Beginning with 2001 models, most Ford and Honda vehicles now come factory-filled with a 5W-20 grade of motor oil. In addition, owner’s manuals specify the continued use of this new viscosity grade. Ford owner’s manuals state in bold letters, “SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.”
WHY 5W-20?
According to Mike Riley, product design engineer with Ford Motor Company, “Moving to 5W-20 was driven by using best technology oils, CAFE requirements and customer needs.” The company believes the switch to lighter viscosity 5W-20 oils will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 190,000 metric tons a year and reduce U.S. fuel consumption by over 21 million gallons a year.
In order to ensure lighter viscosity 5W-20 oils don’t sacrifice engine durability, Ford ran extensive field tests comparing 5W-20 and 5W-30 oils and used the data to create their own oil specification known as WSSM2C153- H, which includes all ILSAC (GF-3) requirements, as well as a longer ASTM Sequence III Test.
AMSOIL 5W-20
Because of high consumer demand AMSOIL is introducing its 5W-20 motor oil now. API certification will follow when the testing process is complete.
Blended to surpass both GF-3 and Ford specifications, AMSOIL 5W-20 offers superior engine protection and unsurpassed fuel economy in engines calling for a 5W-20 oil. Although blended to meet the requirements of 2001 Ford and Honda vehicles, AMSOIL 5W-20 may also be used to improve fuel efficiency in certain older Ford and Honda models. Manufacturers are reviewing which older vehicles they will recommend 5W-20 motor oils be used in.
THE AMSOIL ADVANTAGE
AMSOIL XL-7500 5W-20 motor oil provides the ultimate in wear protection, friction and heat reduction and superior performance in temperature extremes. Its synthetic formulation ensures low volatility, reducing oil consumption and improving fuel economy throughout its entire service life of 7500 miles or six months (whichever comes first). Customers using the new lower viscosity 5W-20 motor oils will want the extra protection afforded by AMSOIL XL7500 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil.
The charts above compare AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-20 motor oil to competing petroleum-based 5W-20 motor oils.