These two are synthetic blend motor oils that are used for gasoline engines. Pennzoil High Mileage pays more attention towards the cleaning of engine on the other hand, Quaker State Defy High Mileage’s center of focus is catalytic converter efficiency.
High Mileage possesses detergent compounds in enormous numbers enabling it to clean the engine more diligently by reducing the sludge build-up. The low quantities of lightweight molecules help the oil to resist pre-mature combustion.
Both primary and secondary anti-wearing compounds are present in huge amount to help the engine from wear and tear. The greater index of viscosity helps to maintain its viscosity when the temperature fluctuates from medium to high and a low pour point temperature also assists to provide excellent cold starts.
Defy gives an excellent catalytic converter performance as it produces less amount of ash upon oil burn-off. A medium quantity of detergents ensures proper rinsing of the engine as well as anti-wearing agents are also present in a noticeable amount to help in reducing the engine wearing. The higher kinematic viscosity assists this oil to provide commendable performances during exaggerated temperatures. Lower pricing of this motor oil makes it even more economical.
Table of Contents
Quick Contrasting Table
| Details | Pennzoil High Mileage | Quaker State Defy High Mileage |
| Oil Category | Synthetic Blend | Synthetic Blend |
| Engine Category | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Obtainable grades of Viscosity | 10W-40, 5W-20, 10W-30, 5W-30, 25W-60 | 5W-30, 5W-20, 10W-30 |
| ILSAC | GF-6 | GF-5 |
| API | SJ, SP, SL, SN | SN |
| Market Price per Quart | 6.82 $ | 4.28 $ |
| Frequency of Oil change (miles) | 5,000 to 7,000 | 3,000 |
| Additional compounds | Anti-wearing agents, Detergent additives | Dispersants, Anti-wear agents, Detergents |
| ACEA | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Comparison of Oil Viscosity
The kinematic viscosity of any oil is described as a hindrance in its movement. For performances during high-temperature situations, the motor oil needs to possess greater kinematic viscosity. Conversely, viscosity index is a unit-less quantity that depicts the change in fluid viscosity with respect to temperature variation. To experience low viscosity variations, a higher viscosity index is much better. Lastly, the working of the oil during cold and chilly atmospheres is generally characterized by the pour point. It is the least temperature beneath which the oil ceases to flow.
Defy takes the lead when it comes to performance during elevated and normal temperatures. This is because it has a higher kinematic viscosity at both normal and higher temperature (40 o C and 100 o C) respectively.
However, the greater index of viscosity of High Mileage provides it an edge over its counterpart in retaining the viscosity upon temperature fluctuations. Similarly, the lower pour point temperature of this oil also gives it an advantage for cold startups.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Medium Temperature Kinematic Viscosity (40 o C) (cSt) | Higher Temperature Kinematic Viscosity (100 o C) (cSt) | Index of Viscosity (VI) | Pour point Temperature (Degree Celsius) |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 64.6 | 10.67 | 156 | -45 |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | 66.6 | 10.8 | 153 | -36 |
Interval of Oil Replacement Comparison
Higher Mileage gives a longer duration of replacing the oil as it has a higher TBN, which helps it to provide an oil changing duration between 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
Defy, compared to its rival, has a lower TBN, allowing it to provide a very short duration of oil interchange. It is recommended to change this oil after 3,000 miles.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Total Base Number (mg KOH/g) |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 7.81 |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | 7.24 |
Contrasting Working of Catalytic Converter
The residue of ash is devised as a result of the combination of added anti-wearing compounds such as zinc and sometimes phosphorus with corroded oil. This ash is extremely harmful to the functioning of any catalytic converter if it sets foot into the converter. The engine oil containing a lower number of these wear-reducing compounds will provide a more efficient catalytic converter working.
