I know you have many questions about synthetic lubricants in general and AmsOil in particular. But before asking your questions check here. Chances are they've been asked and answered here because if you wonder about these things others probably have too. If you don't find the answers to your questions here, by all means ask me.
 
Q: WHO CREATED AMSOIL AND WHEN?

A: AmsOil founder and president Al Amatuzio was an award-winning fighter pilot for 25 years.  He saw that his jet plane used synthetic lubricants and wondered if he could produce a synthetic lubricant that would work in an automobile. He knew it was the synthetic lubricant in his jet engine that allowed the engine to perform without fail in extreme conditions, and he envisioned that same performance in automobiles. So he formulated what became the first workable, and commercially viable synthetic motor oil to qualify for American Petroleum Institute (API) rating (which is necessary so that use of this oil does not void your warranty). This oil, introduced to the automotive market in 1972, has so revolutionized the petroleum market that today just about every petroleum company has a synthetic or semi-synthetic oil in its line. But beware: all synthetic lubricants are not the same, or the same quality, nor do they contain the same ingredients. Since the other petroleum companies abandoned the synthetic oil field to AmsOil in 1972, they are now playing "Johnny-Catch-Up" since AmsOil proved that synthetic oil was not only a viable lubricant that outperformed anything they had, it was commercially viable, too. So they've all rushed to create their own. But with up to 25 years "head start" in research and development AmsOil has, and will likely remain superior to anything they can produce.

Q: WHY IS AMSOIL COMMERCIALLY VIABLE WHEN EARLIER EFFORTS WEREN'T?

A: It is not sold on shelves without someone there to explain why an oil that costs $5 or so a quart is actually much lower in cost than a fossil oil is at $1 per quart. AmsOil is sold through independent dealers who usually (if successful) become knowledgeable about not only AmsOil, but also about synthetic lubricants in general and actually become "activists" advocating their use to improve their customer's cars. To save them money on just installing their product, and on its continued use as well. To make their engines, and thus their cars, last longer and go to the repair shop less often, run cooler and smoother, and save them the time and money wasted in multiple oil changes in 25,000 miles. They simply formulated a synthetic and put it on the shelf with a little bit of advertising and promotion. But there usually was no one there who was interested enough to take the time to tell them why this oil was so superior to fossil oils that there is no comparison. AmsOil, in its early years, was no more successful than they were while using similar methods. It was when AmsOil discovered their unique marketing method that allowed the "average Joe and Jane" to profit from marketing it that their success was assured.

Q: DOES AMSOIL HAVE OTHER LUBRICANTS IN ADDITION TO AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS?

A: They certainly do, and while doing so, have had many "firsts" in the automotive petroleum field:

• First to develop an API-rated 100 percent synthetic motor oil.
• First to introduce the concept of "extended drain intervals" with a recommended 25,000-mile/1-year drain interval.
• First U.S. company to utilize the NOACK volatility test as a standard of performance excellence.
• First to produce synthetic motor oils for diesel engines, racing engines, turbos and marine engines.
• First to introduce synthetic oils that legitimately contribute to improving fuel efficiency.
• First to manufacture synthetic gear lube for automotive use.
• First to manufacture a 100:1 pre-mix synthetic 2-cycle oil.
• First to manufacture a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for automotive use.

These are an amazing number of firsts, which mark AmsOil as the leader in synthetic lubricants, world-wide. Being first to formulate an autiomatic transmission fluid alone would have marked them as a singular leader, but when they went on to create many more "firsts," their place in the "Automotive Lubricant Hall of Fame" was assured. Today, AmsOil manufactures and markets the most complete line of synthetic lubricants in the world, as well as other top quality automotive and industrial products.

Q: DO AMSOIL PRODUCTS POLLUTE THE ENVIRONMENT?

