Pennzoil Platinum Vs Ultra Platinum
Motor oil keeps the engine and its components running smoothly. It lubricates the system to prevent corrosion, grinding, damage, and wear & tear. There are different engine oils in the market to suit various engine models, climatic conditions, and driver requirements. Synthetic oils are popular. They contain fewer impurities and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Pennzoil is a motor oil brand established in 1913. It is one of the market’s leading brands and a go-to choice for motor lubrication. It is the first brand to create synthetic oils by using an innovative gas-to-liquid process. The company patented it as PurePlus technology. This method converts natural gas to base oil. The base oil is mixed with additives to create synthetic oil for different purposes.
Motor oil is a lubricant and keeps the pistons clean. It increases fuel efficiency, reduces the loss of power, and improves the vehicle’s overall performance. Platinum and Ultra Platinum are two famous motor oils by Pennzoil.
We’ll read about both the oils in detail to understand their similarities, differences, benefits, and disadvantages.
Pennzoil Platinum Oil Overview
Pennzoil Platinum is synthetic motor oil derived from natural gas instead of crude oil. It is available in different packages, and some are fully synthetic oils (Pennzoil 550046126-3PK). It offers superb fuel economy and protection for the components in the car’s engine.
The oil is a great choice for modern turbo engines. It prevents issues like
- Premature combustion
- Low-speed pre-ignition
- Excess noise
- Engine failure
- Loss of power
- Unwanted friction
Pennzoil Platinum can keep the pistons cleaner by up to 45%. When the pistons don’t have too much carbon buildup or dirt, they work in the natural movement set by the manufacturer. This keeps the engine smooth. You won’t feel any jerks when driving the car. Pennzoil Platinum is synthetic. It can withstand the changing temperatures and continue to deliver optimal performance. Furthermore, it is suitable for diesel engines as well.
Ultra Platinum Oil Overview
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil is also derived from natural gas using PurePlus technology. As the name suggests, it is a little more refined and better than Platinum oil. The Pennzoil – 550045201-3PK is fully synthetic Ultra Platinum oil that delivers high performance and keeps the engine at its best. It is known to provide the following:
- Maintain horsepower and torque
- Enhance driving experience
- Clean pistons, and engine
- Improve fuel economy
- Sustain temperature changes
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil is used in luxury and high-end cars. It is suitable for SUVs and larger vehicles like vans and trucks. The motor oil is versatile enough to use with petrol and diesel engines. Engine protection is a major advantage of using this motor oil. Dry pistons are a thing of the past once you start using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil.
Industry Standards for Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum Oils
Industry standards are vital when determining the quality of a product. Motor oils are no exception. Quality engine oil increases the lifespan of the engine and its components. ACEA, API, and ILSAC are three industry standards that measure motor oil’s quality and performance.
ACEA is Association des Constructeurs Europeens de l’Automobile or Association of European Engine Manufacturers. API is American Petroleum Institute, and ILSAC is International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee. Each standard gives different ratings/ grades to motor oils.
Pennzoil Platinum:
- ACEA- A1/B1-10, A1/B1-12, A5/B5-10, and A5/B5-12
- API- SN, SM, SL, and SJ
- ILSAC- GF-6
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum:
- ACEA- A1/B1-10, A1/B1-12, A5/B5-10, and A5/B5-12
- API- SN, SM, SL, and SJ
- ILSAC- higher than GF-6
Both oils by Pennzoil belong to the Group III category, also called hydrocracked oils. The sulfur and saturates composition levels and viscosity index are used to grade motor oils in different groups (from I to V).
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum Oils have a viscosity level of more than 120 with less than 0.03% sulfur and 90% or more of the saturate combination. Though the oils are mineral-based, the company follows an elaborate process of filtering and refining. This makes the oils fully synthetic at the end of the process.
Performance of Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum Oils
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum Oils are known for their performance. They prevent the engine from wearing out. The oils keep the pistons and engine components clean. The motor oils coat the components and prevent dryness or crankiness. A smoother and well-running engine will give you more control over the vehicle.
