Exxon Mobil Corporation

While the average car owner spends a great deal of time and money on his or her
automobile purchase, many don't take the time to learn how to properly care for
their investment. Pat Goss, longtime mechanic and owner of Goss' Garage at
Crystal Ford in Silver Spring, Md., as well as co-host of the PBS television
show "MotorWeek," understands that consumers often feel confused about the
numerous automotive care products available and about the benefits of those
products.

Goss believes the single most important area in which consumers can get the
greatest protection for their investment is by selecting the right motor oil.

"There is no question that one of the best things a consumer can do to protect
his or her car's engine is to follow proper manufacturer recommended oil-change
intervals and use a synthetic engine oil," he says.

Today, drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. The average
car on the road is more than seven years old and has more than 75,000 miles on
it. Also, today's new car engines are designed to increase fuel economy and
improve emission controls, which puts more stress than ever on motor oils.

"Built" for better performance

Few drivers are concerned about the science behind the formulation of motor
oils, but most want to know how the lubricants will benefit them. Synthetic
lubricants, when compared to conventional motor oils, offer critical performance
benefits, including:

    --  Superior protection in low temperatures, enabling easier and faster
        start-ups in cold weather (as low as -40 degrees F);

    --  Enhanced high-temperature durability, reducing oxidation and wear on
        critical engine parts (up to 400 degrees F);

    --  Reduced oil consumption under high-speed conditions;

    --  Superior performance under heavy engine loads/stresses, such as hauling
        and towing; and

    --  Increased stability and better control of deposits that can impede flow
        and lead to higher wear.

Common misconceptions

Goss notes that over the past several years, he has received more questions
about synthetics.

"I think people are becoming more aware of synthetics, but there are still many
misconceptions," he says. "A common misunderstanding is that synthetics should
be used only in new cars and not older cars. Another is that synthetics can
destroy seals. The fact is, those statements are not true at all."

Another big misconception, says Goss, is that new engines require a break-in
period with conventional oil, and then drivers can switch to a synthetic. In
fact, today's engine technology does not require this break-in period.

To further prove his point, Goss points out that Mobil 1 -- the #1 selling
synthetic motor oil, and the oil he personally uses -- is factory fill and
service fill for a number of the world's finest performance vehicles, including
numerous Mercedes-Benz models, Chevrolet Corvette, all Porsche and Aston Martin
cars, Cadillac XLR, Dodge Viper and Ford Mustang Cobra R. Despite the growing
popularity of synthetics like Mobil 1, there are many other fallacies that
continue to be spread, including:

Fallacy: Mobil 1 requires a special oil filter. 

Fact: Although a high-quality filter is recommended, you can use the
same type of filter that you would with conventional oil.

Fallacy: Motorcycles can't benefit from synthetic oil. 

Fact: Mobil 1 offers three fully synthetic motor oils for motorcycles.

Fallacy: Using synthetic oil will void a new-car warranty. 

Fact: With the exception of the Mazda rotary engine vehicle, which
does not recommend using any synthetic motor oils, Mobil 1 will not
void new-car warranties.

"Because of its advanced and higher performance properties, synthetic motor oil
provides the best alternative to conventional oils for protecting engines from
today's demanding operating conditions," says Goss. "These protective properties
are critical for any car owner who wants to slow the ravages of time on an older
engine and for drivers who want to keep their newer car's engine performing like
new, longer. Simply put, synthetics are ideal for any car type."

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    CONTACT: Weber Shandwick
             Raymee Holshouser, 314-552-6721
             or
             ExxonMobil Media Line, 703-846-4467