Advantages of using synthetic motor oil

There are several advantages to using synthetic motor oil, which contribute to its growing popularity among vehicle owners and mechanics alike. One key difference between synthetic and conventional oils lies in their molecular structure. Conventional oil is refined from crude oil, meaning it still contains irregular molecules, waxes, and impurities such as sulfur. In contrast, synthetic oils like AMSOIL are chemically engineered from the ground up to have a uniform molecular structure composed of smooth, consistent molecules called Polyalphaolefins (PAO). This uniformity allows the molecules to slide over each other with less friction, much like marbles rolling smoothly past one another, whereas conventional oil molecules behave more like jagged rocks that create more resistance. This reduction in internal engine drag helps decrease heat buildup and improves overall engine efficiency.

• Improved engine performance: Synthetic motor oils provide better lubrication and protection for engine components, resulting in smoother operation, increased horsepower, and improved fuel efficiency.
• Longer oil change intervals: Due to their resistance to thermal breakdown and oxidation, synthetic motor oils can last longer between oil changes, reducing maintenance costs and time spent on vehicle upkeep.
• Enhanced engine protection: The superior lubrication provided by synthetic motor oils helps reduce wear and tear on engine components, leading to a longer engine life and fewer costly repairs.
• Better performance under extreme conditions: Synthetic motor oils maintain their viscosity and protective properties at both high and low temperatures, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of driving conditions.

Technical Deep-Dive: Extreme Temperature Performance

One of the critical advantages of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils is their superior performance under extreme temperature conditions, which is essential for engine protection and efficiency.

At high temperatures, motor oils are prone to “burn-off,” where lighter molecules evaporate, leading to a loss of oil volume and degradation of lubrication quality. This phenomenon is measured by the NOACK Volatility Test, standardized as ASTM D5800, which quantifies the percentage of oil lost to evaporation at elevated temperatures. AMSOIL synthetic oils exhibit significantly lower volatility compared to conventional oils, meaning they resist burn-off much better. This resistance helps maintain oil film strength and viscosity, ensuring continuous protection of engine components even under intense heat.

Conversely, at very low temperatures, the ability of motor oil to flow and lubricate immediately upon engine start is critical. This property is measured by the Cold Crank Simulator Viscosity Test, standardized as ASTM D4684, which assesses the oil’s viscosity under cold-cranking conditions. AMSOIL synthetic oils have a Pour Point as low as -40°C and maintain low cold-crank viscosity, allowing them to stay fluid and circulate quickly during cold starts. In contrast, conventional oils tend to “wax up” or thicken at low temperatures, which can starve the top of the engine of lubrication during the crucial first 30 seconds after startup. This early lubrication delay can cause increased engine wear over time. By maintaining fluidity in extreme cold, AMSOIL ensures rapid lubrication and protection from the moment the engine starts, reducing wear and extending engine life.

Meeting and Exceeding Industry Standards

Modern engines require oils that meet rigorous performance benchmarks set by organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). Current standards like API SP and ILSAC GF-6 represent the minimum requirements for motor oils to ensure adequate protection, fuel economy, and emissions control in today’s vehicles.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are engineered not only to meet but to significantly exceed these industry standards. For example, AMSOIL provides up to 75% more wear protection against horsepower loss than the minimum requirements set by API SP and ILSAC GF-6. This enhanced protection is particularly critical for modern turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, which are susceptible to Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI)—a damaging phenomenon that can cause severe engine knock and damage.

By exceeding the LSPI protection requirements embedded in API SP and ILSAC GF-6 standards, AMSOIL ensures superior safeguarding of turbocharged GDI engines, helping to extend engine life and maintain optimal performance under demanding conditions.

Dealer’s Perspective

In my 12 years as an independent dealer, I’ve seen everything from heavy-duty diesel fleets in the Greeley oil fields to high-performance turbos struggling with heat soak. One issue I’ve personally witnessed is how switching to AMSOIL significantly reduces ‘coking’ in turbochargers—a specific problem that conventional oil simply can’t solve. This is the difference AMSOIL makes in protecting and extending the life of engines under demanding conditions.