Pennzoil Platinum vs. Ultra Platinum
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum Oils have a few similarities. They are produced using similar methods and deliver high-end performance. Protecting the engine is the primary goal of both oils. However, Platinum and Ultra Platinum are not the same. Let’s find out how they differ.
Compatibility with the Engine
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are compatible with trucks, vans, SUVs, personal cars, and off-road models. General Motors gave the oils a GM dexos1™ certification to mark that the oils are compatible with their engines built in 2011 and afterward.
However, you cannot use either oil for GM vehicles. If you have a turbocharged engine or diesel engine, Platinum oil works the best. It prevents low-speed ignition and premature combustion.
Ultra Platinum oil delivers extreme or much better performance, which is more suited for sports vehicles or luxury cars. It maintains the torque and horsepower of the engine, irrespective of whether you use an old car or a new one. You can use both petrol and diesel engines.
Viscosity
Pennzoil Platinum has seven viscosity levels, while Ultra Platinum has five. They are as follows:
- Pennzoil Platinum: 0W16, 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W30, and 10W60
- Ultra Platinum: 0W20, 0W40, 5W20, 5W30, and 10W30
Both oils are suitable for all weather conditions, and Platinum has a better range. Yet, Ultra Platinum oil works the best during colder conditions. If you want maximum protection during cold weather, use Ultra Platinum. That said, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid engine damage.
Piston Cleaning
Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are synthetic oils that keep the piston clean and prevent sludge/ dirt. Since the oils are all-weather suitable, they maintain texture and consistency in extreme temperatures.
So, which of the two oils cleans better?
Pennzoil Platinum provides 40% extra clean pistons. Ultra Platinum is 25% additional better than Platinum. That means Pennzoil Ultra Platinum keeps the pistons 65% cleaner than other motor oils.
Pricing
As expected, Ultra Platinum is slightly expensive compared to Pennzoil Platinum oil. But it is cost-effective as it increases the mileage and improves fuel economy.
Remember that both oils will be costlier than conventional oils because of the manufacturing and refined process involved in producing synthetic oils.
Factors | Pennzoil Platinum oil | Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil |
Viscosity | 0W16, 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W30, and 10W60 | 0W20, 0W40, 5W20, 5W30, and 10W30 |
Engine Compatibility | Diesel or turbocharged engine | Petrol and diesel engines plus luxury and sports vehicles |
Piston Cleaning | Up to 40% cleaner than conventional oil | Up to 65% cleaner than conventional oil |
No. of Miles | Up to 300,000 miles or ten years (for fully synthetic variants) | Up to 500,000 miles or fifteen years, depending on the engine’s age |
Cost | More expensive than conventional oil | More expensive than Pennzoil Platinum oil |
Pros and Cons of Pennzoil Platinum
Pros
- Better mileage
- Minimize wear and tear
- Smooth driving
- Reduces engine noise
Cons
- Not compatible with all engines
- Not safe for the environment when not disposed of carefully
Pros and Cons of Ultra Platinum Oil
Pros
- Performance utility
- Best for luxury and sports cars
- Engine maintenance
- Versatility
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Needs to be disposed of carefully to prevent environmental harm.
FAQs
- Can I mix Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum oils?
Technically, you can mix both oils if their viscosity is the same. They are produced by the same brand, after all. However, it is not recommended as it can affect the engine in the long run.
- Can I mix synthetic oils?
Mixing motor oils won’t increase the performance. But in case of emergencies, you can mix synthetic oils of the same brand as long as they have the same viscosity.
- Can I mix Pennzoil oils with other brands like Mobil 1?
You can mix Pennzoil Platinum with Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil if they have the same viscosity. That doesn’t work for all motor oils.
Final Words
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is an upgraded and better version of Platinum. It is versatile and scores more points than Platinum in almost every category. However, all vehicles don’t require ultra-high-end performance. In such instances, Pennzoil Platinum works the best.
The safest way to keep your engine in perfect condition is by following the manufacturer’s recommendations and not mixing oils.