Conventional Lubricants vs. Synthetic Lubricants (AMSOIL)

[Amsoil Dealer]

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CONVENTIONAL (petroleum) MOTOR OIL vs. SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL

Which is the better lubricant?

THE SYNTHETIC DIFFERENCE --- IN A NUTSHELL

- Crude Oil is the base component of all Non-Synthetic motor oils.

- Liquid Natural Gas is the base component of 100% True Synthetic Lubricants.
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Crude Oil vs. Natural Gas as a Base Oil for Lubricants

NON-SYNTHETIC MOTOR OILS - Crude Oil (a COMPLEX MIXTURE of carbons) contains hundreds
of different types of hydrocarbons all mixed together with different performance characteristics.

SYNTHETIC OILS - Natural Gas (Methane) is the base component of a 100% TRUE Synthetic Oil.
It is a simple hydrocarbon made up of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms: CH4.
A SIMPLE and PURE base which provides "sameness" and SUPERIOR PREDETERMINED PERFORMANCE.

Simply put: Crude Oil is like rough rocks and Natural Gas is like smooth marbles.

Why use synthetic lubricants?

SUPERIOR PREDETERMINED PERFORMANCE: (Natural Gas as the Base Oil):

Longer oil life --Enhanced thermal and oxidative stability
Benefit = Use less oil, less down time, longer filter life, lower disposal costsReduced oil consumption -- Lower volatility and higher density
Benefit = Less top up, less inventorySafer operation -- Higher flash points, fire points
Benefit = Lower maintenance costs, lower replacement parts costPredictable properties -- Uniformity of product characteristics
Benefit = Lower product rejection, lower maintenance
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Additional Information - here the short answer ... (the long answer is below).

CONVENTIONAL (petroleum, crude, or "dino") MOTOR OILS

Conventional Lubricants (a.k.a. petroleum, "dino" or NON-synthetic) are refined from crude oil which has thousands of types of molecules.

Crude Oil is "refined". Refining is a process of physically separating the impurities from the oil and further separating the light and heavy components. Because refining separates products by weight, it groups molecules of similar weight ... but dissimilar structure. The result is a lubricant with a wide assortment of molecules (and characteristics).

Some of the substances in crude oil are detrimental to lubrication. Paraffins, for example, are a common conventional oil contaminant that causes motor oil to thicken in cold temperatures.

SYNTHETIC MOTOR OILS

Synthetic Motor Oils are made from pure chemicals with molecular uniformity - usually natural gas - and not refined crude oil. Because of synthetic lubricants molecular uniformity, they excel in reducing friction, which improves fuel efficiency, controls heat and reduces wear. This molecular uniformity also helps synthetics resist thinning in hot temperatures and thickening in cold.

TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES --- CONVENTIONAL LUBRICANTS vs. SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS

There are two (2) primary differences between synthetic oils and conventional petroleum ("dino") oils. These are the base stock or liquid that makes up the volume of the oil, and the additive package. There are additives (not to be confused with over the counter additives) in all oils that enhance the wear resistance properties of the oil, enhance the ability of the oil to neutralize acids and combustion by products, and provide corrosion protection for the engine’s internal surfaces.

The amount and quality of additives (the "additive package") vary from one oil brand to another and this is a very significant factor in the ability of an oil to adequately protect your engine in all driving conditions.

***** As a general rule of thumb, the cheaper the oil, the fewer additives it has and therefore, the less able it is to protect your engine.

IN A NUTSHELL ... The components in Synthetic Oils (or lubricants) are chemically reacted to produce finished products with pre-designed performance characteristics. The benefits are reduced wear, more horsepower, lower operating temperatures, and improved fuel mileage.
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Now for the LONG VERSION :sorry: ... (if you care to read it)

EXPANDED DISCUSSION -- TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES

Petroleum base stock molecules are long carbon chains that are sensitive to stress and heat. Additionally, various paraffins that are contained in all petroleum products regardless of how well refined they are, cause oil to jell like a syrup at extremely cold temperatures. High engine temperatures and heavy loads (as typically found in towing or HARD driving) cause these chains to break down and the base stock actually boils off causing a change of viscosity and the formulation of sludge. This can happen at temperatures as low as 230º F ... and by 250º F many petroleum oils are suffering significant breakdown.

