AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil (ATM)
and 10 competing conventional and synthetic10W-30 motor oils were
subjected to a series of ASTM motor oil tests. The competing oils
included petroleum-based Castro GTX Drive Hard, Mobil Drive Clean,
Pennzoil with Purebase, Quaker State Peak Performance and Valvoline, as
well as synthetic-based Valvoline Synpower, Quaker State, Castrol
Syntec, Pennzoil and Mobil SuperSyn Multi-Vehicle.
Seven tests were run on the motor oils. The Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake
Test (TFOUT) measures the oxidation stability of engine oils. The High
Temperature/High Shear Test (HTHS) measures a lubricant's viscosity
under severe operating conditions. The NOACK Volatility Test measures
the evaporation loss of oils in high temperature service. Pour Point
indicates the lowest temperature at which a fluid will flow. Total Base
Number (TBN) is the measurement of a lubricant's reserve alkalinity for
combating acids. The Cold Cranking Simulator Test (CCS) measures a
lubricant's viscosity at low temperatures and high shear rates. The
Four-Ball Wear Test measures a lubricant's wear protection properties.
The impressive test results show AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
outperformed the competitors in each test.
Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake
(ASTMD-4742)
The Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test
evaluates the oxidation stability of lubricating oils. A mixture of the
test oil and chemistries found in gasoline engine operation
(oxidized/nitrated fuel, soluble metals and distilled water) are placed
in a test vessel, which is pressurized with oxygen and placed in a
heated bath. Anti-oxidant breakdown is evident when the oxygen pressure
in the vessel rapidly decreases. At this point, the induction time
(break point) of the oil is recorded. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL
Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil had the highest induction time of all the
tested oils. In fact, it didn't reach its break point in over 500
minutes of testing.
The superior oxidation stability of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
allows it to effectively resist the formation of engine deposits and
sludge, keeping engines running clean and efficient and extending oil
life. It also resists thickening, maintaining its superior wear
protection and lubricating properties and maximizing fuel
efficiency.
High Temperature/High Shear (ASTM
D-4683)
The High Temperature/High Shear
Test measures a lubricant's viscosity under severe high temperature and
shear conditions that resemble highly-loaded journal bearings in fired
internal combustion engines. In order to prevent bearing wear, it is
important for a lubricant to maintain its protective viscosity under
severe operating conditions. The minimum High Temperature/High Shear
viscosity for a 30 weight oil is 2.9 cP. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL
Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil surpasses this minimum standard and displayed
the highest High Temperature/High Shear viscosity in the group.
The superior viscosity retention of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
in the face of severe temperature and shear conditions allows it to
provide continuous, unsurpassed protection for engine bearings,
extending equipment life and preventing wear.
NOACK Volatility (ASTM
D-5800)
The NOACK Volatility Test
determines the evaporation loss of lubricants in high temperature
service. The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they
become, contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and
increased oil consumption, wear and emissions. A maximum of 15 percent
evaporation loss is allowable to meet API SL and ILSAC GF-3
specifications. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
outperformed its nearest competitor by over 30 percent.
The extremely low volatility of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
allows it to maintain its superior protective and performance qualities
throughout extended drain intervals, even when faced with severe
operating temperatures. In addition, oil consumption and emissions are
minimized and fuel efficiency is maximized.
Pour Point (ASTM D-97)
The Pour Point Test determines
the lowest temperature at which a lubricant will flow when cooled under
prescribed conditions. The lower a lubricant's pour point, the better
protection it provides in low temperature service. As shown in the
graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil has the lowest pour point of
the tested oils.
The low pour point of AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil allows it to
maintain its fluidity in extremely low temperatures, reducing drag on
moving vehicle parts, providing critical engine components with quick,
essential lubrication and easing startup in cold temperatures. Wear is
greatly reduced and equipment life is extended.
Total Base Number (ASTM
D-2896)
Total Base Number (TBN) is the
measurement of a lubricant's reserve alkalinity, which aids in the
control of acids formed during the combustion process. The higher a
motor oil's TBN, the more effective it is in suspending wear-causing
contaminants and reducing the corrosive effects of acids over an
extended period of time. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30
Motor Oil has the highest TBN of the tested oils.
The high TBN of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil allows it to
effectively combat wear-causing contaminants and acids, providing
superior protection and performance over extended drain intervals.
Cold Crank Simulator (ASTM
D-5293)
The Cold Crank Simulator Test
determines the apparent viscosity of lubricants at low temperatures and
high shear rates. Viscosity of lubricants under these conditions is
directly related to engine cranking and startability. The lower a
lubricant's cold crank viscosity, the easier an engine will turn over in
cold temperatures. 10W motor oils are tested at -25°C and must have a
viscosity below 7000 cP to pass. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic
10W-30 Motor Oil is well below the maximum requirement, while many of
the competing oils barely pass.
The low cold crank viscosity of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
reduces drag on moving engine parts and allows engines to achieve
critical cranking speed in extremely frigid temperatures. Engines turn
over quickly and dependably in the coldest winter temperatures.
Four Ball Wear (ASTM D-4172)
The Four Ball Wear Test
determines the wear protection properties of a lubricant. Three metal
balls are clamped together and covered with the test lubricant, while a
rotating fourth ball is pressed against them in sliding contact. This
contact typically produces a wear scar, which is measured and recorded.
The smaller the average wear scar, the better the wear protection
provided by the lubricant. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic
10W-30 Motor Oil produced the smallest wear scar of the tested
lubricants.
AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil provides unsurpassed protection
against engine wear. Equipment life is extended, and repairs, downtime
and expenses are reduced.
AMSOIL INC. has been the leader in synthetic
motor oil formulation since its introduction of the world's first
API rated synthetic motor oil in 1972. By specializing exclusively
in the synthetic lubricant technology, AMSOIL is able to optimize
the most advanced chemistries available. The "Genuine Synthetic PAO
Formulated" designation displayed on AMSOIL packaging indicates that
the oils are formulated with Polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic base
stocks. This chemistry is the industry's premier base stock
technology. Unlike conventional mineral-based chemistries, AMSOIL
PAO base stocks contain fully saturated, hydrogenated molecules and
are free of wax and other impurities. Combined with an exact balance
of premium additives, it delivers superior hot and cold temperature
performance, resists oxidation and acid formation and provides
long-term wear protection. AMSOIL "General Synthetic PAO Formulated"
oils have shattered the parameters of the most rigorous industry
testing and set the standard for all other motor
oils.