AMSOIL has reformulated its line of Extended Life (XL) Synthetic Motor Oils to provide up to 10,000-mile/six month drain intervals, or longer when recommended in owners’ manuals or indicated by electronic oil life monitoring systems. Pricing remains unchanged, providing customers with enhanced value.
Featuring extended-drain boost technology, the new formulations boast an extra measure of select additives that neutralize contaminants longer. They continue to provide significant benefits compared to conventional oils, including superior wear control, improved high- and low temperature protection and increased fuel economy, now throughout a longer drain interval. Reformulated AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are API SN certified and bear the API donut on the label. They are also formulated to meet or exceed the ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements for gasoline engines that took effect October 1. Because GM only grants dexos1™ licenses to SAE 5W-30 products, only AMSOIL XL 5W-30 carries the dexos1 recommendation.
Increased Drain Interval
The XL line was developed for do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers. It overcame many of the obstacles Dealers faced from installers who balked at 25,000-mile drain intervals and non- API-certified oils, and provided DIFM customers with peace of mind beyond 3,000 miles. At that time, some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) were beginning to recommend drain intervals beyond the traditional 3,000 miles. The more recent introduction of electronic oil life monitoring systems extended oil change intervals even further, although most conventional motor oils still carry 3,000-mile/three-month maximum drain intervals. Boasting a 7,500-mile/ six-month drain interval, AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils provided an extra level of performance and protection for motorists extending drain intervals beyond 3,000 miles.
Today, OEMs are increasingly adopting the extended drain intervals AMSOIL pioneered decades ago. Some Toyota models carry 10,000-mile drain recommendations, while Ford will begin calling for 10,000-mile oil changes on certain model-year 2011 vehicles. Meanwhile, the new ILSAC GF-5 and API SN motor oil specifications require oils demonstrate increased fuel economy, reduced emissions and increased robustness. With the industry evolving, and to stay ahead of the curve, AMSOIL reformulated its XL Synthetic Motor Oils to meet or exceed current performance requirements and continue providing motorists with superior performance and added peace of mind.
Extended-Drain Boost Technology
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils use extended-drain additive technology to provide longer service life. During normal engine operation, the combustion process creates acidic by-products that can lead to internal component corrosion and a reduction in the life expectancy of both the engine oil and engine. The motor oil’s reserve alkalinity, expressed as its Total Base Number (TBN), aids in the control of acidic by-products. The higher the motor oil’s TBN, the more effective it is at reducing the corrosive effects of acids over an extended period of time. AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils feature a unique additive chemistry that effectively raises TBN and allows the oils to neutralize more acidic contaminants and provide superior protection over a longer period.
Meets or Exceeds New Motor Oil Specifications
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils meet or exceed the ILSAC GF-5 and API SN service requirements for motor oils used in gasoline-powered vehicles. API SN is the designation of the American Petroleum Institute and shares a number of criteria with ILSAC GF-5. The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) created ILSAC GF-5 primarily to address three important areas within the automotive industry: fuel economy, emissions system life and oil robustness.
Improved Fuel Economy
To achieve government-mandated fuel economy standards, OEMs are examining every engine component for potential efficiency gains, including motor oil. To meet the GF-5 specification, motor oils must demonstrate an improvement in fuel economy compared to a reference oil and retain at least part of that improvement after 100 hours of testing.
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are fuel-efficient formulations that reduce friction-related energy loss and meet the GF-5 specification. They provide better fuel economy compared to conventional, non-fuel-efficient motor oils.