Pennzoil: Elevate Your Drive By Tiering Up Your Motor Oil

Tiers of Joy

Your favorite parts of the drive, from the roar of the engine to the power it provides, all stem from what is coursing through the car’s veins—its motor oil.

With motor oil playing a critical role in engine performance, choosing the right one requires research backed by science and innovation, especially when faced with the decision between tiers of synthetics. Below is everything you need to know to step up your motor oil game, with expert insights from Shell Lubricants Technical Specialist, Sean Nguyen.

Entry-tier synthetics are the foundation of synthetic motor oils and can offer more protection than their conventional counterparts. The chemically engineered molecules in synthetic base oil are known for their uniform properties, a stark contrast to the molecules in conventional base oil, which can differ in shape and impurity levels. Pennzoil Full Synthetic motor oil is designed to exceed conventional motor oil performance while catering to the needs of both old and new engines. It is also formulated for longer drain intervals than conventional motor oil.

Mid-tier synthetics provide an elevated level of technological innovation over the entry-tier. This isn’t just in the name; it’s in the formulation. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic is formulated to help keep a vehicle’s engine clean and protected.

“A mid-tier synthetic like Pennzoil Platinum offers a more premium synthetic base stock over traditional synthetic,” shares Sean Nguyen, Technical Specialist at Shell Lubricants. “Pennzoil Platinum uses base stock that is made with natural gas. It is blended with performance additives to give it superior benefit in wear and cleanliness protection, while allowing the motor oil to operate in extreme temperature conditions.”

Some mid-tier synthetics may be available for specialized applications. For example, Pennzoil Platinum Euro and Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage provide that same engine protection as Pennzoil Platinum while incorporating additives designed for European cars and/or vehicles with more than 75,000 miles, respectively.

“European engine oils must meet specific requirements that are tailored to various European OEMs. These requirements include approvals for varying factors such as turbo protection, additive restrictions, and additional emission requirements,” says Nguyen. “European specifications also have different requirements to accommodate major differences between gasoline and diesel engines. Pennzoil Platinum Euro is also formulated with high-quality base oil and performance additives that will satisfy the needs of those engines and meet the strict requirements set by European specifications and standards.”

Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage is designed for modern engines that demand additional protection from leakage and wear. “As an engine accumulates 75K miles or higher, it may have some wear and begin to consume more oil,” Nguyen explains. “Like Pennzoil Platinum, Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage is formulated with complete protection additives and natural gas base oil. Seal improvers are added to reduce oil burn off and oil leaks, helping to maintain engine performance and extend engine life.”

Mid-tier motor oils may also be part of warranty programs, such as the Pennzoil Lubrication Limited Warranty. Drivers who fill up exclusively with Pennzoil Platinum can hit the open road knowing that their fill is formulated to help them extend the life of their engine, with ultimate protection for up to 15 years or 500,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Top-tier synthetics are for those who seek the most advanced engine performance and protection options for their vehicle. These oils are formulated with cutting-edge technology, often catering to specialized needs like extreme conditions or high-performance vehicles.
“Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is boosted with premium detergents, dispersants, and an anti-wear performance package,” Nguyen explains.
With a top-tier synthetic like “race-trusted” Pennzoil Ultra Platinum under the hood, you can confidently hit the road for your next adventure.

When Pennzoil continued as the Official Motor Oil and Lubricant Supplier of INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2022, it provided the optimal test bed for modern motor oils like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. The extreme stress put on an NTT INDYCAR SERIES engine provides, along with the highly efficient and powerful engine technology used in INDYCAR, has presented Pennzoil with an opportunity to innovate on and off the track.

“Our formulation has been race-tested for its performance, durability and protection in the most severe racing conditions by high-performance engines,” shares Nguyen. “For car enthusiasts who want extreme protection and durability, we recommend moving up to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum.”
No matter the journey, understanding and opting for the right motor oil tier can redefine the driving experience. As you gear up for the next ride, let Pennzoil synthetics match your passion by helping to protect your engine with premium technology.