The modern market is replete with a variety of motor lubricants. One of their main indicators is low-temperature and high-temperature viscosity. Among the products offered, there are liquids that are designated, according to the SAE classifier, as “5W50 oil”. What do these numbers mean and what properties do they give the oil mixture.

How motor oils are made

Any engine oil consists of two main components - a basic composition and a whole set of additives designed to improve its performance. The main qualities of a particular lubricant directly depend on its basic basis. Modern production technologies make it possible to obtain 4 types of base oils:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• 100% synthetic;
• HC-synthetics, or hydrocracking.

Mineral oil (lubricant) is obtained from crude oil. At the same time, the mineral liquid itself is a raw material for the production of HC-synthetics. A true synthetic base lubricant (Full Synthetic) is obtained by synthesis from polyalphaolefins (PAO) contained in oil-related gases such as ethylene and butylene.

All this work is done at oil refineries (refineries). Semi-synthetic motor oil (Semi Synthetic) has a base of 60-80% mineral matter. The remaining 20-40% is reserved for a synthetic base lubricant. PAO-synthetics mixes well with mineral fluid, giving the final product good performance at a low price.

HC-synthetics are gradually gaining a leading position from real synthetic oils. The level of purification from paraffins, sulfur, nitrogen, polycyclic and other harmful compounds in it is so high that the output is an oil that is almost as good as 100% synthetics. True, its thermal oxidative stability is worse. Such lubricant will have to be changed more often. All this pays off with a lower cost (30–40% cheaper).

Real synthetics are synthesized from light hydrocarbons that make up gases (oils from PAO). An even better base composition is made from esters of natural origin. To do this, use rapeseed, coconut or any other vegetable oil. This production technology is very expensive. Therefore, esters are only added to PAO synthetics in the amount of 4–5%, while obtaining fairly high-quality products.

Viscosity characteristics of oil mixtures

The viscosity level of each lubricant is set according to the SAE classifier created by the Society of Automotive Engineers of the United States. It is determined by the resistance of the fluid to its free flow - that is, the ability of different layers of oil to move relative to each other with a certain internal friction. The greater the level of this friction, the more viscous the fluid is considered to be. This indicator is directly dependent on temperature.

Engine oil works in severe temperature conditions, cooling down to low negative temperatures, up to -35°С, and warming up inside the engine up to +100°С and above. Experiencing such temperature fluctuations, the lubricant must maintain a constant level of viscosity, otherwise it will lose all its qualities, which are so necessary for the engine. That is why, according to the SAE method, two viscosity components are determined - low-temperature (winter) and high-temperature (summer). In severe frosts, winter viscosity should ensure good engine cranking, otherwise it simply will not start. In addition, without good fluidity, the lubricant will not be able to pump through narrow channels to the engine parts. As a result, it will run dry, which can lead to jamming and subsequent overhaul.

With a winter fluidity level of 5, the 5W-50 oil formulation will help you start your engine easily in temperatures as low as -30°. There are six such levels in total: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W. The higher the number, the worse the score. For example, 25W can only be used down to -10°C, in colder weather it thickens and no longer works.

There are only five "summer" indicators: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. The higher the indicator, the more viscous the lubricating fluid will be at high temperatures, inside a running motor. Oils with a "summer" fluidity of 20, 30, 40, when heated to 110–115 ° C, liquefy to such a state that they cannot form a protective oil film. And all-weather grease 5W50 does not lose its working qualities up to + 150 ° С.

Where is the 5W50 oil composition used?

This engine oil is used for power units operating in difficult conditions, for example, with a sporty driving style.

In car racing, motors run at maximum speed, releasing a huge amount of heat. Such modes can only withstand lubricating mixtures that have a "summer" viscosity at levels 50 and 60. Then you don't have to worry about how long the engine will last - the main thing is to get to the finish line first.

