We all hate to see increases in the prices of stuff we use and like and in the current economy it is always another blow when we don’t seem to be making any more money, but the stuff we use keeps going up.  Gas prices are one we all know about.  All these increases end up trickling down and then trickling from our wallets. 

Amsoil is aware of this and hates increases as much as we do, and is one of the reasons they hold off as long as possible.  I’ve even been told they will take a hit in shipping costs just to try and help get products into our hands.

But after about a year of Amsoil prices holding steady, they announced an increase earlier this year taking place beginning of March.  Some of you might have read my post about this on my Amsoil Facebook Page.  But Amsoil is not the only one with increases, many of the other oil manufacturers are doing the same.  Most recently announced was BP and Valvoline with an average increase of about 8% for all their oil, both petroleum and synthetic.  Fortunately as the new pricing has come out for us Amsoil Dealers, not everything is going up.  For example the newly released Amsoil OE Oils have remained unchanged.  And the Amsoil XL oils will only be increasing roughly 2%.  In fact, the highest increase for Amsoil is about 4%, half of the others. 

Now considering that BP (Castrol) and Valvoline both use a Group III petroleum base stock for their synthetic and are increasing by 8% and Amsoil’s equivalent OE and XL oils changing very little, if at all, the Amsoil increase is really not much of a factor.  The Amsoil OE oils are made with the highest quality Group III base and are designed to compete with this market in the same pricing and interval drains.  The Amsoil XL oils have been designed for Extended Life with 10,000 mile or six month drains.  And then the Original Amsoil oil line still offers 25,000 mile or one year drains and the Signature Series oil up to 35,000, the modest increase is nominal for what you are getting.  Especially when considering the other manufacturers are raising by 8% for a normal drain oil.  Do the math and decide which drain works best for you and by cost, Amsoil still comes out on top.

The following article comes from Lube and Greases with their report on the price increase by BP and Valvoline:

Valvoline, BP Hike Lube Prices
By George Gill

Ashland’s Valvoline and BP’s Castrol joined the ranks of U.S. lubricant suppliers that recently notified customers of finished lubricant price mark ups, echoing others in citing increased costs for raw materials.

Valvoline customers received letters Jan. 13 outlining price increases averaging up to 8 percent effective Feb. 14, varying by sku and segment.

“This price adjustment is a result of various market factors, including cost increases in base stocks and other raw materials,” Valvoline’s letter stated.

BP Lubricants USA in a Jan. 20 letter informed customers that Castrol would increase prices up to 8 percent effective March 7 on all passenger cars, motorcycle, commercial and ancillary products, including synthetics, in all package types.

In its notice, BP pointed to the increase in base oil and other raw material costs in the marketplace. “Due to the current volatility in the market, additional increases should be anticipated,” its letter stated.

AMSOIL Press Release
November 9, 2010

AMSOIL Introduces European Car Formula 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

New AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is specially formulated for the lubrication needs of modern European gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks. AMSOIL European Car Formula provides outstanding performance and protection for high-performance vehicles made by Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and more. It is formulated to stay in grade throughout the extended drain intervals recommended by European automakers, and is designed for the unique demands of turbocharged vehicles.

Engineered with a select additive package and shear stable synthetic base oils, AMSOIL European Car Formula meets strict ACEA and VW HT/HS requirements. Its low sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) formulation promotes optimum emissions system performance and life, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. Friction modifiers and the lighter 5W-30 viscosity reduce friction for increased energy through-put to maximize fuel economy.  It provides excellent deposit control and outstanding wear protection for gasoline- and diesel-fueled engines.

AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-30 is thermally stable to keep oil passages clean and promote fluid circulation so turbo bearings stay cool and lubricated. It provides enhanced turbocharger protection in all temperature extremes, while its thermal stability withstands high-temperature/high-RPM breakdown. Its low pour point protects turbochargers against oil starvation and ensures rapid oil pressure in sub-zero conditions. Recommended for European gasoline or diesel vehicles requiring any of the following performance specifications:

VW 504.00/507.00
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
Mercedes-Benz 229.51
BMW LL-04
Porsche C30

Suitable motor oil for some of these specifications is not always easy to find.

