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ExxonMobil Introduces Advanced Fuel Economy Motor Oil
3 April 2008
ExxonMobil has introduced Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, a synthetic motor oil that can improve fuel economy by up to 2% compared to 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils, nationwide in the US. The new motor oil also contains the SuperSyn anti-wear component system to help extend engine life.
Addressing the trend of car manufacturers moving to lower viscosity oils, the two Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy products meet or exceed warranty requirements for most GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and many other imports. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 is recommended by ExxonMobil for 5W-20 applications and Mobil 1 0W-30 is recommended for 5W-30 and 10W-30 applications.
There are 4 key areas in an engine where energy loss occurs, notes ExxonMobil:
Valve Train. Energy loss occurs in the camshaft bearings and also in the contact area between the valve and lifter. During warm-up, Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy flows faster because of its lower viscosity to minimize metal to metal contact to reduce friction and wear.
Piston and Cylinder. Energy is lost at the piston liner interface during the combustion cycle and especially before and after the midstroke. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy works to reduce friction at points of contact between the piston compression rings and cylinder walls.
Oil Pump. In the oil pump, energy loss occurs due to rotational energy consumed by pumping heavier viscosity oils (10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50), particularly during warm-up. During the warm up phase, the Mobil 1 fully synthetic formulation because of its lower viscosity flows more easily through the oil pump, requiring less energy to pump the oil to the critical engine parts.
Crankshaft. The main bearings and connecting rod bearings are two areas where friction is plentiful. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy’s synthetic base stock composition ensures low traction (internal fluid friction) to further contribute to improved engine efficiency.
April 3, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
Cue maneuvers to slow the decline down the far side of peak oil.
If anyone cares, 2% of current global oil production is ~1.7mbpd. 2% of U.S. consumption is ~435,000bpd. If used in all passenger vehicles, this oil would save the U.S. ~$15.9 Billion over the course of a year.
Next year we will probably get tires with a significantly reduced rolling resistance good for another 2% gain in fuel economy.
Posted by: GreenPlease | Apr 3, 2008 7:52:11 PM
Most tires are run under inflated. Fixing that could save as much as this.
Here are two great inventions to that end:
http://www.gizmag.com/the-self-inflating-tire/9042/
http://www.gizmag.com/new-passat-features-continental-self-sealing-tyres/8810/
Posted by: GdB | Apr 3, 2008 8:41:40 PM
The question is, will you save enough gas to pay for the expensive Mobil 1? I hate changing oil, so I run synthetic in order to get a longer change interval. The improvement in mileage, if any, is gravy in my case.
Posted by: George | Apr 3, 2008 9:44:47 PM
This doesn't look like a new motor oil - they are simply rebranding their old Mobil1 0w oils (which have been on the market for ages) bragging about their low temp flow properties. Old news.
Posted by: Dave | Apr 3, 2008 11:50:41 PM
Amsoil has been doing this for decades already.
Posted by: Jon | Apr 4, 2008 5:04:14 AM
I work for ExxonMobil and I asked our reps specifically what was new about the formulation. The answer nothing. Just gotten more intelligent about how the existing Mobil 1 0-20 and 0-30 is marketed. Plus pointing out the potential fuel savings. ExxonMobil has never been particularly clever about marketing, but this is the exception.
Posted by: Frank | Apr 4, 2008 10:44:49 AM
This might get people thinking about what they can do to improve mileage. I have seen this come and go through the years. People will unload the trunk, fill the tires and use better motor oil in their relatively inefficient vehicles. Over millions of cars and SUVs this can help, but just a bit.
Posted by: sjc | Apr 5, 2008 10:35:45 AM
I wonder what testing they did? Number of vehicles, conditions, etc. As Dave said, AMSOIL has beening doing this for a long time and gets better results. I suggest using a engine flush to remove sludge and varnish, then use AMSOIL. As GdB said, extending your drain intervals is mostly what justifys going to synthetic. AMSOIL lasts 25k miles or 1 year whichever comes first. This more than pays for itself and it helps reduce demand on convientional oils - hopefully help reduce oil and fuel prices.
Posted by: Robert | Apr 7, 2008 9:23:35 AM