Since an oil composition with such a viscosity characteristic creates a strong and dense protective film, it is advisable to use it in worn engines that have already traveled 150 thousand kilometers or more. If for new engines that have traveled less than 100 thousand, low-viscosity lubricants are used, for example 5W30, then after the 100 thousand milestone it is worth switching to 5W40, and after 150 thousand - to 5W50.

This is due to the fact that the gaps between the parts in the process of wear increase all the time. A low-viscosity lubricant can no longer form a strong film without breaks. In addition, no seal is created between the piston rings and the cylinder walls. The engine wears out more, the compression in the cylinder-piston group drops, the oily liquid begins to penetrate into the combustion chambers and burn there along with the fuel mixture. If a lubricant with a higher viscosity is used, these phenomena will decrease or disappear altogether.

Mobil 1 Peak Life 5W-50

A fully synthetic lubricant formulated specifically for use in worn engines, manufactured using proprietary SuperSyn technology. Recommended for engines that have run more than a hundred thousand kilometers. The main emphasis is placed on slowing down the formation of slag, sludge and high-temperature varnish deposits, as well as the maximum purification from these harmful components.

Motor oil contains powerful anti-wear additives that slow down the aging of the motor, practically does not fade. Antioxidant additives allow the lubricant to operate with extended intervals between replacements. In addition, it is allowed to use the product in power units experiencing heavy loads. The American API standard defined its classes as SJ/SL/SM/CF. European ACEA classified as A3 / B3, A3 / B4. Has approvals from Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen.

Motul Sport 5W50

This motor oil is based on a formula based on esters (esters). This solution enables the protective film to maintain its stability at the highest temperature loads. The grease maintains the declared level of fluidity under any operating conditions. It has good protection against oxidation, which is provided by effective additives. Viscosity index, reaching a high level (186), allows you to maintain stable viscosity indicators in the widest temperature range. It can be used in diesel and gasoline engines, including injection, turbocharged, and multi-valve. According to the API, the grease is assigned the category SM / CF.

Conclusion

We gave only 2 examples of motor oils with a viscosity of 5W50. In fact, there are many more of them. So, Exxon Mobil Corporation produces another variety - Mobil 1 Rally Formula 5W50 for sports driving. Similar products can be found from well-known manufacturers such as Aral (Megatronic 5W50), Elf (Excellum 5W50), Addinol (Super Visco MV0556 5W50), and many others. Before using these products, you should find out if the use of oils with these characteristics is allowed for your car. The necessary information is in the service books attached to each car.

Mobil lubricants are traditionally associated with high quality, expensive products. The American brand was one of the first to enter the Russian markets and occupied its niche after the full opening of borders.

What is so interesting about Mobil 5W50 engine oils, let's try to figure it out below.

Main characteristics of Mobil 5W50

Among the lubricants from Mobil there are several products with a viscosity of 5W-50. Two of them practically do not differ in technical characteristics: Mobil 1 5W 50 and Mobil 1 Peak Life 5W 50.

One of them, newer, is the result of a rebranding of the other. Other than a name change and a label update, there have been no critical changes in composition or performance. Another product, Mobil 1 FS X1 5W 50, has a few minor differences.

Let's look at the characteristics of Mobil 1 Peak Life 5W 50 and its counterpart, and briefly analyze what these characteristics mean.

Chemical composition and manufacturability

The oil, judging by the results of independent tests, is mostly created on a hydrocracking basis with the addition of synthetic components of groups 4 and 5 according to API.

note

The additive package is high-tech Infineum. In addition to the standard kit, which includes zinc-phosphorus friction modifier ZDDP, as well as boron and calcium, spectrographic analysis revealed a small amount of molybdenum.

This means that Mobil 1 5W50 has organic molybdenum in it, which is beneficial in the long term on low wear surfaces.

Viscosity characteristics

The kinematic viscosity at a temperature of 100 °C is at the level of 17.5 cSt. SAE 5W-50 class average. At 40 °C, the viscosity reaches 108 cSt. That is, the lubricant is quite thick in the operating temperature range. And this negatively affects fuel economy.

