Frequently asked questions

History

As a jet fighter squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Albert J. Amatuzio had ample opportunity to witness synthetic lubricants in action. These oils are used exclusively in jet engines because of their extraordinary ability to reduce friction and wear on engine components, function dependably at severe temperature extremes and withstand rigorous and lengthy engine operation without chemical breakdown.

Recognizing these same benefits would prove invaluable in combustion engines, Amatuzio began conducting serious research in the early 1960s. He soon developed and sold commercially available synthetic oils under a variety of names. The true milestone came in 1972 when AMSOIL became the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute service requirements. It set all-new standards for motor oil quality and outperformed conventional petroleum motor oils on all counts. It was clear from the start this innovative product would play a major role in redefining the performance capabilities of modern machinery and engines.

Today, virtually every other motor oil manufacturer has recognized the superiority of synthetic lubricants and has followed the AMSOIL lead with introductions of synthetic motor oils of their own. Accept no substitutes – AMSOIL is The First in Synthetics.®

Innovation

The initial breakthrough 50 years ago was just the start. AMSOIL has gone on to formulate a wide selection of synthetic lubricating oils for all types of engine and gear applications, including those for specialized vehicles and severe operating conditions. In addition, AMSOIL has developed sophisticated fuel additives, filtration systems and other companion products that supplement and extend lubricant performance.

The history of AMSOIL product introductions defines an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, gear lube, automatic transmission fluid, two-stroke oil and other products helped introduce a new age in equipment and engine design. Engineers today recognize synthetic lubricants as critical to increasing the power, longevity and energy efficiency of vehicles and equipment, providing concrete testimony to AMSOIL innovation.

Industry Firsts

• FIRST API-qualified 100 percent synthetic motor oil.

• FIRST "extended-drain" oil recommended for 25,000-mile/12-month drain intervals.

• FIRST 100:1 pre-mix 2-cycle oil.

• FIRST synthetic gear lube for automotive use.

• FIRST synthetic motor oil for diesel engines.

• FIRST synthetic motor oil for racing engines.

• FIRST synthetic automatic transmission fluid for automotive use.

• FIRST synthetic motor oil for marine engines.

• FIRST synthetic motor oil for turbocharged engines.

Distribution

AMSOIL products are blended and packaged at the state-of-the-art AMSOIL Center in Superior, Wis. It serves as the hub of a global distribution network; strategically located regional warehouses throughout North America ensure orders arrive as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Bottles, cases, drums and totes bearing the AMSOIL label are shipped worldwide, and capacity is geared to meet projected market demands decades away.

Quality

Remaining at the forefront of lubrication science requires constant improvement and a strong commitment to quality. AMSOIL has earned a reputation in the industry for manufacturing to more rigorous standards than other lubricant companies. The process begins by selecting raw materials based on quality and performance, not price. AMSOIL quarantines and tests all incoming raw material to ensure it meets the company’s strict performance standards before accepting it for use.

The AMSOIL manufacturing process uses a simultaneous metered blending system that pumps raw materials in a defined sequence to maintain top-quality finished products. After blending, a sample of the finished product is subjected to a series of industry-standard tests. Every product AMSOIL manufactures is tested every time it is blended to ensure maximum quality and consistency. This ensures AMSOIL users receive the same high performance every time they purchase AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. Moreover, the AMSOIL Quality Management System is registered to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, meaning customers can depend on the quality of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants.

Research & Validation

Laboratory research, field validation and research through racing are the backbone of AMSOIL product development. AMSOIL is staffed by specialists in every facet of synthetic lubricant technology. The chemical test laboratory is well-equipped with the sensitive analytical instruments needed to design highly advanced synthetic technology. The mechanical test lab provides the ability for testing, development and stress tests only available at major original equipment manufacturers or additive companies. AMSOIL test facilities allow the company to not only do what no one else is doing, but to do things others think are impossible.

AMSOIL products are further validated through real-world field demonstrations. Long-range studies have involved vehicles requiring the most severe lubricant applications: taxicabs, delivery fleets, police and emergency vehicles, over-the-road transports and heavy-duty construction and industrial machinery. Results demonstrate AMSOIL products reduce engine wear, decrease maintenance time, maximize fuel efficiency and increase fleet cost-effectiveness.

