Apart from tires, one of the most contentious car maintenance issues is motor oil. And while tires protect you and your passengers, motor oil protects your engine. Therefore it is important to get it correctly. However, getting it correctly is not always simple with so many different oil kinds and brands. To shed some light on the matter, here’s how Pennzoil and Valvoline compare.
The superior oil is Valvoline, which is superior to Pennzoil. While one of the most established brands in the industry is Valvoline, Pennzoil is still a good alternative. Valvoline triumphs handily in friction, heat dissipation, and evaporation tests. Notwithstanding the ups and downs it has experienced, Pennzoil is now owned by Shell and utilizes its base oils. Additionally, Pennzoil is advised by eleven different manufacturers.
About Valvoline
Dr. John Ellis developed Valvoline in 1866 due to his discovery of the lubricating qualities of crude oil. One of the most important discoveries for developing steam engines and internal combustion engines is that one. Hence, Valvoline qualifies as the industry’s very first motor oil producer. Another intriguing historical fact is that the Ford Model-T, the first mass-produced car, was filled with oil at the factory using Valvoline.
Valvoline also developed the first all-climate motor oil with ratings for hot and cold temperatures. Alternatively, the first motor oil is suitable for both winter and summer. Moreover, Valvoline is one of the few oil producers that create its base oil and additives, while Pennzoil uses oil bases purchased off-the-shelf, in this example, from Shell.
Also, you will not discover any negative comments about Valvoline oil almost everywhere. It is even more impressive to realize how many repair businesses utilize Valvoline as their clients’ go-to oil. Valvoline has a 150-year history and is a pioneer in motor oil producers that utilize crude oil as their raw material. All of it simply implies that Valvoline is a safe bet.
Car Manufacturers Who Suggest Valvoline
- Toyota
- Cummins
About Pennzoil
Pennzoil is a brand that has been around for a long given that it was founded in 1889 and had Pennsylvanian origins. Yet for the first 20 years, Pennzoil remained a subsidiary of Standard Oil until 1911, when Pennzoil split off and started marketing its goods under its name. Later on in Pennzoils existence, South Penn Oil bought it. South Penn Oil eventually amalgamated with Zapata Petrolium & Stetco Petrolium to become the current-day Pennzoil Corporation.
Pennzoil was well-liked by both customers and companies for all those years up to 1998 since it lived up to all expectations and was of top-notch quality. Nevertheless, Pennzoil purchased Quaker State Oil and became independent in 1998.
And sadly, both Pennzoil & Quaker State oils earned a terrible reputation for the next four years. While Pennzoil and Quaker State utilized the same base oil, the particular issue was that Pennzoil led to an excessive sludge buildup.
These issues are already long gone because of Sac’s 2002 acquisition of Pennzoil and Quaker State. After that, Pennzoil started using the greatest base oil in the world, Shell. Now, a dozen manufacturers—including Ferrari—recommend Pennzoil for their cars, and some even utilize it as a factory fill. Along with Pennzoil, Shell also owns several brands, each of which is given a quality rating (good, better, or best), with Pennzoil receiving the highest rating.
Pennzoil-Recommended Car Manufacturers
- Mini
- Iveco
- Opel
- Ducati
- Rolls-Royce
- Hyundai
- Fiat
- Chrysler
- BMW
- Chevrolet
- Ferrari
Valvoline vs Pennzoil: Price Comparison
No matter how wonderful a certain oil is, in the end, the price matters the most to most purchasers. The base oil will be used to split these pricing comparisons. Referring to natural, synthesized, and fully synthetic oils. Also, all pricing originates from Walmart, and the viscosity grades will remain the same.
Conventional Oil Prices: Valvoline vs. Pennzoil
- Valvoline 10W-30 – $22.96 (5 Quarts)
- Valvoline 10W-40 – $44.58 (5 Quarts)
- Pennzoil 10W-40 – $30 (5 Quarts)
- Pennzoil 10W30 – $20.98 (5 Quarts)
It turns out that Valvoline is more costly in both viscosity ratings when it comes to conventional oils. Also, although the price difference for the 10W-30 grade is almost negligible, the $15 difference for the 10W-40 grade is barely acceptable. Because Pennzoil is a high-quality oil, similar to Valvoline, it is a good value.
