AMSOIL's Answers to Common Questions

Q. What are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?

A. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base stocks and special-purpose additives. These lubricants provide improved overall performance characteristics when compared to conventional petroleum oils.

Q. How long have AMSOIL synthetic lubricants been on the market?

A. AMSOIL introduced the first synthetic motor oil with an API (American Petroleum Institute) Service Classification in 1972. Since that time, AMSOIL has varied and expanded its product line.

Q. I just bought a new car, and I'd like to try AMSOIL motor oil. Could using AMSOIL void my new car warranty?

A. Absolutely not. Vehicle manufacturers recommend using motor oils meeting certain viscosity grades and American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Whether the motor oil is petroleum based or synthetic will not affect warranty coverage. The manufacturer is required to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets the requirements and was not the cause of the failure. AMSOIL exceeds these requirements and has never been deemed the cause of an engine's failure. Even so, AMSOIL has its own limited warranty, protecting you even further. In addition, the federally mandated Magnuson-Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require the use of a specific brand of aftermarket product unless it's provided free of charge.

Note: If a car dealership, service center or other business states that using AMSOIL motor oil will void your new car warranty, ask for that statement in writing and send it to AMSOIL Technical Services. If the business won't provide the statement in writing send AMSOIL Technical Services a letter identifying who made the statement, the name and location of the business and what the specific statement was. AMSOIL will then send a letter to the business informing them that their position is inaccurate and, in fact, violates existing law. Your name will be held in confidence.

Q. What's the difference between conventional petroleum motor oils and synthetic motor oils?

A. Conventional petroleum oils are refined from crude oil which is pumped from within the earth. The refining process, however, does not remove many of the impurities inherent in the crude oil. These impurities detract from the lubricating ability of the oil and contribute to deposit, sludge and varnish formation. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are constructed in the laboratory and contain no impurities. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have uniform molecular structures and are designed for specific lubricating applications. They are not affected by the high temperatures or demanding operating conditions of modern engines.

Q. I was always told to change my oil every 3,000 miles if I wanted to properly maintain my vehicle. How is it possible to drive 25,000 to 35,000 miles without an oil change using AMSOIL?

A. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are guaranteed to run 25,000 to 35,000 miles or one year in mechanically sound engines providing, of course, the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendation or, when using an AMSOIL oil filter, changing the filter at six months of 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. AMSOIL coined the phrase "extended drain interval" and it has been validated by 30 years of industry testing and by tens of thousands of motorists and millions of over-the-road miles.

Q. AMSOIL costs more than my regular oil does. How can I justify paying this higher cost?

A. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are more expensive off the shelf than most petroleum oils, but comparing AMSOIL and other motor oils is like comparing apples and oranges. AMSOIL's performance so far exceeds that of conventional motor oils, it's really a different class of product. AMSOIL is a premium product that rightfully commands a premium price.

Like anything of real value, however, the true consumer cost doesn't end with the purchase price. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are extremely cost effective compared to conventional 3,000-mile drain interval oils in savings realized in fuel economy, reduced repairs, fewer oil changes, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance and extended engine life.

Q. Can I mix AMSOIL with my petroleum oil?

A. Yes, you can. There is no danger in mixing AMSOIL with another brand. However, a conventional petroleum oil will detract from the superior performance of AMSOIL, especially by shortening the service life of the mixed oil, since conventional oil's service life is a mere fraction of AMSOIL's service life.

Q. Should oil additives or aftermarket products be added to AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?

A. No, you don't need them. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated under the strictest quality control standards to provide superior lubrication performance. Additives cost money and only detract from the quality of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.

Q. What benefits can people expect using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?

A. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have demonstrated improved performance and fuel economy, reduced oil consumption, lower repair costs, easier cold-temperature starts, increased engine life and reduced emissions.

Q. Can AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils be used in any engine?

A. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils may be used in any mechanically sound engine where API-approved lubricants are specified.

Q. Is there a recommended procedure for changing to AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?

A. There are no special requirements; however, in older vehicles or those with high mileage, it is advisable to use AMSOIL Engine Flush first. This will ensure that the engine is free of any accumulated contaminants which might have an effect on the service life of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils. In all cases, it's good judgment to install a new AMSOIL Oil Filter every time you change oil.

Q. Why are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils capable of extended drain intervals?

A. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils perform so well for so long because they don't break down in intense heat like conventional petroleum oils do. They don't form deposits and they don't volatize, which can adversely affect lubricant performance by altering viscosity and increasing oil consumption. Finally, AMSOIL's additive package, a key element in a lubricant's ability to function, holds up under engine stresses and remains serviceable for the recommended life of the oil.

Q. Are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils all-season oils?

A. Synthetic oils are made to protect and perform better than petroleum oils at both high and low temperature extremes. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils have extremely low pour points and flow readily at extremely low temperatures for easier winter starting and significantly reduced engine wear. At high temperatures, no conventional motor oil can compare to the overall protection AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide.

Q. Will using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils increase gas mileage?

A. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils reduce friction and drag far better than petroleum oils, which results in increased fuel economy. Because every vehicle is different, as are driving habits and conditions, it is difficult to accurately project an exact increase to expect. Fuel mileage increases ranging from 4% to 40% have been reported by our customers with our most fuel-efficient product, AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30.

I welcome the opportunity to work with you personally as your servicing AMSOIL Dealer. Use the information on this website to contact me. You may also check out the AMSOIL Corporate Website for product and business opportunity information.