A: Not even a little bit compared to fossil oils. In the first place, since you only need four or five quarts per 25,000 miles instead of 40, and only one or two filters (depending on your car and its condition) instead of 8, just disposing of old oil is a lot less inimical to the environment. Further, the AmsOil commitment goes way beyond product performance. AmsOil is dedicated to creating a cleaner, safer environment. AmsOil motor oils last longer, meaning fewer oil changes and fewer quarts of old oil to dispose of. Furthermore, superior lubrication and more efficient operation means lower fuel emissions. Another reason to use AmsOil.

Q: I'VE HEARD IT SAID THAT SYNTHETIC OILS AREN'T "PROVEN." HOW ABOUT THAT?

A: Not true. The AmsOil line of synthetic lubricants has been on the market since 1972 and millions of people have used them in many different applications from automobiles to industrial applications. Synthetic lubricants were "proven" products long before they were ever used in automobiles. Synthetic lubricants have "gone to the moon." Synthetic lubricants are the only kind of lubricants that can be used in outer space. The same reason they are used in the jet planes that caught Al Amatuzio's attention is the reason they must be the lubricants used in the space program: they can be formulated to withstand any extremes of hot and cold and to be dependable in any sort of environment. Fossil oils are necessarily limited by nature in their parameters while synthetic oils are not. The only defining factor is cost: some of the synthetic lubricants used in the space program cost upwards of $25,000 an ounce. Since automotive uses don't involve thousands of degrees of cold or heat, the cost is much lower for this use. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Classification is the proof of their ability to do the job and is required in order that you don't void your warranty by their use. AmsOil was the first synthetic to win this Classification.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE AMSOIL LUBRICANTS BEEN ON THE MARKET?

A: Since 1972 when AmsOil  introduced the first synthetic motor oil with an American Pteroleum Institute (API) Service Classification. In the time since, AmsOil  has expanded its product line and come up with many new items never before brought to market by any oil company.

Q: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYNTHETIC AND SEMI-SYNTHETIC OILS?

A: Aside from the investment required (semi-synthetics are less per quart than full synthetics), semi-synthetics have a drain interval of 15,000 miles instead of 25,000 miles, with comcomitant differences otherwise as well. they are still superior to fossil oils, but at a lower percentage. Some uses, such as "fleet use" in taxicabs, trucking fleets, etc. where leakage and older components in the engines are a factor, semi-synthetics are used as a cost-reducer. The investment per quart is lower so leakage and oil use from mechanical problems isn't a big problem, since other savings more than make up for the cost of the leaked or used up oil.  AmsOil Synthetic Lubricants are fuel-efficient, extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base stocks and special purpose additives. The overall performance when compared to conventional petroleum oils is superior. AmsOil Semi-Synthetic Motor Oils, on the other hand, are  blend of synthetic fluids and petroleom oils that are combined to form an all-season motor oil that demonstrates most of the performance features of full synthetics while reducing the unit investment.

Q: WILL AMSOIL VOID THE WARRANTY OF A NEW VEHICLE?

A: Absolutely not! The warranties manufacturers put out are based upon the use of oils meeting specific American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Classifications, AmsOil does that and so will not void any warranty.

Q: ARE AMSOIL MOTOR OILS ALL-SEASON OILS?

A: They certainly are. In fact, they were originally formulated to withstand the extreme temperatures found in Russia during World War II by the Germans. Hitler found that his guns jammed, and his tanks and other vehicles would not function in the extreme cold found in parts of Russia. This was hindering his war effort. If he had succeeded in finding the secret before the end of the war, we would all now be speaking German. The AmsOil Synthetic Oils are formulated to protect and perform better than fossil oils at both high and low temperature extremes. That's why jet engines and space vehicles must  use them. They do not gum up at low temperatures (down to 60 below), causing your engine to start on the coldest winter day as easily as it does in the summer time. At high temperatures, they also perform superbly, since they will withstand significantly higher temperatures than do fossil oils. If fact, many of today's smaller cars, with their "four-banger" engines, are designed to operate at a temperature higher than most fossil oils can withstand, meaning excessive wear on the engine.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THAT FAMOUS "DRY START"?

