More or less answering my own question concerning 0W-30 weight oil

["Sean Ford" <sean@nwh.org>]

I found the following press release in the SAE web site
(http:\\www.sae.org). Just in case anyone else was wondering:

Mobil Introduces Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 Provides Greater Extreme Temperature
Protection

FAIRFAX, VA -- November 5, 1996 --(NYSE: MOB) today announced the addition
of Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 to its line of Mobil 1 fully synthetic
motor oils. The new lower viscosity formulation will provide superior
engine protection versus conventional motor oils at temperatures ranging
from 400 degrees F to 50 degrees F below zero.

"We specifically engineered Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 to deliver
greater engine protection over a wider temperature range," said George
Madden, Mobil's General Manager for Lubricants Business. "This breakthrough
development is especially beneficial for passenger vehicles -- both
gasoline and diesel powered, that must perform under heavily-loaded driving
conditions."

And because Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 flows six times faster than
conventional motor oils, "It reaches an engine's vital parts faster to
provide greater wear protection during cold weather start-ups," Madden
said.

"Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 will continue to flow even at 50 degrees F
below zero -- where conventional oils are essentially frozen solid."

Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 exceeds API Service SJ,SH/CF and ILSAC GF-2
warranty requirements for gasoline and diesel engines, as well as European
ACEA and Japanese valve train wear requirements. It is compatible with
conventional and synthetic engine oils.

Consumer benefits from Mobil 1 Extreme Formula 0W-30 include:



•eases and aids engine start-ups with less wear based on exceptional flow
characteristics
•easier engine starts reduce wear and tear on starters and batteries
•outstanding high temperature protection, especially under heavily-loaded
driving conditions
•helps reduce oil consumption based on low volatility
•protects against engine wear by providing a strong protective barrier
against metal-to-metal contact
•provides excellent fuel economy while protecting engine parts



Mobil first introduced its line of fully synthetic motor oils in 1975 and
released a major reformulation in 1992.

Synthetic motor oils differ from conventional motor oils in that their base
fluid molecules -- or basic building blocks -- are purposely "engineered"
to be of ideal size. Being designed, or "built" from basic chemical
components, synthetic lubricants are more stable and free-flowing in hot
and cold temperature extremes.

Undesirable properties that may remain in a conventional mineral oil, such
as waxes, are excluded via the synthetic process.

Sean Ford
sean@nwh.org
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Newton, MA  02162 (USA)
'92 Audi 100CS 5spd  18K miles (and counting!)
'89 Suzuki Katana 600 14K miles (and stilll hibernating because of this
godda**ed snow!)