Semi-Synthetic Oil Prices: Valvoline vs. Pennzoil
- Valvoline 10W-30 – $22.96 (5 Quarts)
- Valvoline 5W-30 – $22.96 (5 Quarts)
- Pennzoil 5W-20 – $17.59 (5 Quarts)
- Pennzoil 10W-30 – $32.85 (5 Quarts)
- Pennzoil 5W-30 – $32.4 (5 Quarts)
- Valvoline 5W-20 – $21.98 (5 Quarts)
In the case of synthetic mix oils, the situation is quite different. Except for 5W20, Pennzoil is much more costly in this instance. And because of that, Valvoline is a lot better deal.
Full-Synthetic Oil Costs: Valvoline vs. Pennzoil
- 5W-30 Valvoline – $26.97 (5 Quarts)
- 0W-20 Valvoline – $26.97 (5 Quarts)
- 5W-20 Valvoline – $26.97 (5 Quarts)
- 10W-30 Valvoline – $26.97 (5 Quarts)
- 10W-30 Pennzoil – $26.97 (5 Quarts)
- 5W-30 Pennzoil – $26.44 (5 Quarts)
- 0W-20 Pennzoil – $26.44 (5 Quarts)
- 5W-20 Pennzoil – $26.44 (5 Quarts)
Since complete synthetic oils are now the most popular, the lowest pricing should not come as a surprise. Also, despite Pennzoil being somewhat more affordable than Valvoline, the 53-cent price difference is negligible. Therefore this is a draw.
Friction Test: Valvoline vs. Pennzoil
The history of motor oil firms, client feedback, and pricing ultimately have less significance than valid testing. The friction test will also be the first in our experiment series, demonstrating how effectively these two oils leave behind a protective coating. In other words, how well they lubricate the surfaces of two moving metals.
Now, the research for this paragraph and all others that will come after it was done by a YouTube channel named Nate’s Interactive Car. And in this friction test, a metal wheel submerged in oil and spinning against a metal bearing creates friction. Naturally, the test has a set duration to maintain consistency, and a new friction bearing is used for each test.
The friction bearing is further measured before each test, measuring 0.580 ounces. The bearing is then measured again once the test is complete, and the difference in weight establishes how well the oil did. Thus, the bearing will lose less weight from its initial 0.580 ounces and experience less friction between the wheel and the bearing, the better the oil is. Also, each oil used in the test was 5W-30.
Test Result
- Red Line – 0.578
- Valvoline – 0.579
- Liqui Molly – 0.579
- Mobile 1 – 0.579
- Motul – 0.575
- Supertech – 0.574
- Motorcraft – 0.569
- Royal Purple – 0.577
- Amazon Basics – 0.577
- Pennzoil – 0.575
- Amsoil – 0.580
- Castrol – 0.579
Given that the Valvoline bearing lost just 0.001 ounces whereas the Pennzoil bearing lost 0.005, it is clear that Pennzoil does not provide a very strong protective coating. Moreover, Pennzoil and Motul are tied for ninth rank with Pennzoline, while Valvoline and four other brands share second place. Because of this, Pennzoil finds these findings to be quite unsatisfactory.
This is an illustration of a friction test in action.
Test of Evaporation and Heat Dissipation between Valvoline and Pennzoil
The evaporation test aims to evaluate each oil’s ability to withstand evaporation. The test results will also reveal the oil’s efficiency and propensity to thin at high temperatures. The test is now set up such that a fixed quantity of each oil is put over a hob for a predetermined time.
The containers are then weighed again after the test, and the more weights each oil lost, the less it performed. In other words, the oil evaporates more quickly, the more of it is absent after the test.
The evaporation test and the heat dissipation test are carried out simultaneously. And the procedure involves measuring the oil’s temperature immediately after the test. Moreover, less heat buildup in the oil means it dissipates heat more effectively, improving its ability to lubricate under heavy loads. It also demonstrates how efficiently the oil controls engine temperature, which is even more significant given the critical function that motor oil plays in keeping engines cool.
