Choosing the right type of engine oil which is compatible with your car’s engine is the best way to make sure that your vehicle will run smoothly. Synthetic oils have gained popularity among experts because they offer fewer impurities, can withstand high temperatures, and last long. There are many brands in the market that produce synthetic oils. Pennzoil is one of them and promises maximum protection and performance to your car.
Pennzoil offers two popular options: Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum. Both these oils offer:
- Fewer impurities
- Same oil base
- Cleaning Additives
- Ability to handle higher temperatures
But what’s the difference between them and which one is right for you? Don’t worry, I’m here for your help.
In this article, I will walk you through the key differences between these two oils “Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum”. You can refer to the table of content below to quickly know what’s in this article.
Let’s get started!
Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum Overview
Pennzoil is one of the most renowned brands in the vehicle lubricant industry. The company was established in 1913 and other than engine oils they also make accessories like air filters and oil filters. Additionally, they also provide oil change services to the customers.
What’s more, they offer a transferable limited warranty with every oil purchase which has plenty of advantages. But of course, you will need to meet specific requirements. For example, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you qualify for this warranty you can easily enroll in the 10 to 15 years warranty options.
Do You Know?
“Pennzoil was the first company to make synthetic oil from natural oil”
Now you have the overview of Pennzoil, let’s dive into the Pennzoil Platinum vs Platinum Ultra.
Pennzoil Platinum vs Platinum Ultra
1- How they are Formulated?
Both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum synthetic oils are made using this pretty cool patented process Pennzoil has developed. It’s called PurePlus Technology and it’s all about turning natural gas into synthetic base oil, which is what goes into making these motor oils.
What makes it so special? Well, the process is so advanced that it can get the base oil to be incredibly pure, like 99.5% free of things you don’t want in your oil—stuff like sulfur, nitrogen, and other impure compounds.
The cool part is that the base oil that comes from natural gas performs even better than the one that comes from crude oil. But they don’t just stop there. Pennzoil also adds a bunch of specially chosen additives to make these oils even better at doing their job—keeping your engine well-lubricated and protected.
In the end, what you get with Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum is a super high-quality synthetic oil that’s been made to meet all the needs of modern engines.
2- Viscosity Comparison
When it comes to viscosity or thickness, there is a slight difference between Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum, especially when we consider the same viscosity grades. A test conducted by PQIA sheds light on this comparison.
Here are the results for the 5w30 viscosity grade. At a temperature of 100°C, the viscosity of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum measured 10.1 cSt, while Pennzoil Platinum measured 9.9 cSt. This means that when the engine warms up and reaches its normal operating temperature the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum remains slightly thicker than Pennzoil Platinum.
This slightly thicker consistency of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum provides a couple of benefits. It can create a bit more oil pressure and offer enhanced lubrication. Which is especially beneficial for high-performance cars.
3- Wear Protection
In terms of wear protection, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum takes the lead. It has a higher concentration of anti-wear additives as compared to Pennzoil Platinum. There are 3 most common anti-wear additives usually added to engine oils:
- Zinc: Zinc is added in the form of Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, in short, “ZDDP”. When exposed to high pressure and temperature in the engine ZDDP decomposes and releases zinc and phosphorus. Zinc forms a protective layer on the engine parts and reduces wear. ZDDP also acts as an antioxidant, preventing oil from oxidizing and thickening.
- Phosphorus: As I discussed above, when ZDDS is decomposed under higher pressure and temperature it releases zinc and phosphorus. Phosphorus works with zinc. Coupled with zinc, it forms a strong oil film over the engine parts and ensures maximum wear protection.
- Molybdenum: It is commonly included in the form of Molybdenum Disulfide. It is a natural lubricant. Under high pressure and temperature, molybdenum reacts with the metal surfaces and forms a low-friction layer. This layer reduces the metal-to-metal contact and minimizes the wear caused by friction. Even if the oil level falls below normal molybdenum continues its protective work. This is because it has the ability to adhere to the metal surfaces.
From the table below you can check the difference in the concentration of these antiwear additives in Pennzoil Platinum vs Platinum Ultra. I have taken these values from the test conducted by PQIA
Additive (ppm) | Pennzoil Ultra Platinum | Pennzoil Platinum |
Zinc | 789 | 715 |
Phosphorus | 708 | 627 |
Molybdenum | 86 | 81 |
So in terms of wear protection Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has an edge over Pennzoil Platinum.
Industry Standards Compliance: Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum
When it comes to evaluating engine oils, industry standards compliance is a key factor to consider.
