Protection & Performance: Exploring the Benefits of Low Viscosity (0W) Motor Oils

As the design of modern cars, SUVs and pickup trucks continually evolves, one of the most significant changes has been to engine technology. In recent years as the government has proposed substantially higher fuel economy standards, vehicle manufacturers have focused on increasing fuel economy range through the development of high efficiency engines, incorporating gasoline direct injection engines, turbo charger and novel engine management systems. 

With these changes, engines are now designed to run on thinner motor oils compared to older engines which run on 5W-20, 5W-30 or even 10W-30. Newer engines are smaller, tighter and run hotter; thus, they require thinner motor oils to maximize the efficiencies of these engines and still protect critical engine parts. Pennzoil has worked hand-in-hand with vehicle manufacturers to develop modern day motor oils which focus on zero-weight (0W) grades such as 0W-40, 0W-30, 0W-20 and more recently, 0W-16.

Pennzoil offers a portfolio of 0W motor oils designed to meet the specifications of modern vehicle engine requirements including:

Beyond fuel economy, low viscosity motor oils within the Pennzoil Platinum portfolio are also Carbon Neutral. Shell Lubricants is helping to drive the future by reducing our carbon footprint and is committed to providing lower-carbon alternatives. To do this, Pennzoil is avoiding emissions by improving the efficiency of the Pennzoil production process and product design which contains less packaging. Additional alternatives include implementing nature-based solutions, including activities related to the protection, creation, or redevelopment of natural ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands and wetlands, to help absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Pennzoil is the first motor oil Made From Natural Gas

Unlike traditional synthetic motor oils made from crude oil, Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic motor oils are made from natural gas. The goal of Pennzoil is to provide the correct viscosity lubricant which still offers the highest level of engine protection . For engines able to use a 0W motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum Synthetic 0W motor oils are engineered to provide unsurpassed wear protection³.

Most domestic and many Asian import vehicles currently requiring 5W-20 motor oil may also use 0W-20 motor oil. These low viscosity motor oils enable easier flow upon cold starts to quickly reach and lubricate engine parts and provide better fuel economy benefits (compared to higher viscosity grades such as SAE 5W-20) and do so without any compromise in engine protection or performance. Pennzoil SAE 0W-20 is designed to provide enhanced fuel economy and provides the same engine protection for use in vehicles currently using SAE 5W-20.

In 2018, Pennzoil Platinum SAE 0W-16 Full Synthetic motor oil was introduced in North America and is recommended for use in all vehicles requiring SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade motor oils. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic SAE 0W-16 is engineered to provide better fuel economy⁴, and unsurpassed wear protection⁵ .

With the continued development of high efficiency engines and the growing use of 0W oils, Pennzoil is prepared to meet the challenges of today’s engines. More than 40 years of research and development went into the creation of Pennzoil Synthetic motor oil made from natural gas and ensures that Pennzoil is prepared to provide the protection needed for advanced engine technology.

Available Pennzoil 0W motor oil viscosities include:

• Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™  Full Synthetic Motor Oil: SAE 0W-20, SAE 0W-40
• Pennzoil Platinum^® Full Synthetic Motor Oil: SAE 0W-20, SAE 0W-16
• Pennzoil Platinum^® Euro Full Synthetic Motor Oil: SAE 0W-30, SAE 0W-40
• Pennzoil Platinum^® High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil: SAE 0W-20

^{1 Compared to conventional motor oils}

^{2 Compared with API SN specification based on ASTM D4684}

^{3 Based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30}

^{4 Exceeds Sequence VIF fuel economy test}

^{5 Compared to industry standard Sequence IVA}