Which is better, Mobil SN or SP engine oil?
2 Answers
Mobil SP engine oil is better because it has a higher grade. The grade explanation of engine oil and the differences between SN and SP are as follows: Grade explanation of engine oil: Engine oil grades such as SG, SJ, SL, SM, SN, and SP are all classifications for gasoline engine oils. SP is currently the highest grade for gasoline engine oils. The higher the grade of the engine oil, the better its various technical indicators, which can significantly extend the engine's lifespan, prolong oil change intervals and maintenance cycles, and reduce car maintenance costs. Differences between SN and SP: The difference between SN and SP engine oils lies in their thickness at a certain temperature, which can also be described as the difference in viscosity (phosphorus content). SN engine oil has a relatively lower phosphorus content. Additionally, when comparing the viscosity of SN and SP oils, SP has a slightly higher viscosity value, indicating that SP's oil film is stronger than SN's, providing better protective performance. Furthermore, SP offers stable improvements over SN in terms of noise reduction, fuel consumption, and acceleration performance.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have used various engine oils, including Mobil's SN and SP grades. The SP grade clearly performs better. SN is the older standard, which I used in my 2015 vehicle – I noticed slightly louder engine noise after oil changes. SP is the newer standard introduced post-2020, and Mobil's SP formulation provides superior engine protection, especially against wear. Issues like chain and piston wear are significantly reduced. I recall helping a friend switch from SN to SP last year – after a long-distance drive, he observed slightly improved fuel efficiency and smoother engine response. My advice: even for older vehicles, don't cut corners – use SP grade and change it every 6 months to prolong engine life. When selecting, look for the API SP certification on the packaging. Genuine Mobil products offer reliable quality – avoid counterfeit products that could damage your engine.