Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20/0W-30

[reframmellator]

Saw this full page ad in the Wall Street Journal for this stuff and wondered what it was. Claims a 2% mpg improvement and the website has a nifty calculator for it. I wondered how they did it and started looking through the FAQs:

Haven’t you been offering Mobil 1 0W-20 and Mobil 1 0W-30 already? What’s different about Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy?
They are the same formulations as the products marketed prior to 2008 (emphasis mine). As the importance of fuel economy has increased, we felt it was important to communicate to consumers which products in the Mobil 1 family offer the greatest potential for improved fuel economy. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy oils are engineered to deliver outstanding engine protection while improving fuel economy.

Why do you recommend Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy as an alternative to 5W-20 when my car manufacturer recommends 5W-20?
Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy exceeds many new car warranty requirements where SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 oil is recommended. Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy provides the high temperature protection of 5W-20 oils while offering improved fuel economy. As a result, many consumers can benefit from improved fuel economy while also obtaining outstanding engine protection for their vehicle. Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy only be used in vehicles designed to operate on either 0W-20 or 5W-20 oil.

If the manufacturer of my car recommends a 5W-20 motor oil, will I void my warranty if I use Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy instead?
If your car manufacturer recommends a SAE 5W-20 ILSAC oil (starburst), we recommend either Mobil 1 5W-20 or Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy. You will not void your warranty. Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy can provide better fuel economy and better low temperature performance.


So it's a crummy relabel. Same old oil, great new hype, and probably a great new price to go with it. Sheesh.

[stevencrosbie]

It is in the green cap bottles at Wollyworld. Same price as well...but now you can get the 0-30 in the 5 qt jug for about $21.

I am waiting to find the 0-20 in the 5qt jug as that is what the truck needs....

[RTexasF]

SOS and a brand new claim and label, eh? I would guess they are having trouble selling it since the average guy is afraid to use it. "My car says 5W20, I'm not using that stuff"!!!

Funny I've been using M1 0W20 since my first oil change in 2004 @ around 3200 miles. Checked this morning, there are still 3 1/2 cases of API SL in the storage shed. I'm good to go for a while yet.

[stevencrosbie]

Nice RTF.

I need to stock pile some 0-20 M1 if I can find it on sale. At 8qts an oil change....I will go through it pretty quickly.

If anyone finds any good sales, let me know :)

[RTexasF]

I've seen M1 5W20 in the five quart jug but not 0W20.

[dgs]

This is all hype. Just buy 5W20 Mobile 1 synthetic, it will give you the best fuel economy you can get.

[psyshack]

Ive ran M1 0w-20 and 5w-20 in our Accord and Mazda.

I prefer it over the 5w-20. But its hard to find here. Every time I see it at the local wally I buy all they have.

[RTexasF]

This is all hype. Just buy 5W20 Mobile 1 synthetic, it will give you the best fuel economy you can get.

You know what? I agree. No one will notice the possible .25 mpg difference if it even exists. As I've mentioned before I bought a ton of 0W20 SL in 2004 so I'm still using it.

[hermann]

Nice RTF.

I need to stock pile some 0-20 M1 if I can find it on sale. At 8qts an oil change....I will go through it pretty quickly. :)

With the 8 qt sump how often are you changing the oil?

[stevencrosbie]

I'm supposed to do oil changes at 5k. I did the first one at 5k. I am debating about this second one....

We know of the sludge history in the past, but this is a new motor...and I'm sure there won't be problems. I needs to stay in longer or I need to use a cheaper oil, but good luck finding 0-20 in non synthetic oil.

[sjlee]

You know what? I agree. No one will notice the possible .25 mpg difference if it even exists. As I've mentioned before I bought a ton of 0W20 SL in 2004 so I'm still using it.

Definitely. People would get more of an increase by simply changing their driving styles. I think being "green" is all the rage right now, so Mobil is simply jumping on the bandwagon.

If you're looking to save money by increasing your gas mileage, switching to a synthetic is not the answer.

[RTexasF]

I'm supposed to do oil changes at 5k. I did the first one at 5k. I am debating about this second one....

We know of the sludge history in the past, but this is a new motor...and I'm sure there won't be problems. I needs to stay in longer or I need to use a cheaper oil, but good luck finding 0-20 in non synthetic oil.

Since Toyota requires 5K changes for warranty there is no need to go with a synthetic at all. If you are taking the oil to the dealer for the service look for Motorcraft 5W20. It is a synth blend and sells for less than 1/2 of the M1, truly a superb oil. You are literally wasting gobs of money using M1 for such short change intervals. Odd that the V-8 calls for 20 weight and the 3.5l V-6 calls for 5W30.

The RAV4 is a real pain in the tailfeathers for oil changes so I've decided the dealer will be doing them with conventional oil. Tire rotation is also @ 5K. A five tire rotation along with oil & filter is only $48 so I'm going to let them deal with it.

