What is "tri-synthetic"???

 

I have asked this question before on this forum with no response. If you look at the ExxonMobil website, it is sadly lacking technical details, especially compared to ChevronTexaco. For those that still insist that synthetics are NOT hydocarbon based, ExxonMobil says that they ARE. Polyalfaolefin (PAO) is the only ingredient specifically stated. This is the standard group IV base oil used by most major brands.

I'll e-mail ExxonMobil and ask. The response will be posted here.

Please understand that I have nothing against ExxonMobil or the fine products they make.

 

Latest update. Tri-Synthetic is dead. The new Mobil 1 marketing slogan is "SuperSyn". This latest change seems to be due to the new API SL requirements. The reply to my e-mail was basically an invitation to call 1-800-ASK-MOBIL for further information, which I will do.

 

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Apr-02 AT 05:34 PM (EST)]Ummm. I feel silly for asking, but have you been to [link:www.mobil1.com/index.jsp|the Mobil1 web site]?

 

Yes I did. I sent the e-mail from the "contact us" on that page.
My first stop, however, was the Material Data Safety Sheets, that are required by law. Most oil companies list ingredients there. Only the zinc anti-wear additive was listed in this case. These ingredients are no trade secret, any big oil or chemical company has a lab that could figure out what is in it. Anyway, they were informative on the phone.

Here is the answer as given by the nice folks at 1-800-ASK-MOBIL.

There were, and still are, three main ingredients in Mobil 1 motor oil. The difference in "SuperSyn" is the additive package for API SL.

Polyalfaolefin (PAO)
Esters
Alkylated Napthilates

There you have it!