Both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum synthetic oils adhere to the latest industry standards, including ACEA, API SP, and ILSAC. These standards are designed to ensure optimal engine cleansing and protection. And particularly focus on addressing challenges associated with Gasoline Direct Injection engines and Low-Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI) issues.
It’s important to note that Pennzoil Platinum has consistently met the highest industry standards, including API SN+, and Dexos1 Gen 2. These certifications demonstrate its commitment to delivering top-notch performance and protection for your engine.
While Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, in the past, did not meet the API SP standards specifically developed to combat LSPI issues, it has been continuously improved. The older stock of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum conformed to the API SN standard. However, both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum now meet the API SP standard, exceeding the previous API SN+ requirements.
Regarding Dexos1 Gen 2 certification, Pennzoil Platinum has attained this prestigious recognition, indicating its exceptional quality and performance. On the other hand, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum has not pursued Dexos1 Gen 2 certification. This could be attributed to business decisions and the associated costs. Some industry experts speculate that the Dexos licensing program might be perceived as an attempt by GM to secure a share of the profit from motor oil sales.
However, it’s important to consider user experiences and real-world performance. Numerous users have reported positive outcomes when using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in GM vehicles. One such user shared their firsthand experience, stating:
“In the GM 3.6DI engine, Pennzoil Ultra has performed admirably, comparable to any other oil I’ve tried.”
To summarize, both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum meet the latest industry standards.
Cleaning Property Comparison: Pennzoil Platinum vs Ultra Platinum
When it comes to engine oils, their cleaning properties play a significant role in maintaining optimal engine performance. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is well-known for its excellent cleaning action, allowing for longer oil change intervals and making it particularly suitable for vehicles with over 100,000 miles on the odometer. This remarkable cleaning ability is attributed to the higher concentrations of two main detergent additives: calcium and magnesium.
In Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, the concentration of calcium stands at 1164 ppm, while magnesium is present at 753 ppm. In comparison, Pennzoil Platinum contains slightly lower concentrations, with calcium at 1006 ppm and magnesium at 674 ppm.
It’s important to note that if you own a turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine, especially an older one, it’s advisable to use Pennzoil Platinum rather than Ultra Platinum. The reason behind this recommendation lies in the higher concentration of calcium in engine oils, which can increase the frequency of Low-Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI) events in such engines.
Viscosity Grades: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum vs Pennzoil Platinum
Let’s compare the viscosity grades available for Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum through the following table:
Viscosity Grade | Pennzoil Platinum | Pennzoil Ultra Platinum |
---|---|---|
SAE 0W-16 | Available | Not Available |
SAE 0W-20 | Available | Available |
SAE 5W-20 | Available | Available |
SAE 5W-30 | Available | Available |
SAE 10W-30 | Available | Available |
SAE 10W-60 | Available | Not Available |
SAE 0W-40 | Not Available | Available |
It’s worth noting that the SAE 10W-60 viscosity grade is only available in Pennzoil Platinum. It is primarily designed for racing cars, emphasizing its suitability for extreme performance applications.
Engine Compatibility
When it comes to engine compatibility, both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum work well with a wide range of vehicles. They are suitable for cars, SUVs, light vans, and trucks with gasoline engines.
For turbocharged engines, Pennzoil Platinum is a preferred choice. It offers better compatibility, especially in turbocharged downsized gasoline engines. If you have an older turbocharged engine, Pennzoil Platinum provides added protection against issues like premature combustion and Low-Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI), which can lead to engine knocks.
However, both Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum offer great compatibility and can be used in various vehicles under normal driving conditions. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a professional to ensure the best oil compatibility for your specific engine.
FAQs
Both Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and Platinum are excellent synthetic oils, each with its own unique advantages. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum offers enhanced anti-wear and cleaning protection, making it a popular choice for many vehicle owners. However, Pennzoil Platinum also provides reliable performance and protection. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific engine needs and preferences.
Absolutely! Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is indeed a genuine synthetic oil. It is created using Pennzoil’s innovative gas-to-liquid PurePlus Technology, which converts pure natural gas into high-quality full synthetic base oil. This advanced process ensures that your engine receives complete protection, improves fuel economy, and delivers optimal performance even in extreme temperature conditions.
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is known for its better cleaning properties and higher wear resistance, allowing for extended oil change intervals. It can typically be good for 7,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer.
I hope this detailed comparison has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision for your vehicle. Your feedback and personal experiences are valuable to me. Feel free to share your comments and thoughts below in the comment section.
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