About the Company: AMSOIL has been the recognized leader in synthetic lubrication since 1972.  For more information about AMSOIL synthetic motor oils contact your nearest AMSOIL distributor, or go to www.amsoil.com .

News Contact:
Ed Newman
Director of Advertising
AMSOIL INC.

AMSOIL Press Release
November 9, 2010

AMSOIL Introduces Attractively Priced OE Synthetic Motor Oil in Three Viscosities

AMSOIL announces a new line of attractively priced synthetic oils available in three different viscosities. OE Synthetic Motor Oils provide excellent protection and performance throughout the entire length of original equipment manufacturers’ recommended drain intervals.

AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oils, fortified with friction modifiers, are designed to provide better fuel economy compared to conventional motor oils and reduce friction-related energy loss. It promotes proper operation of catalytic converters for optimum service life and low exhaust emissions. It is fortified with high levels of detergent and dispersant additives to resist sludge and carbon deposits, promoting clean operation for longer lasting engines.

An increasing number of vehicle manufacturers are recommending drain intervals beyond the traditional 3,000 miles with some recommending up to 12,000 miles with electronic oil monitoring systems. AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oils resist chemical breakdown for maximum wear protection(and peace of mind) well beyond the traditional 3,000 mile oil change interval.

OE Synthetic Motor Oils are a cost-effective alternative to conventional motor oils while furnishing vehicles with the same high and low temperature protection, increased fuel economy and better wear control as other leading AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.

AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oils are available in SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosities in quarts, 30- and 55-gallon drums and 275 gallon totes. The new competitively priced motor oil is rated API SN, ILSAC GF-5, with the SAE 5W-30 viscosity recommended for the new GM dexos1 specification.

Recommended for use in all types of gasoline-fueled engines.

About the Company: AMSOIL has been the recognized leader in synthetic lubrication since 1972.  For more information about AMSOIL synthetic motor oils contact your nearest AMSOIL distributor, or go to www.amsoil.com.

News Contact:
Ed Newman
Director of Advertising
AMSOIL INC.

As most of you reading this blog know, AMSOIL was the first API rated full synthetic oil on the market in 1972 with Mobil 1 following up a few years.  And as we have seen, nearly every oil maker now offers some type of synthetic oil and many OE manufacturers are requiring synthetics in their products.  Amsoil paved the way for the synthetic market.  But one thing most lubricant makers haven’t ventured into is the extended drain intervals that AMSOIL offers.  My guess is because of the additional costs to make a better quality product that is capable of running longer.  Mobil 1 did originally, but then dropped that recommendation when changing their formula to compete with the many other lower cost regular interval synthetics that began to emerge.  A few years ago they ventured back into it with their Extended Performance line, which now offers 15,000 mile drains, but is only recommended for vehicles out of warranty.  AMSOIL offers their warranty on any mechanically sound vehicle, even those that just drove off of the showroom floor.

But the synthetic market is still small, with a very small percentage of owners actually using it, and then a very small percentage of that using any sort of extended drain oil.  Approximately 92% of the market using synthetics are buying oils that still recommend the standard 3000 mile drain or maybe longer, depending on the recommendations of vehicle manufacturer.  And since AMSOIL oils fall into this small percentage within synthetics, and all the other manufacturers are benefitting from the whole idea that AMSOIL created, AMSOIL is now releasing a new line of oil to take back the market from the other brands.

