage.
This is made possible by the MaxLife Technology, which utilizes extremely efficient premium blends of synthetic oils that can prevent deposits and resist wear. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology is slightly cheaper than its Mobil 1 counterpart.
This motor oil seems to be the better option, especially if you consider it comes with seal conditioners that can block leaks.
Mobil 1’s High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil
On the other hand, Mobil 1’s High Mileage full synthetic oil comes with a seal conditioner, which reduces the risks of oil leaks considerably. It consists of uniform synthetic oil molecules that are designed to reduce friction and, in the process, reduce sludge buildup and overall oil degradation.
This particular motor oil also satisfies the requirements of ILSAC GF-6 standards, enabling it to enhance its low-speed pre-ignition protection capabilities. On average, expect this motor oil to last 10,000 miles.
4. Performance Oil
Performance oil is designed to prevent premature wear of the engine. This oil is formulated with a high viscosity to provide this kind of protection.
This oil is typically used on racing engines because of their need for more protection since their components work faster and harder than conventional engines.
Valvoline’s motor oil for this class is the Valvoline SynPower, while that of Mobile 1 is the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic motor oil. They are classified as performance motor oils, but what are their differences?
Valvoline SynPower
Valvoline SynPower, as its manufacturer claims, has wear protection that was proven to be 40% to 50% more than the industry standards. They base this claim on the Sequence IVA wear tests conducted on this motor oil.
Additionally, SynPower’s full synthetic oil properties enable it to offer ten times more protection against extreme temperatures. Other substances inside this full synthetic oil are excellent antioxidants that help the oil resist oil breakdown when used in harsh conditions.
The SynPower of Valvoline is not only for cars but is also an excellent choice for SUVs and pickup trucks. In addition, Valvoline SynPower is cheaper than Mobil 1’s equivalent making it a good alternative.
Extended Performance Full Synthetic Oil
However, the extended performance offered by Mobil 1 is preferred by many vehicle owners because of its reliability and long life.
Mobil 1 claims that its Extended Performance Full Synthetic oil is the best-selling motor oil available. This motor oil, its manufacturer claims, can protect your engine and its components up to 20,000 miles. That is equivalent to about one year, whichever comes first.
Its longevity will depend on your driving habits and driving conditions. This motor oil comes in 5-quart cans, equivalent to 160 fluid ounces. It contains advanced synthetic protection that controls the breakdown of the oil components and prolongs its lifespan.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic oil also satisfies the ILSAC GF-6 standards. That means this oil can also provide low-speed pre-ignition protection to your engine.
This ensures efficient wear protection on the timing chain, which can help improve fuel economy and keep the engine clean.
Again, is Valvoline better than Mobil 1? According to the 5W-30 grade tests conducted by experts, Valvoline full synthetic oil is 4X better than Mobil 1in terms of wear protection. Valvoline’s formula includes superior additive technology that protects your car from stress resulting from extreme temperatures.
So, Which Is Better? Valvoline or Mobil 1
Comparing these two motor oils has been the pastime of many car enthusiasts. While both are top-rated in their performances, each has its supporters and detractors. So, as an independent observer and car owner, how will you give your 2-cents’ worth on this matter?
The table below will show you a comparison of the full synthetic oils of these two top-tier brands:
| Valvoline | Mobil 1 |
| Anti-heat properties. It can provide 40% better protection | Protect against internal Engine heat. |
| Thermal resistance and leak protection properties. | LSPI protection and anti-wear properties |
| Full Synthetic 5W-30 Oil with MaxLife Technology | 100% Synthetic Oil with advanced technology |
| Eco-friendly. Can provide sludge and varnish protection | Best performance at low temperature |
Mobil 1 vs Valvoline, which is better? To determine which of the two is better for your requirements, you need to do the following things:
1. Do Your Research
If you don’t yet know what these two motor oils offer, you need to research and compare them based on your actual requirements. Your actual requirements will be determined by:
- Make and model,
- Recommendation of its manufacturer with regards to the motor oil that you should use,
- How often you should change the motor oil,
- Driving habits, and
- Driving conditions.
2. Know Their Key Features
In your research, give attention to the features of these motor oils. Valvoline and Mobil 1 are two different motor oil companies that manufacture different grades of motor oils. Each of the grades of oils they make has its particular selling features.
Based on your requirements, look at the features of each of the motor oils from these two manufacturers that will fit most of your needs. Valvoline and Mobil 1 have too many grades of oils that they are selling.
To narrow your search, concentrate on your car’s type of oil. For example, if your car manufacturer recommends using full synthetic oil, limit your search to the synthetic oils that Valvoline and Mobil 1 are offering.
3. Make a List of their Pros and Cons
After you have searched their most likable features, you should also search for their pros and cons. You can get this information from online reviews, and online forums focused on motor oils and the publications of Valvoline and Mobil 1 regarding their products.
After gathering all these data, make a list of the pros and cons of both products that you are considering.
From this list of pros and cons, and comparing them to your actual requirements, you will have a better picture of the particular motor oil you need for your car, whether from Valvoline or Mobil 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you choose between Valvoline and Mobil 1, I have included the answers to car owners’ questions regarding this matter:
Which Is Better, Valvoline or Mobil 1?
Some independent testing organizations have run multiple Valvoline and Mobil 1 motor oils tests. The test results revealed that Valvoline SynPower is four times better than Mobil 1 in wear protection in their 5W-30 grade motor oils.
However, Mobil 1 was also found by other tests conducted by other testing organizations to be the better of the two in some other particular aspects. So, which of the two is best for you will be determined by your specific requirements and application.
Is Valvoline the Same as Mobil 1?
Valvoline is a different company from Mobil 1. But you can say that their motor oils are somewhat the same because they can be used and are being used in many cars and vehicles that you see on the streets.
They are rivals in the same market. For instance, the Valvoline SynPower motor oil is the closest rival of Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil. They both have 5W-30 SAE viscosity grade and the same capacity of 5 quarts.
Is Mobile 1 the Best Engine Oil?
Mobile 1’s Extended Performance motor oil protects the engine for up to 20,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many motorists consider this motor oil as their top choice.
However, some motorists also consider Valvoline as their better choice. So, you need to consider individual preferences and needs when it comes to this matter.
Is Valvoline an Excellent Synthetic Oil?
Valvoline has built a reputation for providing top-quality car care products. Its synthetic oil products are very efficient at protecting engines, and they come at attractive prices. These motor oils can make your engine run smoothly and quietly.
Which Synthetic Oil Is Best for High Mileage?
The best synthetic oil for this application is 5W-30 viscosity. Both Valvoline and Mobil 1 have their full synthetic oil with this viscosity grade. The thing that will determine which is best for you is your application and your requirement.
In Conclusion: Differences Between Valvoline and Mobil – Which Is Better?
Valvoline and Mobil 1 are the two most popular motor oils used by car owners and drivers. Both products claim that they can enhance engine performance.
Valvoline and Mobil 1 have about the same lubricating properties. The viscosity grade of both motor oils is 5W-30 SAE. They also have the same capacity of 5 quarts.
As to which is better, independent testing organizations found out that when they tested the 5W-30 grade motor oil samples of both motor oils, the Valvoline SynPower is four times more effective in providing wear protection than its closest rival Mobil 1.
However, your final choice will also depend on your particular requirements.
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