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How Often Should You Change Your AMSOIL Synthetic Oil?

Although synthetic motor oil generally last longer than conventional oil, it does still need to be changed. However, your specific oil change interval will depend on several factors, including operating conditions, motor oil quality and personal preference.

Why Does Oil Lose its Effectiveness?

Extreme heat hastens chemical breakdown (oxidation), altering the oil’s chemistry and preventing it from lubricating, cooling and protecting as designed. Sludge can form, which clogs narrow oil passages and prevents oil from reaching vital components, causing wear. Oxidation can also lead to increased oil viscosity, which negatively affects energy efficiency. Ultimately, the oil loses its effectiveness and must be changed.Contaminant build-up also affects oil life. Motor oil is formulated with detergent and dispersant additives responsible for holding dirt, soot (in diesel engines) and other contaminants in suspension and preventing them from depositing on engine surfaces or forming sludge. These additives are sacrificial in nature, meaning once they’re depleted, the oil’s effectiveness suffers and it must be changed.

AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil

BUY AMSOIL SIGNATURE SERIES OILS

AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil is guaranteed for 25,000 miles/700 hours of operation/one year, whichever comes first, in normal service (15,000 miles in severe service). Its synthetic base oils don’t contain the impurities inherent to conventional oils, allowing it to more effectively resist chemical breakdown and extreme heat. Signature Series is also formulated with high-quality additives that effectively neutralize contaminants for long service life.

Why is There a Time Limit–in Addition to a Mileage Limit–on Motor Oil?

Even when you're not driving, chemical changes take place within motor oil that lead to degradation and the need for an oil change. Oxidation is a prime culprit. The interaction between oxygen molecules and motor oil molecules naturally leads to chemical breakdown. Just as oxygen causes a cut apple to brown or exposed metal to rust, it breaks down base oils and reduces motor oil’s effectiveness. Although synthetic base-oil molecules are naturally much more resistant to oxidation than conventional base-oil molecules, they eventually succumb to oxidation’s attack. Oxidation can lead to increased oil viscosity, which negatively affects energy efficiency. It also causes the formation of harmful deposits and sludge.

Why are AMSOIL synthetic motor oils capable of extended drain intervals?

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated using premium synthetic base oils, and the highest-quality additives, that provide extended-drain capabilities. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils achieve greater cleaning powers, while providing better equipment protection over longer oil drain intervals. The unique synthetic formulation and robust TBN retention of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils work to resist oxidation and neutralize the acids that shorten the service lives of other oils. Their characteristic resistance to high-temperature volatility (burn-off) helps reduce oil consumption, while maintaining viscosity over longer periods of time than other oils. Check the product data sheet for specific recommendations.

Will extending oil change intervals void new vehicle warranties?

Extending oil change intervals will not void new vehicle warranties. To affect the vehicle warranty, it must be determined that the lubricant was directly responsible for the failure; if the oil didn’t cause the problem, the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or length of time in use.

AMSOIL 10,000 Mile Oil Change

AMSOIL XL Extended Life Synthetic Motor Oil is designed to provide better wear control, improved high- and low-temperature protection and increased fuel economy compared to conventional oils. AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated with extended-drain boost technology. It provides superior performance for up to 10,000-miles/six months, or longer when recommended in owners’ manuals or indicated by electronic oil life monitoring systems.

Most motorists now understand that synthetic motor oil performs better than conventional oil. It delivers improved wear protection, offers better engine cleanliness and lasts longer. Not as well understood, though, is how often you should change synthetic motor oil.

Not long ago, it was common to change conventional oil every 3,000 miles/3 months. The practice originated in the 1960s as a way to time oil changes with the seasons. The quick lube market picked up the idea as a way to keep traffic flowing, touting it as an “insurance policy” for your engine.

Improvements in motor oil performance and engine technology have since rendered that guideline outdated. The advent of electronic oil life monitors struck a first blow. GM introduced its system in 1988, and it’s now on tens of millions of vehicles. The state of California has aggressively campaigned against changing oil every 3,000 miles, calling it wasteful. The final stake in the heart of the 3,000-mile oil change came in 2011 when Jiffy Lube, the face of the quick lube industry, abandoned the practice, advising motorists to follow the guidelines in their vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Many vehicle manufacturers now require synthetic oil

Automakers understand synthetic oils help their vehicles deliver improved performance and last longer. That’s why newer Toyota, GM and European vehicles, among others, use synthetic motor oil.Not only that, but some synthetic oils, such as AMSOIL extended-drain synthetic motor oils, protect so well you can go longer between oil changes if you choose. Many motorists want to follow the guidelines in their vehicle’s owner’s manual. But lots of them still choose AMSOIL products that are capable of extending drains because they simply want maximum protection for their vehicles or the comfort of reserve protection should maintenance be delayed. Others desire the convenience of a once-a-year or twice-a-year oil change.