[Willhall45]

I have been using M1 0w-20 motor oil for about 3,000 miles. I have seen a positive jump in fuel economy. People may not believe me but this oil is adding on about 40 more miles, to a tank of gas.
I drive very contently and patiently with my Accord, which I know a lot of yall can't do. But I have seen a real boost in my fuel economy. I use to use M1 5w-20 but I am going to stick with the 0w-20.

[sjlee]

I have been using M1 0w-20 motor oil for about 3,000 miles. I have seen a positive jump in fuel economy. People may not believe me but this oil is adding on about 40 more miles, to a tank of gas.
I drive very contently and patiently with my Accord, which I know a lot of yall can't do. But I have seen a real boost in my fuel economy. I use to use M1 5w-20 but I am going to stick with the 0w-20.

I don't think a 40 mile increase per tank is enough to offset the 3-4 times more that you'll pay per quart. If you're using synthetic with hopes of saving money because of increased gas mileage, you're going to be disappointed.

That being said, if you are using it for "peace of mind", then there really isn't a price tag on that... is there?

[reframmellator]

If you're seeing 40 additional miles per tank of gas, that's 2.5 additional miles per gallon, assuming your fillup is 16 mpg. If you have the I4, that's about a 10% improvement over EPA city numbers as a base and over what you were getting with M1 5W-20, if I read your post correctly. If your fillups are less than 16 gal of you have the V6, % improvement is even greater.

You're right. I'm skeptical. I'd be likely to suspect seasonal changes in fuel than changing from 5W-20 syn to 0W-20 syn.

[stevencrosbie]

Since Toyota requires 5K changes for warranty there is no need to go with a synthetic at all. If you are taking the oil to the dealer for the service look for Motorcraft 5W20. It is a synth blend and sells for less than 1/2 of the M1, truly a superb oil. You are literally wasting gobs of money using M1 for such short change intervals. Odd that the V-8 calls for 20 weight and the 3.5l V-6 calls for 5W30.

The RAV4 is a real pain in the tailfeathers for oil changes so I've decided the dealer will be doing them with conventional oil. Tire rotation is also @ 5K. A five tire rotation along with oil & filter is only $48 so I'm going to let them deal with it.

Thanks for the advice! The dealer charges 55 for an full synthetic oil change, but I might go with the blend to save a little cash and not waste money.

The 3.5 is 5-30? Wow. Toyota says 5-20 is acceptable, but 0-20 is what is the "most" recommended. Crazy huh?

[RTexasF]

I just saw a TSB that says 5W20 is okay now for the 3.5l. I'll call the dealer and ask which they are using.

[Jake07V6]

I saw this today and I was railed towards the green jug...It's something Exxon/Mobil marketing team is great at...Good in the outside. :thumbsdow

[stevencrosbie]

I just saw a TSB that says 5W20 is okay now for the 3.5l. I'll call the dealer and ask which they are using.

2 5 qt jugs of 5-20 Motorcraft were purchased today for the oil change this weekend. I am confident in it being a good oil for only a 5k mandated interval.

Best part....got all 10 qts for the price of 5qts M1.

[psyshack]

2 5 qt jugs of 5-20 Motorcraft were purchased today for the oil change this weekend. I am confident in it being a good oil for only a 5k mandated interval.

Best part....got all 10 qts for the price of 5qts M1.

Its good oil Steve! 5k miles should not be a issue.

[RTexasF]

Nice to save 50% and still treat your engine right, eh?

[stevencrosbie]

Nice to save 50% and still treat your engine right, eh?

Yes Sir! The TL was simple...as 5 qts of oil really doesn't dictate the money watching considering it went about 8k per oil change.

The 8QT 5k oil changes can get expensive if I am wasting that good oil. I am confident this oil will be good and this is one of those common sense things that I should have started from the begining.

Thanks for the tips Psy and RTF (not just recently, but the many other oil related threads).

[cajun]

Just got 5 qts of motorcraft synth blend from Wally World ($12) based on the glowing recommendations in this thread and others. I've been using Castrol GTX up to now. I better see significant HP and MPG gains or I'm going to be chafed! :banana:

[RTexasF]

Only moderate gains like 50HP and 12MPG :lmao:

[sjlee]

Only moderate gains like 50HP and 12MPG :lmao:

And that's with synth blend... imagine what the gains would be with a full synth. :lmao:

[markrb]

Until 5/31 Advanced Auto Parts has 5 QT's Mobil 1 (Including 0-20) and a Mobil 1 filter for $26.98. In store only. I have bought 15 QT's and 3 filters so far. I have been to 2 stores in NH and both had 0-20 on the shelf. One with the new green packaging one with the older packaging.

Mark

[psyshack]

Yes Sir! The TL was simple...as 5 qts of oil really doesn't dictate the money watching considering it went about 8k per oil change.