The dynamic viscosity tested for shear at high linear speeds and elevated temperature is 4.4 cP. This parameter describes the properties of the lubricant when operating in a ring-cylinder friction pair.

Characterizes how well the oil retains its properties under extreme conditions when working on the most loaded contact surfaces of the internal combustion engine.

The viscosity index is 180 units. This is a very high figure for lubricants with such a difference between winter and summer viscosity. That is, Mobil 1 5W50 oil remains stably viscous, retains its density over a wide temperature range. And at the same time provides a good easy start in cold weather.

Ignition, ash content and base number

The open cup ignition index is 231°C. A high rate characteristic of technologically advanced synthetic lubricants with a viscosity of 5W-50.

Sulphated ash content is 1.3% of the total lubricant volume. Pre-threshold for Full Saps lubricants. The emissions of solid particles during the combustion of grease in the cylinder are small, but not small enough to be filled into diesel engines equipped with DPF filters.

The alkaline number is very high - 11.8 mgKOH / g. Guarantees excellent detergent, dispersant and anti-sludge properties.

The cost of these motor oils, even when compared with high performance, cannot be called low.

Differences between oils from Mobil with a viscosity of 5W-50

As mentioned above, conventional oil without additions to the name Mobil 5W-50 and its “double” Peak Life are the same in terms of technical characteristics. And the version of Mobil 1 FS X1 5W 50 grease is slightly different.

Let's briefly review these differences:

1. Viscosity at 100 and 40 °C is slightly lower than other oils, but only 1-2%. This practically does not affect the actual properties of the lubricant.
2. The oil is more resistant to low temperatures. The pour point is at -45 °C. Quite natural for lower high temperature viscosity.
3. Price. The FS version is slightly more expensive.

This is where the significant similarities in terms of technical characteristics end. There are differences in scope, but more on that below.

Tolerances, specifications, approvals

Mobil Peak Life 5W50 engine oil is manufactured to meet the following international standards:

• according to API: SN and below for gasoline, as well as CF for diesel;
• according to ACEA: A3/B3 and A3/B4.

These figures indicate that the oil can be poured into gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines with any power supply systems, including unit injectors (direct injection).

Compatible with exhaust gas converters. Suitable for turbocharged engines. Cannot be used in diesel vehicles that have a particulate filter.

Mobil 1 FS 5W50 engine oil meets the same standards as cheaper options.

Peak Life lubricants and regular 5W-50 have the following automaker approvals:

• Volkswagen 501 01 and 505 00;
• MB Approval 229.1;
• Porsche A40;
• Mercedes Benz Approval 229.3;
• Lexus LFA Service Fill.

The approvals for the FS version are somewhat different. Namely, it lacks approval for Volkswagen and Lexus vehicles.

Scope and customer reviews

Despite similar technical characteristics, the scope of these greases is different. At the same time, oils can be interchanged. Let's figure out why this happens.

For "charged" engines that operate at high speeds, high contact loads and get very hot, it is important that the oil retains its viscosity.

Friction parts work with colossal overloads. And the thicker and more stable Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W50 oil provides good protection.

In used engines, the gaps are greatly increased. And here it is important that the oil film, especially in the ring-cylinder friction pair, be thicker and stronger than the standard one. Otherwise, the wear of the motor will accelerate like an avalanche. The thicker the film, the thicker the oil should be.

Buyers generally respond well to this lubricant. It is important to understand that oil with such a viscosity is not mass-produced. And when a motorist buys such a product, he must do it consciously.

In reviews of Mobil 5W50, for engines with wear, there is a decrease in engine noise and a decrease in oil consumption for waste. Some motorists notice an increase in power.

At the same time, fuel consumption may increase. Especially with a sharp transition, for example, from 5W-30 to 5W-50. Losses due to viscous friction will increase. Motorists speak negatively about the cost of these lubricants.

Despite the fact that these are high-tech products with the addition of synthetics of groups 4 and 5 and an enriched additive package, the cost of 5W50 lubricants from Mobil exceeds, on average, by 30-50% simpler analogues with similar characteristics.