Results of Evaporation Tests
- Pennzoil – 0.1
- Mobil 1 – 0.1
- Royal Purple – 0.2
- Supertech – 0.2
- Motorcraft – 0.3
- Amazon Basics – 0.1
- Castrol – 0
- Amsoil – 0
- Valvoline – 0.1
Pennzoil performs much better in the evaporation test than in the previous friction test. In this case, Pennzoil and Valvoline both dropped 0.1 ounces throughout the test and tied for second place with two other brands. Based on these findings and the preceding ones, we may conclude that Pennzoil is suitable for heavy-duty, high-temperature applications. In contrast, Valvoline is also suitable for high-performance engines that are more delicate.
Results of a Heat Dissipation Test
- Valvoline – 163F
- Castrol – 165F
- Pennzoil – 176F
- Amazon Basics – 176F
- Motorcraft – 180F
- Amsoil – 226F
- Mobil 1 – 324F
- Supertech – 330F
- Royal Purple – 349F
Valvoline comes out to be the greatest oil in dissipating heat, with a final temperature of only 163F. Castrol and Pennzoil are in close second and third position behind Valvoline. But, in each of these tests, Valvoline triumphs over Pennzoil handily.
Can I switch to Valvoline from Pennzoil?
Going from Pennzoil to Valvoline is possible since both motor oil brands are high caliber, and their performance differences are negligible. However, be sure the new Valvoline oil has the same base and viscosity rating. Also, if your automobile’s manufacturer suggests Pennzoil, you should stay with that; alternatively, if the manufacturer suggests Valvoline, you should purchase that.
Is Pennzoil a premium product?
Pennzoil is a premium oil, yes. Despite having issues from 1998 to 2002, Pennzoil is currently owned by Shell and produces some of the highest-quality motor oils available. Also, about a dozen automakers suggest Pennzoil for their engines, which should persuade you that Pennzoil is of good quality.
Is Valvoline Oil of Good Quality?
Valvoline oil is really of high quality. Valvoline was a pioneer in utilizing crude oil as the foundation for motor oil, and the corporation has more than 150 years of expertise. Other than that, Valvoline consistently ranks in the top three brands whenever tests are conducted against competing products.
Who Produces Oil of the Best Quality?
Who creates the oil of the greatest quality mostly depends on who you ask. However, the best motor oils available are those made by Castrol, Mobil-1, Valvoline, Liqui Moly, Amsoil, and Pennzoil. Castrol, Liqui Moly, Mobil-1, and Valvoline come out on top when considering each brand’s history, racing affiliations, and sponsorships.
Does an engine’s oil brand matter at all?
Indeed, the brand of oil is crucial to an engine. Motor oil may be of bad quality even though almost all companies produce the same viscosity ratings and have access to all oil bases. And when we consider how crucial motor oil is to an engine, it is easy to see why the brand and quality are equally significant.
Can I Combine Pennzoil with Valvoline?
Pennzoil and Valvoline may be combined. Even though it is not advised, mixing motor oils will not have any negative effects if you keep to the specifications that your engine needs. It denotes the proper oil base and viscosity. Also, because various viscosity oils are soluble, mixing them will not harm the engine; if possible, avoid doing so.
Why Is It Called Pennzoil?
Pennzoil was the initial name for Pennzoil. William Penn founded Pennsylvania, from which both Pennzoil & Quaker State are derived. Pennzoil is an acronym for William Penn’s Oil. Pennzoil was chosen as the new name as Pennsoil started to be pronounced by clients as Penn Soil.
How many miles can I drive with Valvoline and Pennzoil synthetic oil before needing an oil change?
Depending on the model, we can state that most auto manufacturers advise changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Nonetheless, your owner’s manual will always provide the appropriate oil change intervals.
Conclusion
We may infer that Pennzoil and Valvoline both provide top-notch motor oils, and neither is a bad choice. Even yet, if we want to find holes in the comparison, Valvoline has a long history and fewer ownership changes than Pennzoil, making it one of the industry’s veterans with 150 years of expertise.
All three tests we identified and presented had better findings for Valvoline, leading us to the only conclusion that Valvoline is superior. Yet, half a dozen automakers promote Pennzoil, and Shell, one of the greatest names in the industry, now owns the company. So once again, neither choice will let you down.