Synthetic oils on the other hand are made engineered specifically to provide all the lubricating properties that natural oil possesses, but none of the cold thickening or hot thinning properties of petroleum oil. Synthetics are made up of uniformly shaped molecules with shorter carbon chains which are much more resistant to heat and stress. Synthetics can withstand temperatures of 290ºF all day and still protect your engine. In fact the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standard wear resistance tests are conducted at 302º F. In this test synthetic lubricants far out perform petroleum lubricants by factor of four to one (4 to 1), and greater.

Oil temperatures of 230ºF to 250ºF are not at all uncommon under extreme driving conditions. Liquid cooled cars can have extremely high oil temperatures even though the water temperature may be normal. The water temperature guage might read 210ºF while the oil temperature fluctuates between 240º F and higher,depending on how hard the vehicle is driven.
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MY EXPERIENCE

I can confirm better cold driving characteristics, increased fuel mileage of nearly 10%, marginally lower operating temperatures, better heat dissipation capability, and long term high temperature stability.

Are these benefits enough, however, to persuade average drivers to give up their trusted petroleum oils and pay the extra price for synthetics? Enthusiasts, yes. Average drivers, perhaps not. However, synthetic lubricants can endure extended drain intervals, which is a major consideration toward justification of the higher costs. This benefit is not widely promoted by the major oil producers most likely because they want you to pay a premium for their synthetic oils every 3000 - 5000 miles just like their regular oils. Most companies don’t bother to tell you that synthetic oils are capable of going 25,000 miles or more without significant breakdown. It is not uncommon for "over the road" truckers to go several hundred thousand miles between synthetic oil changes (with dual by-pass filtration).

** Reminder: The stop and go city driving that most of us do is much tougher on motor oil than over the road highway driving. FACT: City driving is considered by some raters as extreme and our vehicles need the increased protection of Synthetic Lubricants.

Dodge Dakota and Durango owners DRIVE their trucks hard ... or use them to carry heavy loads and/or for towing. That is why you are a PRIME candidate for AMSOIL SYNTHETIC Products.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Lets see if we can expand on those thoughts ...

Why Synthetic Oils? Why AMSOIL?

Most synthetics have similarly good typical specs, but the performance from better additives, more shear stable VI, higher TBN, etc, can not be easily demonstrated with a test or a chart. These attributes of AMSOIL show up by controlling acids in the oil, eliminating corrosion in the engine, maintaining viscosity throughout the drain interval helping improve performance in the areas of fuel economy and cold weather starting, keeping contaminants in suspension until they get to the oil filter for removal or the oil is drained, and generally keeping the engine cleaner and deposit free. These benefits are not easily demonstrated with a test or a chart. AMSOIL produces a SUPERIOR Synthetic Motor Oil by using only the best base oils and additives.
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Benefits of using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils:

Immediate start-up protection. You will experience immediate startup protection. Sixty percent of all engine wear occurs at startup. AMSOIL motor oils use high polarity base stocks and special anti-wear agents that form a thin film that clings to engine parts, preventing metal to metal contact. AMSOIL motor oils also lubricate vital engine components by quickly flowing through the engine immediately after startup.

Higher engine RPM's and more power. AMSOIL synthetic motor oil reduces friction more effectively than conventional oils, so engine bearings rotate easier. This saves energy and conserves fuel. When the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move its parts, that power can now be used to drive the vehicle. Many new AMSOIL users report their shift points actually decrease due to the added power their engines experience.

Increased fuel efficiency (better MPG). Since AMSOIL synthetic motor oils create less friction, they also help reduce fuel consumption, increasing a vehicle's fuel economy significantly. Operating with AMSOIL, the engine doesn't have to work as hard to turn the wheels, so it takes less fuel to run.

Lower Operating Tempertures. AMSOIL motor oils can reduce excessive operating tempertures of oil sumps by up to 20 degrees F compared to conventional motor oils. Friction generates heat and since AMSOIL motor oils reduce friction, less heat is generated. AMSOIL motor oils also carry heat away from the engine more efficiently than conventional oils to further enhance the cooling process.