Also, some motorists talk about the presence of fakes, and quite well-designed.

Below are the Mobil 5W50 part numbers for the most common 4 liter container:

• regular - 152085;
• Peak Life - 153638.

Fakes and methods for their recognition

Mobil lubricants are often counterfeited. However, in general, counterfeit manufacturers are limited to common SAE viscosity grades. And less popular oils are almost never faked.

Mobil 1 5W50 4l oil is most often found on sale. It is on him that you can find a fake on the market. And, for example, counterfeit manufacturers do not pay attention to Mobil 1 5W 50 1 l. So far, no proven fakes have been found.

How to distinguish a fake from the original? Manufacturers of underground products "Mobile" make mistakes by which you can easily recognize poor-quality goods. Let's take a look at the most common differences:

It is important to understand that Mobil makes oils with fairly high performance and price. Therefore, the company does not save on packaging. And any flaws in the printing or plastic molding of the canister should cause alertness.

Few motorists know how to choose synthetic motor oil, 5W-50 is one of them. It not only washes engine parts and components, protecting them from various contaminants, but also gives them optimal working conditions. During operation, the motor heats up regardless of atmospheric conditions. As a result, the system wears out. Each vehicle manufacturer provides specific recommendations, such as which oil product to use in a car. The owner can only follow the rules.

What does the 5W-50 marking mean?

Concern "Exxon Mobil" is considered the flagship manufacturer of motor oils on the planet. In the model range of the company there are lubricating fluids with different composition and functional features. Mobil1-branded materials are acclaimed by critics as the finest synthetic components that provide reliability and long-term vehicle performance.

Characteristics

1. The manufacturer recommends synthetic motor oil with the designation 5W50 not only for the needs of new cars, but also for used cars.
2. The oily liquid is used at any time of the year, due to its excellent all-weather characteristics.
3. Reduces the negative impact on the mechanisms and parts of the car engine, preventing corrosion and wear. The composition of the lubricant includes special additives developed by the organization's specialists. These additional components provide reliable protection against all kinds of contaminants, be it soot, soot or soot. This quality of the lubricant allows it to maintain excellent properties for a long period of time.
4. The composition includes antioxidants that can regenerate the properties and functional characteristics of the component.
5. According to recent studies, synthetic engine oil labeled 5W50 retains its original properties by a third better than its competitors.

The product has a wide range of applications, so it will perfectly "take root" in cars and trucks on the ground. Regardless of external factors, 5W-50 engine oil will retain its functionality, even in mountainous areas. A complete list of lubricant specifications can be found on the canister label.

Varieties of oils, features

There is a huge range of fuels and lubricants on the market, differing from each other in quality composition and cost. The base of motor oil for the engine are substances obtained during the processing of petroleum products, or artificially created in the laboratory. Synthetic products created by man are more effective than natural elements, since any oil composition is selected in the laboratory for the required application conditions.

Engine performance can be affected by a variety of conditions, from weather to driving style. Therefore, the mineral oil component introduced into the propulsion system cannot always adapt to the regime. And synthetic, on the contrary, is able to change properties under different operating conditions. To achieve maximum performance and comfortable engine operation, special mixtures of natural and artificial composition are created, which are called "semi-synthetics".

If the regulatory documentation for the operation of a car indicates that natural mineral lubricant is recommended for transport, then you should not experiment with other types of oils, since their main viscosity index is different.

As the engine runs, oxidation products, soot, and harmful deposits accumulate in it. It's unavoidable. All these deposits in the motor increase friction, and this naturally leads to a deterioration in engine performance. As a result, it begins to work under heavy loads, which leads to rapid wear of parts. Therefore, for engines with high mileage, special oils are recommended, which are aimed at protecting the engine from wear and cleaning from carbon deposits. Mobil provides drivers with a fairly large selection. The range also includes lubricants for power plants with high mileage. The most effective is

Description

This product is made entirely on a synthetic basis with the addition of special cleaning additives, which is necessary for older engines. Like any other synthetic base, this one is also aimed at cleaning the engine of carbon deposits, sludge and soot. The advantage of synthetics is support and stable operation even at lower temperatures compared to mineral oils.