The 8QT 5k oil changes can get expensive if I am wasting that good oil. I am confident this oil will be good and this is one of those common sense things that I should have started from the begining.

Thanks for the tips Psy and RTF (not just recently, but the many other oil related threads).

Have you put the MotorCraft in your truck yet Steve?

[stevencrosbie]

Have you put the MotorCraft in your truck yet Steve?

I have. I put it in at about 9,500 miles and I'm now at 11,200. I've noticed no drops in mileage, no difference in power, and really nothing out of the normal as expected.

This cycle of oil change has seen some moderate towing for about 700 of the 2,000 miles. I am confident it will be the oil of choice from now on.

I'm sure glad I took you and RTF's advice and stopped giving Mobil the extra money on full synthetic.

[psyshack]

I have. I put it in at about 9,500 miles and I'm now at 11,200. I've noticed no drops in mileage, no difference in power, and really nothing out of the normal as expected.

This cycle of oil change has seen some moderate towing for about 700 of the 2,000 miles. I am confident it will be the oil of choice from now on.

I'm sure glad I took you and RTF's advice and stopped giving Mobil the extra money on full synthetic.

Good

I use it in my Ranger. But still use M1 in the Accord and Mazda3.

[andysinnh]

Steve - does your locall wally world sell the 5W20 Motorcraft syn-blend 1-quart bottles? You can get one 5 quart and then 3 1-quart bottles - cost is pretty close overall per-quart - something like $10.36 per 5 quart, and $2.30 per 1 quart. Anyway, helps to make sure you get an accurate quart-count. the Montego and Freestyle both take 6 quarts and the motorcraft filter that's the size of a coffee can. :banana:

Doing 4500 mile interval changes on both vehicles - wife's FS uses nuthin' between changes - quiet as a mouse (OK - relatively quiet - the 3.0L Duratec won't win any smoothness or silence contests - but it does the job!) - definitely a good oil!!

andy

[stevencrosbie]

M1 is a great product, but I sure hated the idea of throwing my money in the trash every 5k in oil changes. I didn't mind the 8k ones in the TL...

Andy,

I didn't even bother looking for the 1 qt containers. I just assumed it would cost more, so I bought 2 5 qt containers and saved the extra two quarts. I just figured in a few oil changes, I'll get a free one :)

Tundra uses the cartridge style filters. Saves the environment at the expense of a more complicated oil change....

Happy motoring!

[psyshack]

Good

The MC oil is a jem right in ones face. I don't know who blends the oil for Ford or what the additive pac is. But I feel its the best for the buck out there.

Steve as for the canister filter. My Mazda has this setup. And I like it! Yeah it takes a bit longer and if done wrong can be messy. Im sure we will see more of this type of filter as time marchs on.

I like BMW's cartridge style filter best. Its fight up there on top of the engine.

Happy Miles To Ya

[stevencrosbie]

My dads Sonata has the cartridge on top of the motor as well. I love the design and am all for saving the enviornment when it is convienient.

While I applaude Toyota for trying to save the enviornment, their execution is stupid. The cartridge is at the bottom of the motor. I get to remove a skid plate. After that is removed, there is a bolt on the bottom of the cartridge assembly that is supposed to come out (mine didn't). Once the bolt is out, you place this plastic tube in the whole and it causes the oil to drain out of the assembly. Well...my bolt would not come out, so no oil was drained out. I then get to unscrew the cap and have oil splash all over me, my clothes and the shop floor.

Not a good design and should be on top of the motor. I will still do my own oil changes as I feel better when I do them, but I just dislike the design. That is my complaint.

The MC will save me about 22 bucks an oil change. Not bad if you ask me.

[dohcivtec]

if u guys are interested, pep boys nationwide has this deal.
buy 5 m1 + m1 oil filter, its 29.99 + tax. - 5 dollar in mail in rebate. pretty good deal.

[AccordNut]

[QUOTE=dgs;223939]This is all hype. Just buy 5W20 Mobile 1 synthetic, it will give you the best fuel economy you can get.[/QUOT


i beg to differ. I changed from 5w20 to m1 0w20 and my mpg increased by 3 mpg in my 2007 Cr-v. it does work!

mike

[markrb]

I have been running 0-20 for 1000 miles now and have seen zero increase in fuel economy in my 03 V6 Accord vs the 5-20 M1. Maybe I need more time to see a difference, but so far not seeing it. It costs the same here so it doesn't bother me one way or the other.

Mark

[Ice]

I have been running 0-20 for 1000 miles now and have seen zero increase in fuel economy in my 03 V6 Accord vs the 5-20 M1. Maybe I need more time to see a difference, but so far not seeing it. It costs the same here so it doesn't bother me one way or the other.

Mark

It should not cause any difference... The first number, 0, is the viscosity when engine is cold. The second number, 20, is the viscosity when engine has warmed up. The reason many people use 0W-20 is to protect their engine better during the cold starts, where 99% of engine wear occurs.