The performance of High Milage in terms of catalytic converter functioning is behind its peer. This is due to the higher amount of ZDDP compounds present in this oil causing it to provide less efficient catalytic working. On the contrary, Defy gives much better catalytic converter performance because of its lower concentrations of these anti-wearing agents.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Amount of Zinc (ppm) | Amount of Phosphorus (ppm) |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 972 | 765 |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | 924 | 725 |
Reduction of sludge formation Comparison
The debris and other contamination present in the engine form a thick fluid, sludge, by reacting with oxygen-reacted oil. This sludge blocks oil flow inside pipes, decreasing engine working. To prevent the problem of sludge build-up, detergents along with some dispersants are included in the oil. Similarly, anti-foaming agent normally silicon is also added to the oil to cease the production of foam.
High Mileage performance in terms of rinsing of the engine is superior to that of its rival because of its overall higher detergent concentrations. Calcium and magnesium are present in the majority amounts in this oil and are the main detergent constituents. Sodium is also present in relatively good number.
Silicon is found slightly less in Defy, so this oil faces marginally more problems of foam build-up, compared to its counterpart.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Amount of Sodium (ppm) | Amount of Magnesium (ppm) | Amount of Calcium (ppm) | Amount of Silicon (ppm) |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 1 | 574 | 1628 | 7 |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | <1 | 524 | 1477 | 6 |
Protection against Pre-mature Oil Burning Comparison
Pre-mature ignition of oil is one of the major deciding factors in determining fuel economy. The pre-burning of oil is dependent on the number of light particles found in it. If an oil contains a fewer number of these particles, its rate of evaporation will also be lower enabling it to reach its flashpoint at a higher temperature thus providing better protection against early burn-off.
High Mileage due to its fewer lighter particles provides better shielding against prior oil combustion. Defy, on the other side, has a lower flashpoint temperature so it is evaporated sooner because of the concentration of a greater number of lightweight particles.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Flashpoint |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 229 o C |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | 200 o C |
Shielding against Engine Wearing Comparison
Wearing in the engine occurs due to the continuous contact between its metal parts. This wear and tear of the engine are minimized by adding anti-wear additives in the engine oil. The main purpose of these agents is to build a fine thin coating around metal parts, which effectively reduces their interaction with one another. This minimizes friction and provides better lubrication. Any oil containing these wear-reducing agents in abundant amounts will provide higher protection against engine wearing.
The amount of primary friction-reducing compounds zinc along with phosphorus are comparatively greater in High Mileage. Defy has higher concentrations of boron, however, molybdenum is found to be in greater amount in High Mileage. Both motor oils contain similar titanium concentrations. But High Mileage is ahead due to its overall higher detergent concentrations.
| Oils in Comparison (5W-30) | Amount of Zinc (ppm) | Amount of Phosphorus (ppm) | Amount of Boron (ppm) | Amount of Molybdenum (ppm) | Amount of Titanium (ppm) |
| Pennzoil High Mileage | 972 | 765 | 103 | 208 | <1 |
| Quaker State Defy High Mileage | 924 | 725 | 191 | 97 | <1 |
Cost Difference
The pricing of Pennzoil High Mileage is on the higher side than that of its peer. It costs around 6.82 US Dollars per quart bottle. A longer duration of oil along with superb engine rinsing, however, compensate its expensive price.
Meanwhile, Defy is available is at a lower cost. The identical 1 Quart Bottle costs around 4.28 US Dollars.
This makes it more budget-friendly and economical compared to its counterpart.
Conclusion
- Both motor oils are synthetic blends that can be utilized only in gasoline engines.
- Due to lower ZDDP concentrations, Defy provides a more efficient catalytic converter working.
- High Mileage contains a greater number of detergents and dispersants providing superior engine cleaning.
- The presence of lighter particles in fewer numbers gives High Mileage an advantage over its counterpart in terms of shielding from early burn-off.
- Defy has lower quantities of anti-wear making it second to that of its peer regarding protection against engine wearing.
- High Mileage undergoes lower changes in its viscosity during temperature elevation from normal to high.
- The greater TBN gives an edge to High Mileage as it provides longer intervals of interchanging.
- The lower price makes Defy more economical and affordable.