Hello. I live in Europe and for the last 4+ years I have used Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 synthetic oil. Never had any issues or bad experience with it. However, the question of its genuineness has always been in my thoughts. I have watched couple of videos on youtube (mostly in Russian), claiming they know how to distinct the fake Mobil1 oil from the original. They compare the tubes, lighten the red "O" in "Mobil" with UV light to see if it changes the colour, scrutinize the manufacturing date under the label, search for discrepancy between the labels. I don't know how reliable these tests are but honestly the oil that I bought couple of days ago (still in the tube unopened) fails all these tests which would mean it could be fake too. It is also important to say that despite the massive regulations and control our market is flooded with oils of unknown origin. There was a scandal here couple of years ago regarding an illegal factory which produced unlicensed low quality oil putting it into boxes which looked original. They arrested these individuals and sued them but I don't know how everything finished. Of course, I always try to buy my oil from reputable stores and they all claim their oils are genuine and they are all licensed but the doubt always remains. Anyways, I have couple of questions, so you guys might be able to help:
1. How do you make sure that the oil (especially Mobil1) is genuine?
2. Do you just buy oil trusting the merchant or do you demand any additional information about it?
3. Could the UV light be used as a reliable test to distinct the label and its originality?
4. Have you ever come across fake oil?
5. Have you ever sent samples to a lab to compare if a product has the same specifications as the manufacturer claims?
Thanks a lot for the answers in advance.
By the way, I have made some pictures of the tube, so they are available to be attached if anyone likes to see them. Who knows, maybe the experts would be able to judge just by looking at them. The Youtube videos are also ready to be shared.
1. How do you make sure that the oil (especially Mobil1) is genuine?
2. Do you just buy oil trusting the merchant or do you demand any additional information about it?
3. Could the UV light be used as a reliable test to distinct the label and its originality?
4. Have you ever come across fake oil?
5. Have you ever sent samples to a lab to compare if a product has the same specifications as the manufacturer claims?
Thanks a lot for the answers in advance.
By the way, I have made some pictures of the tube, so they are available to be attached if anyone likes to see them. Who knows, maybe the experts would be able to judge just by looking at them. The Youtube videos are also ready to be shared.