Frequently Asked Questions...
Sensible Answers to Common Questions About Synthetic Motor Oil
Question #1
"I just bought a new car, and I would like to try AMSOIL. Could using AMSOIL void my new car warranty?"
Users of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil need not fear altering their warranty coverage. The contention that using an after market product like AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil could void new car warranty protection is simply not true.
Major auto manufacturers and regulatory agencies have determined that warranties must cover all equipment failures they would normally cover that are not caused by the after market product. Consequently, an AMSOIL user's new car warranty still covers all failures resulting from defective original equipment or faulty workmanship by the manufacturer.
The second element of your protection is the AMSOIL Limited Warranty (use AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil as recommended in mechanically sound equipment, and the warranty covers lubricant-related failures). Since AMSOIL motor oils have never once been deemed the cause of an engine's failure, however, this is merely added protection.
Question #2
"I was always told to change my oil every 3,000 miles if I wanted to keep my car running well. How is it possible to drive 25,000 miles without an oil change using AMSOIL, and will extending my oil change interval void my warranty?"
AMSOILSynthetic Motor Oil, in gas aspirated engines, is RECOMMENDED to run for 25,000 miles or one year (5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40) in a mechanically sound engine, 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 or 12,500 miles which ever comes first. Amsoil coined the phrase "extended drain interval" and it's been validated by over 20 years of industry testing and by tens of thousands of motorists and millions of over-the-road miles. Based on their results, 25,000 miles is a conservative estimate. Other Amsoil engine oils, 15W40 as an example, carry a recommended change of two to 3 times the normal manufacturer's recommended change interval.
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil performs so well for so long because it doesn't break down in intense heat as conventional petroleum oils do. It doesn't form performance-robbing deposits, and it doesn'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, remaining serviceable for the full 25,000 miles and when the Amsoil BY-PASS Filter is used with a good oil analysis program the oil change may be extended to 100,000 miles and beyond.
Note also that extending drain intervals, like using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil in general, does not affect new car warranties. In fact, according to a GM representative, "Warranty applicability is contingent upon the cause of failure and generally covers defects in material and workmanship only." In other words, the only situation in which warranty coverage would change is the case of lubricant-related failure (in which case the AMSOIL Limited Warranty protects the consumer).
Question #3
"AMSOIL costs more than my regular oil does. How can I justify paying this higher cost?"
AMSOIL Synthetics Motor Oil is 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 oil, 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 off-the-shelf price. AMSOIL Motor Oil is extremely cost effective compared to conventional 3,000 mile / 5000 km drain interval oils in savings realized in fuel economy, reduced repairs, fewer oil changes, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance and extended engine life.
Question #4
"I bought a new car a year ago, and I've been running petroleum motor oil in it ever since. Could switching to AMSOIL now cause mechanical problems?"
Switching from petroleum motor oil to AMSOIL (or even mixing the two, if the need arises) is perfectly safe. AMSOIL is 100% compatible with petroleum oils. Mixing AMSOIL and petroleum is not recommended (having petroleum motor oil mixed in detracts from the superior performance of AMSOIL), but there is no danger in doing so. Those who have been using petroleum motor oil in their mechanically sound vehicles can switch to AMSOIL safely. Petroleum motor oil and AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil are only incomparable in the way they perform, not incompatible.
Question #5
"I've been using a petroleum motor oil since I started driving- that was a long time ago. Why should I switch to AMSOIL when I haven't had any problems with what I'm using?"
Chancesare, you're not driving the same car you were when you started driving. Automotive technologyhas changed a great deal, even in just the past few years. Today's cars have more power, useless gas and have smaller engines than ever before. High performance mixed with small engines means high stresses and increased demands on motor oil.
How expanding technology and modern engine needs affect motor oil is a primary concern of AMSOIL engineers. High-tech engines need high-tech oils like AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil -- designed, not refined. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil's base stock is composed of uniform molecules chosen for their lubricating characteristics. Petroleum oils are a hodge-podge of molecules: some lubricate, others detract from the ability to lubricate. The bottom line? AMSOIL'S engineers can design their motor oil to meet the needs of you and your vehicle, petroleum refiners can't.
Using an oil designed for today's needs can make a world of difference for you and your automobile by providing lower repair costs, the convenience of fewer oil changes, easier starts in cold weather, better gas mileage and longer engine life. You can also expect better engine performance. These factors and the overall savings realized by using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil make switching to Amsoil the smart and easy choice.