You may have seen many folks proclaiming on the internet forums that there should be no problem if you switch for Kirkland oil from Mobil 1. Kirkland motor oil is slightly cheaper and has almost similar specs to Mobil 1, so should there be any problems?
So far, I haven’t seen anyone having any troubles with Kirkland engine oil. But the problem is they have entered the market very recently, while Mobil 1 has been dominating the scene way back from the 70s. So it’s like comparing a reliable person you’ve known for decades with a new kid in the neighborhood.
So to get clearer pictures of which one has got the edge between Kirkland vs. Mobil 1 engine oil, we have decided to weigh their performance, shell life, mileage, and other necessary benchmarks here.
Kirkland synthetic oil vs Mobil 1
Manufacturers history
Who owns Mobil 1?
Mobil 1 is owned and manufactured by ExxonMobil, one of the most renowned brands in the energy sector.
Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil was developed by the same team who designed motor oil for power diesel engines in the oil rigs drilling down in Alaska during the late 60s. Then In 1974, ExxonMobil released a new type of motor oil that would revolutionize the industry. This oil, called Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil, was made from a synthetic base stock and had superior performance to conventional motor oils. Mobil 1 has caught on instantly and has become synonymous with synthetic motor oil.
Who owns Kirkland oil?
A quite renowned brand, Costco, markets Kirkland’s signature motor oil. Costco’s Kirkland signature motor oil was first introduced in 2004. Costco is a big chain of retail shops, but the catch here is they don’t manufacture Kirkland signature motor oil. It is manufactured by another company, The Warren distribution, which is pretty old and one of the largest oil distributors in North America. They manufacture the Kirkland signature motor oil for Costco.
Mileage
Mobil 1 Mileage
Mobil 1’s oils are designed and formulated to improve fuel economy. But the truth is, it depends on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and the climate you live in. Most experts agree that mobile 1 engine oil is good for at least 20,000 miles. However, if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or under extreme conditions such as hot or cold weather, you may need to change your oil more frequently.
Kirkland Mileage
Kirkland motor oil can last for up to 7,500 miles. This is a great option for those who don’t drive a lot or don’t live in extreme conditions. So if you live in a city or work around a small town, Kirkland motor oil is quite a good option on a budget.
Oil price
Oil prices depend on a few factors, including the type of oil you need and the size of the container. However, if you need a larger quantity or a different type of oil, the price will vary. Let’s compare the oil prices of Kirkland vs. Mobil 1 engine oil to get an idea.
Mobil 1 price
A twelve-pack of one quart Mobil 1 engine oil costs around $60. That’s less than $6 per quart, which is good for the quality and performance Mobil 1 provides.
Kirkland price
A twelve-pack of one-quart bottles is currently selling for just under $30. That’s just over $2 per bottle, which is a good price for a good quality motor oil.
Performance
Mobil 1 Performance
Today, Mobil 1 is one of the most popular synthetic motor oils on the American market. It is used by many of the world’s top racing teams other than being used in light vans, passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
- The oil is also used in many high-performance vehicles, such as Formula One and NASCAR stock cars.
- Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to protect your engine under extreme conditions.
- It can help your engine run better and last longer.
- Mobil 1 can help prevent sludge build-up and engine wear.
- Excellent low-temperature properties can protect your engine in cold weather.
Kirkland engine oil
Kirkland engine oil is made from a blend of synthetic and conventional oils and is designed to meet or exceed the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
- Kirkland engine oil is designed to provide superior protection and enhanced engine performance.
- This motor oil is formulated with an advanced additive technology that helps to prevent engine wear,
- Provides excellent protection against corrosion and deposits.
- It is designed to keep your engine clean and running smoothly.
Additives
What are the Additives used by Mobil 1?
Mobile 1 engine oil contains a variety of additives that help improve its performance and extend its life. Here is a list of these additives that protect against extreme temperatures and extended drain intervals.
| Additives | Benefits |
| Detergents and dispersants | Keep the oil clean by preventing the formation of deposits and sludge |
| Antioxidants | Help prevent the oil from breaking down and becoming corrosive. |
| Viscosity modifiers | Help the oil maintain its thickness and protect against wear. |
| Anti-foam agents | Prevent the oil from foaming and becoming less effective. |
What are the Additives used by Kirkland?
Here is a list of additives used in Kirkland motor oil and what benefits these additives provide for your car’s engine.
| Additive | Benefit |
| Zinc | Protect against wear and tear and improve fuel economy. |
| Sodium | Corrosion protection |
| Phosphorus | Protect against corrosion and help improve engine performance |
| Molybdenum | Protect against wear and tear |
| Titanium | Protect against wear and tear. Improves the performance of the engine as well |
| Potassium | Improve the performance of the engine. |
| Calcium | Protect against wear and tear |
Oil Variations
How many Different Types of oils are offered by Mobil 1?
Mobil 1 offers various types of oils, each designed for different types of engines. Here’s a list of the different types of Mobil 1 engine oils:
- Mobil 10W-20
- Mobil 1 0w 30
- Mobil 1 0w 40
- Mobil 1 5w 30
- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
- Mobil 1 fs x2 5w 40
- Mobil 1 fs x2 5w 50
- Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30
How many Different Types of oils are offered by Kirkland?
Kirkland motor oil has a rather small line of products, offering only three types of engine oils. They are SAE 5W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-20.
Durability
What is the average shelf life of the Mobil 1 engine oil?
The average shelf life of Mobil 1 engine oil is about five years. However, it is important to note that this is only an estimate. The actual shelf life may be shorter or longer depending on several factors, including how the oil is stored and the conditions under which it is used.
What is the average shelf life of the Kirkland motor oil?
The average shelf life of Kirkland motor oil is three to five years. However, storing it in a cool, dark place can last up to five years.
Final Words
You generally get what you pay for when it comes to motor oil. So, if you are looking for a top-of-the-line product, you can expect to pay a bit more.
If you pick Mobil 1 for your vehicle, you are getting a quality product without having to break the bank. However, it will cost you almost two times more than Kirkland motor oil.
So, if you are looking to save some money, you can always opt for a Kirkland motor oil. But then you have to give up the extra mileage that Mobil 1 provides you.