The oil type you choose can make or break your engine. If you’re like most automobile enthusiasts, you are familiar with reputable brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline, and Shell. But the motor oil market has other reliable brands for your vehicle.
Quaker State and Pennzoil engine oils are great options that have rivaled each other since their debut. They’re synthetic oil brands and products of Shell Oil Company. But which is the better oil brand for your specific needs?
This Quaker State vs Pennzoil comparison will help you choose the brand that suits your vehicle’s engine.
Answer: Quaker State Overview
Quaker State is a synthetic motor oil designed for optimal performance and ultimate protection. It’s a budget-friendly option available in different variations. The oil will protect your engine and transmission system during out-of-town travel, towing, or lifting.
You can use this oil in high-performance vehicles, especially those with technologically advanced engines. This motor oil will ensure better performance and protection for your sports car, minivan, truck, or SUV.
Quaker State protects against the accumulation of sludge and harmful deposits that can affect the engine’s performance. As a result, the engine delivers more power while improving fuel efficiency. Besides, this oil maintains its viscosity, ensuring excellent lubrication in low and high temperatures.
Pros of Quaker State
- Affordable
- Engine protection at any temperature
- Increased oil change frequency
- Prevents sludge buildup
- Protects the engine against rust
- It’s durable
Cons of Quaker State
- Prone to leakages
- It can cause loud engine noise
Answer: Pennzoil Overview
Pennzoil is a 100% synthetic motor oil providing complete engine protection and performance. It’s a higher-priced oil than Quaker State, and users regard it as a high-quality engine oil. One interesting aspect about this oil is that it’s made with natural gas to help increase the engine’s lifetime.
The oil comes from a full-synthetic base oil that boosts its quality features. Due to that, Pennzoil is great at protecting your engine from friction and corrosion. It prevents sludge buildup, ensuring the engine’s peak performance and better fuel economy.
Whether used in low or high temperatures, Pennzoil will ensure faster flow and protection against heat. The oil is suitable for high-performance engines like luxury or sports cars.
Pros of Pennzoil
- Fully synthetic
- Made from natural gas
- Better cleaning abilities
- Good performance in all weather conditions
- Better fuel economy
Cons Pennzoil
- A bit expensive
- The engine might get louder
Answer: Quaker State vs Pennzoil: Comparison
| Specs | Quaker State | Pennzoil |
| Oil type | Synthetic blend | Full synthetic |
| Engine type | Gasoline | Gasoline & diesel |
| Made from | Crude oil | Natural gas |
| Available viscosity grade | SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30 | SAE 0W-16, 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30 |
| Oil change frequency | 12,000-15,000 | 10,000-12,000 |
| Additives | Zinc, synthetic hydrocarbons, and polyalphaolefins | Zinc/ZDDP |
| Fuel efficiency | Good | Better performance |
Oil Type
Quaker State is a synthetic blend, while Pennzoil is fully synthetic. Quaker State comes from crude oil mixed with technologically advanced oil. Synthetic blend engine oils are semi-refined.
In contrast, Pennzoil comes from a sophisticated process that turns natural gas into motor oil. It’s a modern and innovative oil that provides unbeatable engine protection.
Performance
Both motor oils show better engine protection and performance in low and high temperatures. They’ll protect the engine against sludge and other deposits.
Thanks to its 100% synthetic base oil, Pennzoil is a better-performing oil. Its hyper-cleaning technology keeps the engine and catalytic converters clean, thus increasing their lifespans.
Pennzoil improves lubrication to reduce friction and engine wear. It contains ZDDP additives that create a protective layer between metal parts.
On the other hand, Quaker State is a synthetic blend oil that helps sustain engine and catalytic converters’ effectiveness. However, its synthetic blend makes this motor oil less refined than Pennzoil. It’s also susceptible to pollutants.
Quaker State will protect the engine against friction and excessive wear. It’ll also ensure good performance in low and soaring temperatures.
Engine Type
Both motor oils are ideal for gasoline engines. You can use them in high-performance cars with technologically advanced or average-power engines.
Pennzoil motor oil can work in gasoline and diesel engines. Most people prefer this oil for their powerful engines, like sports cars and luxury vehicles. As a pure synthetic oil, Pennzoil will adequately meet your engine’s requirements.
Additives
The best additives for motor oil can help boost engine protection and performance. Thankfully, both oils have Zinc or ZDDP as an additive known for its sticking power. This additive creates a thin protective layer between metal parts, thus reducing wear despite load situations.
The only difference is that Quaker State has other additives like synthetic hydrocarbons and polyalphaolefins to improve its durability.
Oil Change Frequency
When comparing Quaker State vs Pennzoil, determining how often you’ll need to change the oils is essential. Both offer protection for thousands of miles, but Quaker State will last longer.
Pennzoil motor oil will need changing between 10,000 miles and 12,000 miles. Failure to change oil will cause engine performance to drop.
Contrastingly, you must change Quaker State between 12,000 miles and 15,000 miles. Quaker State’s durability helps in increasing oil change frequency.
Fuel Efficiency
Pennzoil motor oil uses a hyper-cleaning technology to prevent sludge buildup and other impurities. As a result, the engine performs efficiently, reducing fuel consumption. An efficient engine will produce more horsepower, better acceleration, and low emissions.
On the other hand, Quaker State’s additives help in reducing friction and sludge buildup. It boosts the engine’s performance in low and high temperatures, maximizing fuel efficiency.
Viscosity
Quaker State and Pennzoil are available in different viscosities, making them reliable in all temperatures. Their viscosities will vary with temperature changes, but generally, they’ll lubricate and protect engine parts in low and high temperatures.
Pennzoil has viscosities of 10w-30, 5W-30, 5W-20, 0W-20, and 0W-16. Conversely, Quaker State has viscosities of 10W-30, 5W-30, 5W-20, and 0W-20.
Cost
Quaker State is Shell’s bargain-basement oil brand. So, if you’re on a budget but looking for high-quality motor oil, go for Quaker State.
Verdict
This Quaker State vs Pennzoil comparison helps you choose your favorite motor oil. If you’re interested in high-performance oil for luxury vehicles or sports cars, go for Pennzoil. This oil will also offer better cleaning abilities and fuel efficiency. It’s also a good choice for individuals with gasoline and diesel engines.
Quaker State is a good choice for car owners on a tight budget. Despite having a lower price tag, this oil guarantees improved performance in any weather. It comes with an increased oil change frequency.