Note that earlier this product had two names: Mobil 1 Rally Formula 5W50 and Mobil 1 Peak Life 5W50. Now this is a slightly different lubricant with an improved formula. The oil retained all the advantages of the previous version and acquired new positive qualities. Now the lubricant meets modern world quality standards.

Special properties

In addition to cleaning and dispersing properties, the oil reduces the harmful effects of using unstable and low-quality fuel, prevents engine wear, which increases its service life.

Also, the product retains its viscosity during its entire service life, and from replacement to replacement, it remains stable. True, this is true only in cases where the engine is working. When oil is mixed with antifreeze, for example (this happens), its viscosity and lubricating properties change, but this is not the fault of the product itself. Also, this lubricant evaporates poorly, so it is consumed quite economically and even contributes to fuel economy. Also, the product is resistant to temperature changes and auto overloads, can work successfully even in extreme conditions.

Application area

5W50 is designed for passenger car engines, but it is recommended to fill it in those engines whose mileage exceeds 100,000 km. It is ideal for cars of European brands and large corporations such as Porsche.

Specifications Mobil 5W50

The most important characteristic of this oil is its viscosity indicated in the name (5W50). What does this label say? Firstly, the number 50 in the title says that the product is summer and works well at high temperatures. Secondly, the value of 5W indicates its winter destination. This makes it clear that the oil works well in cold weather and has a normal viscosity at negative temperatures. This means that 5W50 is all-season, and it does not need to be changed every time cold or warm weather sets in.

Operating temperature range

And now in more detail. The number 5 in the name indicates at how low temperatures the oil can work normally. The lower the number, the lower the temperature limit. Index 5 is not the lowest, but it makes it clear that the oil will not lose its viscosity and will ensure normal engine start at a temperature not lower than -32 degrees.

The number 50 in the name indicates at what maximum ambient air temperature the oil will work stably. In this case, the upper limit is 50 degrees. That is, the Mobil 5W50 product operates in the temperature range from -32 to +50 degrees. There are not many oils that are able to work in such a wide temperature range.

Similar Mobil 5W50s allow you to use it in all weather conditions and in almost all regions of Russia. Even in those where the temperature drops to -30 degrees. Of course, in very severe frosts that are observed in the North, oil is not able to provide normal lubrication of friction pairs. But the lubricant itself is resistant not only to ambient temperatures, but also to overheating of the motor.

The technical characteristics of Mobil 5W50 are ideal for Russian-made cars. In VAZ cars, the oil efficiency is quite high, and even fairly old engines work well and smoothly on it. Of course, when using this lubricant, you must be careful when pouring it into very dirty engines. Intensive cleaning contributes to the fact that filters and valves can become clogged with carbon particles.

Pros and cons

Mobil 5W50 is an excellent temperature resistant synthetic oil and it effectively cleans the engine of contaminants. It has certain advantages over semi-synthetic and mineral lubricants.

Advantages:

1. Excellent lubricating properties. All rubbing pairs of the motor are effectively lubricated, the oil forms an oil film of the required thickness and maintains the required viscosity throughout the entire service life. Temperature fluctuations and even dispersed particles do not particularly affect the viscosity of the lubricant.
2. cleaning properties. Due to the content of special additives in the composition, the oil cleans all parts of the engine from soot, sludge and soot, and prevents the formation of new particles. All this reduces engine wear and significantly extends its service life.
3. Profitability. Unlike many other oils, it practically does not go to waste, and its level does not change from replacement to replacement. But this is true only for those motors that themselves do not "eat" oil. If there is a problem with the engine, then it will "eat up" even the highest quality lubricant. Mobil 5W50 also contributes to fuel economy by reducing the friction force of parts.
4. High resistance to temperature fluctuations. The oil is universal, and that says it all. It retains its viscosity at low temperatures and in extreme heat, therefore, it will ensure that the engine starts in all weather conditions.

