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Frequently Asked Questions

Jan '07

One question we�re often asked is �How is AMSOIL different from other oil?�

Here�s a quick overview of the other types of products on the market.  Once you see where the other products are, you can more easily see how AMSOIL is different - and why AMSOIL is the lowest cost oil on the market!

The main oil licensing body in the US is the American Petroleum Institute (API).  They ensure (among many other things) that engine oil meets the minimum quality level required by the US �big three� automakers � Ford, GM, and Chrysler.  Most oil, whether petroleum, synthetic blend, or synthetic, is designed to remain in service for 12 months or 7500 miles, whichever comes first, in normal service.  Severe service - which includes 80% of U.S. motorists - requires shortening the oil and filter change interval to three months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first.

But what�s �normal� or �severe� service?  The Filter Manufacturers Council, in Technical Service Bulletin 94-1, lists these severe service factors:

  • Trips of less than four miles (especially in cold weather)

  • Frequent idling (such as stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic)

  • Sustained highway driving in hot weather

  • Towing a boat or trailer

  • Carrying heavy objects on a rooftop rack

  • Driving in dusty conditions (including both dirt roads and in volcanic ash)

  • Prolonged operation in sub-zero temperatures

  • Regular driving on steep hills or in mountains

The council points out that these are the primary factors used by the filter manufacturers, the API, and the auto manufacturers when determining oil change intervals.

But what about my GM car with the oil life monitor?  It can allow longer oil change intervals, right?  Yes it can.  The GM oil life monitor is calibrated for commonly available API certified petroleum oil.  While it can allow oil to last as long as 14,000 miles, the system monitors the way the car is used and severe service will require oil changes as frequently as every 3000 miles.  This system doesn�t know what oil is installed in the engine and �assumes� lowest quality API certified petroleum when making it�s oil life calculations.

Who makes oils with a guaranteed service interval?  Only AMSOIL (Since 1972).

How long can these products last?

AMSOIL�s shortest drain interval products are the XL line of oils which are designed for 6 months or 7500 miles of normal or severe service � or longer if allowed by the GM oil life monitor.  The company�s standard products are built for 1 year or 25,000 miles of normal service, and 1 year or 15,000 miles of severe or commercial service.  The top tier product, Series 2000 0W-30, is designed for 1 year or 35,000 miles of normal, and 1 year or 17,500 miles of severe or commercial service.

So � according to the API, the Filter Manufacturers Council, and AMSOIL, normal oil lasts for 3000 miles of severe service in general,  and AMSOIL has products that run for 7500, 15,000, and 17,500 miles of severe service (and 7500, 25,000, and 35,000 miles of normal service).

What about guarantees and warranties?

All oil is guaranteed by their respective manufacturers.  In addition, where guaranteed service intervals are listed , the oil is guaranteed for that length of service.  See the manufacturers warranty info for more details.

What about my car warranty?

There are two basic types.  The basic manufacturers warranty requires using oil that meets a minimum quality standard, but only recommends the oil change interval.  Using products that exceed the minimum requirements, then using them for their design life, will not void a manufacturer�s warranty.  Extended warranties can be another story.  These are private agreements between the extended warranty company and the owner.  This warranty can dictate not only the oil quality standard, but the oil change interval as well.  Read your extended warranty documents to be sure.

What about my Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, VW?

That�s an entirely different topic!  More to come on Euro Specifications�

 

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