Are you looking for the best engine oil for your diesel vehicle and wondering which is better, Mobil Delvac vs Shell Rotella? Well, this detailed comparison of the two brands of engine oil will make it easier for you.
We’ll look at a quick comparison, followed by a detailed analysis of each. From what goes inside the oil to the benefits it can offer, everything you need to know, you’ll find it here.
So hang in there and read every section!
The top best product [hide]
Comparison
| Mobil Delvac | Shell Rotella |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 15W-40
Conventional, Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic 1 Quart, 1 Gallon API-CK4 Requirements: Varies API: C |
5W-40, 10W-30, 15W-40
Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic 1 Gallon API-CK4 Requirements: Pass API: C |
What is Mobil Delvac Oil? – Overview of Features
Mobil Delvac is Mobil’s engine oil brand for heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Mobil is one of the most popular companies for engine oils for both gas and diesel engines in the US. Compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes and offering good value for money, this brand is highly competitive.
The range includes all three: conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. You can even find advanced full synthetic variants.
As a diesel engine oil, its focus is on engine cleanliness and protection. Mobil Delvac 1300 Super SAE 15W-40 oil also offers high-temperature protection. This formula, in particular, is for heavy-duty truck engines.
It can meet the OEM requirements, even for some manufacturers that you won’t find on the list of other oil brands.
While their full synthetic products are still gaining traction, most truckers still use the synthetic blend and even the conventional oil.
For colder weather, the Mobil Delvac 1 ESP SAE 5W-40 and SAW 5W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy offer swift cold start in sub-zero temperatures. The 1300 range offers oxidation stability and soot control.
Mobil Delvac Major Specifications
Here are some major specifications for Mobil Delvac diesel engine oils:
- SAE Grades: 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 15W-40
- Labels: Mobil Delvac 1, Mobil Delvac 1 ESP, Mobil Delvac 1300 Super
- Package Volume: 1 US Gallon (3.78 L)
- Meets or Exceeds OEM Requirements
- Conventional Formula, Synthetic Blend Formula, Full Synthetic Formula, and Advanced Synthetic Formula
✅Purchase link: Buy Mobil Delvac at Amazon
Benefits of Mobil Delvac
Here’s why you should consider putting Mobil Delvac in your diesel engine:
-
- Good for Old Engines: These are especially good for older engines with over 100K miles on the odometer. It helps get rid of corrosion and prevent it in the future, which is vital for an aging engine.
- Reliable High-Temperature Performance: Almost all Mobil Delvac products are designed for heavy-duty engines that do a lot of hardwork on the road. The formulas, especially synthetic ones, can deliver high thermal resistance. This helps prevent the formation of sludge and deposits on the engine.
- Good Value for Money: Mobil Delvac oils, much like Mobil1, are pretty reasonably priced. If you’re looking for decent diesel engine oil without raising maintenance costs for your trucks, these oils are a good option.
<liIncreased Fuel Economy: As most trucks are commercial, saving money on fuel is important. Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic blends, as well as 1300 Super offer, improved fuel economy. The Advanced Fuel Economy formula is designed specifically for this purpose.
What Customers Say About Mobil Delvac?
Mobil Delvac seems to be a favorite among truckers who do a lot of heavy lifting. If you check the buyer reviews, especially on Mobil’s own website, they are generally favorable. This is mainly because Mobil generally enjoys a good reputation among diesel engine drivers.
There are, of course, exceptions, as this one trucker found out after changing to Shell Rotella T4 diesel engine oil. As he explains in the video, the oil pressure was pretty steady after moving to the Rotella oil. He found Rotella to be better than Mobil Delvac, which he had been using for the first 100,000 miles.
What is Shell Rotella? – Overview of Features
Shell Rotella is the motor oil brand by the Dutch petroleum giant Shell. Shell Rotella T is the line for heavy-duty diesel engine oils, best for trucks. The brand has been around for over 40 years, which is less than Mobil Delvac.
The number next to the T indicates the version of the oil, with six being the latest formula. Shell Rotella T6 is the most popular these days as it’s a full synthetic oil. Its Triple Protection Plus formula uses a high-quality synthetic base.
The Shell Rotella T5 is a synthetic blend, which, even though not fully synthetic, helps diesel engines meet emission requirements.
All products have American Petroleum Institue rating C, which is for diesel oils. The formulas vary by each specific oil product. For instance, the T6 formula uses additives that are great for removing soot, dirt, and other contaminants.
Shell Rotella Major Specifications
Here are some major specifications for Mobil Delvac diesel engine oils:
- SAE Grades: 5W-40, 10W-30, 15W-40
- Labels: Shell Rotella T4, Shell Rotella T5, and Shell Rotella T6
- Package Volume: 1 US Gallon (3.78 L)
- Meets or Exceeds OEM Requirements
- Synthetic Blend Formula, Full Synthetic Formula
✅Purchase link: Buy Shell Rotella at Amazon
Benefits of Shell Rotella
Here are some of the notable benefits of using a Shell Rotella diesel engine oil:
- Better Fuel Economy: This is something that both Mobil Delvac and Shell Rotella offer. The formula is designed to improve fuel consumption efficiency. Shell claims Rotella T6 can improve fuel economy by 1.5 percent, which may seem small but is still worth it, especially for transport trucks.
- Optimal Oil Pressure: Shell Rotella oils for diesel engines offer optimal oil pressure both when the truck is moving or idling. Also, it maintains the oil pressure during that time, so you see steady results.
- Better Performance: Thanks to the better fuel economy, engine clean-up, and optimal oil pressure, it generally delivers better performance. Interestingly, Shell itself has conducted performance tests comparing T6 with Mobil Delvac. Apparently, Delvac failed both CK4 and Volvo VDS 4.5 against Shell Rotella T6 15W-40. However, Mobil Delvac products meet the API-CK4 requirements as per their packaging.
- Better Cold Flow: Another big advantage of Shell Rotella oils is that they are great for sub-zero temperatures. As this cold flow test shows, Shell Rotella T4 15W-40 beats Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40. Although for a very cold start 5W would be a better option, the 15W by Shell Rotella doesn’t disappoint.
What Customers Say About Shell Rotella?
The online reviews regarding Shell Rotella T series diesel oils are mostly positive. Many truckers noted immediate improvement in performance, as many testimonials show.
Most users rave about the latest T6 synthetic formula, which is one of the best the company has produced so far. That said, even the older is T4 still a preferred option for many truckers.