Enter AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oil!  This new oil is designed to be a standard drain oil, which can vary from 3000 miles on up, again depending on what the vehicle manufacturer recommends.  This oil is made up of the same quality components that the new line of AMSOIL XL is using, only it does not have the “Extended Drain Boost Technology” of additives for the 10,000 mile drain.  This addresses the concerns of some who are hesitant taking advantage of any type of extended drain oil, change their oil regardless, don’t drive much, or the price concern some have that Amsoil costs a bit more than other brands.  While I can explain the amount of savings the other lines of AMSOIL offer, drains up to 35,000 miles, and how inexpensive this makes the oil to use over time, for some the initial purchase, drains, or both, are still a concern.  AMSOIL OE is then the oil of choice!  At under $6 per quart, it will retail right in line with other synthetics, and with the wholesale buying options available, it doesn’t cost much more than some of good quality petroleum oils!  This means it is possible to get a quality AMSOIL Synthetic Oil change for $30 or less!

Like the AMSOIL XL line, AMSOIL OE meets all of the latest specs: SN, ILSAC GF-5, as well as GM dexos1 (5W-30).  I’m expecting this oil to become a very popular seller.  Watch out Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, Valvoline SynPower, and Quaker State Horse Power!  You entered the synthetic market to get a piece of the pie.  Now AMSOIL is looking at the imitators and going to take that part you carved for yourselves back.

AMSOIL DOMINATOR and INTERCEPTOR Synthetic 2-Cycle Oils provide exceptional performance in snowmobile and other two-stroke equipment.  AMSOIL DOMINATOR is formulated with heavier base oils for “on the edge” operation, while also protecting pistons and bearings subjected to the rigors of extreme riding.

AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR is engineered specifically for power-sports applications and engines equipped with exhaust power valves.  It contains the finest synthetic base oils and additives for exceptional cleanliness, while controlling exhaust valve sticking and providing outstanding overall lubrication.

Conventional oils thicken in the cold, which can result in inadequate lubrication to critical engine parts at cold start-up, or even prevent the engine from starting.

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Power Sports Synthetic Motor Oil provides serious protection and performance in four-stroke engines, including ATVs and snowmobiles.  It’s broad 0W-40 viscosity rating effectively protects in both hot and cold temperature extremes.

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Small Engine Oil provides exceptional protection in the severe-service conditions common in both gasoline- and diesel-fueled small engines, including welders, skidsteers, compressors, snowblowers and more.  It remains fluid at subzero temperatures for superior cold-weather protection.

Now that I’ve been setting up my AMSOIL booth publicly again, I’ve had people come up to me and tell me their experiences with AMSOIL, how it saved their engine, cooler temps on their motorcycles, etc.  These range from things they have noticed, to major issues that were prevented.  I’ll start off my experience:

Back around 1999 I bought a 1989 Ford E-150 Conversion van with the standard Ford 5.0 engine.  I converted it over to AMSOIL and then in May of that year for my oil change I used the Series 2000 0W-30 (now upgraded and called the Signature Series 0W-30).  Around July of that year my water pump went out.  I drove approx 30+ miles to visit my parents as it was just starting to act up but didn’t turn into a waterfall until I was there and refilled the radiator before leaving.  On my trip back I was out of fluid almost immediately, but needed to get home.  I had read and been told all sorts of similar testimonials, that I decided to give it a shot and hit the highway.  I believed in AMSOIL so it was time to test it!

I traveled about 3/4 of the way when she started to get sluggish and I pulled off the next exit and inched along until it wouldn’t go any further and had to stop.  I let it cool for about half an hour, made and attempt to add a gallon or two of water from the convenience store which turned immediately into steam, not even enough was left to drain underneath.  I managed to get her home the last few miles.

The next day I did have it towed to a friends shop where we swapped the water pump out.  I told him to leave the oil in, which he wanted to change for having been beaten on so hard and even more so in the Florida summer heat.  The van ran fine after…until around February the next year when I developed a leak again somewhere.  I couldn’t find it and would fill the radiator before heading to work the 8 miles, then fill it for the trip home.  Temp gauge was always pegged about halfway again.  With my work schedule, I had to do this for about 4 days before I was back in my friend’s shop.  We managed to trace down the leak and fix it.

