I asked Mobil about the differences between the Mobil 1 HM 5w30 SL vs SN versions. Here is what they said:
When an oil transitions from an outdated API spec to the most current API spec, it simply means that it has been re-certified to meet the industries highest standards. The specs of the SL rated VS the SN rated oil are virtually identical. All of the additives remain in tact, but now they have been certified at the highest level. The zinc and phosphorus levels remain at 1100 PPM and 1000 PPM, respectively, so the protection level has been untouched. Generally a transition between differing API specs means nothing more than insuring that the oil will perform well within a modern engine but occasionally an oil will get a large overall. This was not one of those shifts, so I see no issue with running the new SN formulation.
Any thoughts?
When an oil transitions from an outdated API spec to the most current API spec, it simply means that it has been re-certified to meet the industries highest standards. The specs of the SL rated VS the SN rated oil are virtually identical. All of the additives remain in tact, but now they have been certified at the highest level. The zinc and phosphorus levels remain at 1100 PPM and 1000 PPM, respectively, so the protection level has been untouched. Generally a transition between differing API specs means nothing more than insuring that the oil will perform well within a modern engine but occasionally an oil will get a large overall. This was not one of those shifts, so I see no issue with running the new SN formulation.
Any thoughts?