Additional testing takes place weekly on race tracks across North America. AMSOIL lubricants have helped racing teams operating off-road trucks, stock cars, high-powered boats, dirt bikes and snowmobiles capture countless checkered flags and season championships. AMSOIL believes that Racing is Research, and uses the data its racing efforts generate to tailor its formulations for even greater levels of performance and protection. The products that dominate at the track are the same products available to every AMSOIL customer.

Customer Support

AMSOIL products are distributed through a network of independent Dealers who work hand-in-hand with their customers and accounts. Dealers help map out lubrication programs and identify ways to reduce costs. AMSOIL customers and accounts have the option of ordering from their servicing Dealer or ordering directly from AMSOIL INC.

AMSOIL INC. offers further support through its advanced technical expertise and experienced corporate staff. Personnel based in Superior, Wis., is available via phone, email and fax to assist in any way.

The AMSOIL Technical Services Department monitors the latest industry developments to analyze equipment needs, identify technical issues and provide accurate product recommendations for virtually any application.

As the ever-increasing demands of industry, manufacturing and transportation continue the push toward synthetic lubricants, AMSOIL remains committed to introducing innovative and dynamic products that will continue to define the industry.

Reproduced with the permission of AMSOIL INC. All rights reserved.

Frequently asked questions

I’ve heard that using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil in new vehicles or powersports equipment can void the manufacturer warranty. Is this true?

Absolutely not. The vehicle manufacturer is required to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover if the oil satisfies the manufacturer’s viscosity grade and service requirements and was not the cause of the failure. AMSOIL motor oils meet or exceed these requirements. Even so, AMSOIL has its own limited warranty, protecting you even further.

The federal 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. If a dealership, service center or other business states using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil will void your manufacturer warranty, contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

What’s the difference between conventional petroleum motor oils and AMSOIL synthetic motor oils?

Conventional petroleum oils are refined whereas AMSOIL synthetic oil is designed. The refining process does not remove many impurities found in crude oil that decrease lubricating ability and contribute to deposit, sludge and varnish formation. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated in the lab using an engineering process that removes impurities. They have pure, uniform molecular structures and are designed for specific lubricating applications and are not easily affected by high heat or demanding operating conditions.

I was always told to change my oil every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) if I wanted to properly maintain my vehicle. How is it possible to drive 25,000 miles (40,000 km) without an oil change using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil?

AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil provides extended-drain performance because it resists breakdown better than conventional petroleum oils. It is formulated to prevent the formation of performance-robbing deposits and resist volatilization (burn off), which alters viscosity and increases oil consumption. AMSOIL motor oil additive packages hold up under engine stresses. AMSOIL XL and AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil provide so much extra protection you can extend drain intervals, if you choose, allowing you to change oil on your schedule, reduce maintenance and reduce waste oil. AMSOIL coined the phrase “extended drain interval,” and it’s been validated by more than 50 years of industry testing and millions of over-the-road miles.

AMSOIL Signature Series Motor Oil costs more than my regular oil. How can I justify paying this higher price?

Signature Series is higher priced off the shelf than petroleum oils because it’s designed to deliver maximum performance and protection, not to meet a price point. The result? Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil provides 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear than required by a leading industry standard,* extending the life of vital components like pistons and cams. Over time, savings are realized in fuel economy, reduced repairs, fewer oil changes, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance and extended engine life.

*Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 using the ASTM D6891 standard test.

Should oil additives or aftermarket products be added to AMSOIL motor oils?

No, you don’t need them. AMSOIL 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 motor oils.

Does AMSOIL synthetic motor oil protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)?

Yes. All AMSOIL motor oils achieved 100% protection against the damaging effects of LSPI in the engine test required by the GM dexos1® Gen 2 specification.

*Based on zero LSPI events in five consecutive test of AMSOIL Signature Series, XL and OE 5W-30 Motor Oil in the LSPI engine test required by the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification.

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