May rolled around, one year since the oil change and about 11,000 miles later on the oil along with those two incidents.  This oil was rated (and still is) for 35,000 miles or one year drain intervals.  I sent a sample off for oil analysis after i changed the oil.  When the results came back, I was amazed that the results didn’t look much different than previous ones with no severe problems like I had encountered.  Their recommendation:  good for continued use!

This was my first “real” test of the AMSOIL quality.  I have many other stories from customers and friends that I will be sharing over time.  Do you have one you’d like to share?

Read more about the Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Amsoil has announced this month that they have a new formula for their XL Line of Synthetic Oils.  Previously this oil was rated for 7,500 mile or six month drains, but the new recommendation has extended this to 10,000 miles or more, if longer drains are recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or oil analysis shows the oil is good for continued use.  This is a 33% increase in the interval, however, the pricing on this new formula will remain the same as the previous XL Line.

Another change in the oil is that it now meets the new ILSAC GF-5, API SN, and GM dexos 1 (5W-30) oil specifications.  It uses premium base oils, a robust additive package and, what Amsoil is calling “extended-drain boost” technology.  They are API certified.  The oil is compatible with the previous XL oils, but if mixed, use it at the previous recommended 7,500 mile drain.

With this new oil, you can use any filter for the full 10,000 mile interval, Wix being an option, however if you want the best filter protection, use the Amsoil Ea Oil Filter to help reduce engine wear.

To read more on these new oils, you can visit the Amsoil Corporate Storefront with pricing and all the specifications, or contact me directly.  The new XL Line of oils comes in the same viscosities as before:  5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, and 10W-40.

Should you be interested in drains longer than 10,000 miles or six months, the other Amsoil oil lines still offer drains of 15,000-35,000 miles or one year.

Last week one of the e-newsletters I get, the Lube Report, printed a report on some testing done by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) that found several oils claiming to meet certain new specs, really didn’t.  The viscosity tested was a 5W-30, and some were out of this range when tested.  Also they didn’t meet the current SM specification guidelines that is now required for new oils and vehicles by the API.  Only a small sample of oils were done in this testing and there was some question as to whether some of those even were certified to meet the API specs claimed on the bottle because they didn’t appear on the APIs Web Site.  This was clarified this week with the following statement:

Early editions of "Motor Oil Buyers, Beware" last week said that Pilot- and Sheetz-branded 5W-30 oils claimed to be API-licensed but were not, because they did not appear in API’s directory of licensed products. After the story was published, API’s Kevin Ferrick said, "API inadvertently left the Sheetz product off the Pinnacle Oil license, and the Pilot license expired because of some delays related to the renewal process. I expect both licensing issues to be rectified soon." Both products are now correctly listed at API’s website.

Here is the article link:  Motor Oil Buyers, Beware.

But now a week later, yet another report was released in the Lube Report, of testing done by Institute of Materials and finding 16% of the oils in their testing didn’t meet the SM Rating.  They did point out some of the specs were just outside the range, but to me, the fact remains, they didn’t pass and why make oil so close to the edge of the spec range that it can fail the test at one point, yet pass another?  Wouldn’t you want your oil to remain stable enough to pass every time?  This test took 250 oils and put them through their paces, and found 40 of them failed.

Here is the article link:  Research Finds 16% of SM Oils are Flawed.

One test mentioned above is the NOACK Volatility test, and the top end of the range is 15% before it fails.  This test measures how much oil evaporates under certain conditions.  15% is a lot and the main concern of the API, and has caused the requirement for such low zinc and phosphate levels, for fear of damaging the catalytic converter.  Amsoil oils come no where near this loss.  You can see by the graphic below how one of Amsoil’s most common oils, their 5W-30, rated in this tested to other popular brands.  This test is also a concern for Amsoil, since this oil is rated for 25,000 miles or a one year drain interval.  You don’t want your oil disappearing under heat conditions and falling out of spec during these type of extended drains.