Does this oil have any cons? They cannot be. Modern engines have long ceased to be simple mechanisms. They are more like biological human organisms, so it’s impossible to say for sure whether this particular lubricant is right for your particular car. However, Mobil 5W50 is actively used by both owners of old foreign cars and owners of cars from the Russian automobile industry. It is also poured into cars produced in 2005-2010.

Fake Mobil 5W50

Some buyers of this product remain dissatisfied with its quality. But often this is due to the fact that buyers use it in inappropriate conditions or acquire a fake. In the first case, the owner himself is to blame, in the second - scammers. Speaking frankly and honestly, scammers deserve respect. Even their non-original oil, which is sold in 90% of stores, works very effectively and is often no different from the original. So sometimes you don't have to worry about it at all.

You can distinguish a fake only by packaging, label, cover:

1. Cracks, chips on the packaging are the first sign of a fake. Plastic can have a wave-like structure, it must be even.
2. The second sign of a fake is a poor-quality label. It may not print well, and there may be adhesive residue around the label.
3. Lid. In original packages, it opens according to a special scheme, and when opened, a watering can appears. In fakes, all this may not be.

The original oil canister is silver with a blue tint and has a darker blue lid. The back label has 2 layers. It is also worth noting that Mobil 5W50 oils are produced in Europe. In Russia, there may be products manufactured in Sweden, Russia, Finland. There are no factories in Russia where this oil is made.

The designation 5W50 indicates the viscosity level of oils. This index classification was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers under the name SAE in 1911, and allows you to clearly indicate the specific degree of viscosity of engine oil.

For example: viscosity grades that are designated as SAE OW, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W and 25W refer to winter, and such as SAE 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 refer to summer.

The higher the number in the index indicating the viscosity after the letter, the better such an oil will retain its density when heated. For city driving conditions with high ambient temperatures, in sports driving, the engine is constantly exposed to high temperatures, so it is quite important to use oils that can maintain good viscosity in such conditions in order to reliably protect engine parts.

At the same time, when the engine is cold, the oil, on the contrary, can thicken too much, so when operating at lower temperature parameters, the reverse factor is also important - sufficient oil liquid so that it can flow throughout the engine , providing sufficient protection to its components, and contribute to the normal start. For the so-called cold viscosity, SAE standards provide for the designation "winter viscosity".

For example, in the designation SAE 10W, the number 10 indicates the winter viscosity, and the letter "W" (winter - winter), additionally indicates the corresponding winter class. Here, the smaller the number, the more the oil will be able to maintain its fluidity properties, which will be very useful in the cold season, especially for the normal start of the engine.

The so-called mono-seasonal oils are used in cases where the temperature indicators in operation do not differ significantly. There are also all-weather oils, the density of which is distinguished by a universal difference between the designations of the summer and winter viscosity index.

Thus, an oil whose viscosity is designated 5W50 can be attributed to all-season, since 5W indicates a winter viscosity class and sufficient fluidity, and the number 50 indicates summer viscosity, that is, the required level of viscosity with high temperatures.

The main distinguishing feature of all-season oils is their versatility, due to less pronounced change under the influence of various temperatures.

A significant advantage of this oil is its ability to remain thick enough at high temperatures, while at the same time having sufficient fluidity in the winter, which will allow you to start the engine without problems in cold weather. Such an oil can indeed be considered all-weather, having universal properties, both for warm and cold periods. Such versatility will certainly be convenient, and engine performance will in most cases be at its best in almost any situation.

The disadvantage of this type of oil can also be called its high viscosity at operating high temperatures, because under certain conditions it will be more difficult to pump such oil through the system, and in some critical places it can coke. Therefore, it is advisable to fill in oil with a viscosity grade of 5W50 in cases where it is recommended by the car manufacturer for use in an engine whose system is specifically designed to use oil with this viscosity.