A: Frequently there is an ad on the radio where the announcer says: "This man is about to do the worst thing he can do to an engine." Then you hear the sound of a car starting. This calls your attention to the fact that the lubricant in most engines drop down into the oil pan when it sits idle for a time and the first split second of movement causes metal-to-metal contact which shortens the life of any engine. AmsOil clings to engine parts, completely eliminating that "dry start" that is so hard on most engines and thus helps it to live longer.

Q: WILL USE OF AMSOIL REDUCE MY COSTS FOR GASOLINE?

A: It certainly will. AmsOil is a "super slippery" oil, as are all synthetics to some extent, by their very nature. As such, it reduces the friction on all parts in the engine and makes it run better, faster, cooler. You will pick up a couple hundred or more RPM (revolutions per minute) just by installing  AmsOil, and when you "idle it back" to normal revs, that's where your fuel savings come in. Racecar owners will not "idle it back," thereby gaining more horsepower and thus more speed on the track. That's why AmsOil sponsored race cars are consistent winners. In a 1.2 million mile demonstration, AmsOil lubricants showed a 4.5% increase in gas mileage. Other tests have shown increases as high as 15% under certain weather and driving conditions. We can't predict exactly how your vehicle will react since all vehicles, driving habits, and conditions are different. But with this as a "basic" savings, you can count on saving several hundred dollars a year in fuel costs by using AmsOil.

Q: CAN AMSOIL MOTOR OILS BE USED IN ANY ENGINE?

A: They certainly can. They can be used in any mechanically sound engine where API approved lubricants are specified. What that means is they can be used just about anywhere that fossil oils have been used and make life easier for you.

Q: ARE AMSOIL LUBRICANTS COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER MOTOR OILS?

A: Absolutely. An early brand of semi-synthetic masquerading as a full synthetic at one time was not compatible with fossil oils, which led to the myth that all synthetic lubricants are not compatible. Not true. AmsOil is compatible with any fossil oil, including (today) the one that started the myth, although to mix them reduces the efficiency of the AmsOil in that engine as long as the fossil oil is in it. It is recommended that you drain that engine as soon as possible and get rid of the fossil oil in it, replacing it with a full complement of AmsOil.

Q: WHY IS AMSOIL CAPABLE OF EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS?

A: Being highly resistant to the destructive effects of heat, eliminating the break down that plagues petroleum oils, they can provide much longer drain intervals than conventional fossil oils.

Q: WILL MY VEHICLE USE LESS OIL ON AMSOIL?

A: Yes, when used in mechanically sound engines. Under test conditions, a reduction of as much as 42% was demonstrated over prolonged periods. But AmsOil is not a "cure-all." It will not "cure" the mechanical problems that cause excessive oil consumption If the engine is mechanically sound, it will use less AmsOil.

Q: WHAT ABOUT OIL ADDITIVES OR AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS?

A: No, they are not necessary. Use of  AmsOil makes their use superfluous. AmsOil Motor Oils are properly formulated using the strictest quality control procedures to make sure AmsOil is a superior lubricator by itself. Use of such products will not gain you a significant performance improvement (or none at all) to warrant their use.

Q: IS THERE A RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING TO AMSOIL MOTOR OILS?

A: In newer cars there are no special requirements. But in older vehicles you should use AmsOil Engine and Crankcase Cleaner first. Change your oil filter before putting it in, then drive normally for about 1,000 miles. then change your filter again, using preferably an AmsOil Oil Filter, and put in a full load of AmsOil. The reason for this is that AmsOil is such a superior cleaner in the engine on its own, and has such a superior detergent package that to just dump in a load of  AmsOil will cause your engine to smoke as the old deposits are removed too fast. Use of the AmsOil Engine and crankcase Cleaner first will ensure that the engine is clean and free of any accumulated contaminants which might have an effect on the service life of AmsOil Motor Oils without "overcleaning" the engine too fast. Using an AmsOil long-fibered filter is recommended, but not required. this filter has been specifically designed to be used with synthetic oil.