Easier Starting in Cold Weather ... Winter. Conventional motor oils contain wax impurities that cause the oil to thicken at low tempertures, which slows the flow of oil through the engine at startup and promotes premature wear. They can thicken to the point where the engine won't even turn over and start. AMSOIL is pure and contains no wax. AMSOIL will pour at 60 degrees below zero. Engines start in cold weather as if it were summer. AMSOIL eliminates the need for block heaters. As users of this fantastic product know, in the winter you turn the key and go, no warmup needed.

These are just the immediate benefits from AMSOIL, long term your engine will last much longer, you'll have less time in the shop, and your vehicle will run like new longer.
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https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/websites/graphics/topbanner.jpg

[Axiom]

I've been a Mobile 1 synthetic oil users for a couple years and have never had any gripes with it what so ever. Why should I pick Amsoil over them?

[Amsoil Dealer]

I've been a Mobile 1 synthetic oil users for a couple years and have never had any gripes with it what so ever. Why should I pick Amsoil over them?
Axiom,

Unlike other Amsoil Dealers, I do not try to convince people to switch from Mobil1 to Amsoil. Well ... maybe I do ... just a bit. But read all of my threads and all of my posts throughout this forum. You will not see me overselling our product vs. a competitors product. Mostly I suggest people simply give us a try to see for themselves. What I do suggest is that vehicle owners read all available information and make their own decision.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Synthetic Lubricant Definitions and Classes Of Lubricants

Synthetic Lubricants are a product of the trend towards increasingly complex industrial and automotive equipment designed to meet ever more severe operating conditions - such as extremes of temperature in the operating cycle, the need for sealed-for-life components or extended overhaul periods. In these cases the equipment has exceeded the performance capabilities of conventional mineral oil based lubricants, and created the need to develop synthetic oils.

When we talk about synthetic oils we are describing the base fluid which, as in conventional lubricants, acts as a carrier for conventional additive packages.

Definitions

The following short definitions of the terms often used by those involved in the lubrication business will be helpful as a start to this bulletin.

Mineral oils - Lubricants whose base stocks are derived solely from direct distillation and separation of crude oil or "Dino".

Synthetic oils - Lubricants whose base stocks are pure chemicals. They are NOT based on the simple refining of crude oil ("Dino"), but are manufactured by the conversion of certain chemicals into synthetic bases with controlled structure and predictable properties.

Part or partial synthetics - These are mineral oils blended with synthetic oil. This has the effect of combining the desired features of each into the single oil. The term semi-synthetic is sometimes used to describe these oils. This is misleading as this term is used to describe a quite different fluid as shown below.

Semi-synthetics - These oils use the same raw material as mineral oils. However, the oil is further chemically manipulated after distillation. This process removes many unwanted compounds (such as those containing nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur) and converts many of the sludge-forming compounds into less reactive hydrocarbons.

Classes of Lubricants

All synthetic base fluids are not the same. Therefore, not all synthetic oils are the same.

There are many useful classes for the production of lubricants. The principle classes have proved to be esters, phosphorus esters, polyalkylglycols and synthesised hydrocarbons or polyalphaolefins. There are also classes within classes and the characteristics and performances of a synthetic base oil can vary considerably from one chemical structure to another. Selection of the correct base fluid for a particular application is important.

Why use synthetic lubricants?

Longer oil life --Enhanced thermal and oxidative stability
Benefit = Use less oil, less down time, longer filter life, lower disposal costs

Reduced oil consumption -- Lower volatility and higher density
Benefit = Less top up, less inventory

Safer operation -- Higher flash points, fire points
Benefit = Lower maintenance costs, lower replacement parts cost

Predictable properties -- Uniformity of product characteristics
Benefit = Lower product rejection, lower maintenance

Compared with conventional mineral oil formulations, no synthetic oil is cheap. The higher cost of the synthetic may be set against a lower oil consumption, lengthened drain periods, increased parts life, longer overhaul life or reduced maintenance costs.

[dakolorado]

I am a mobile 1 user as well and well if amsoil was on the shelf I would have bought it. Since mobile 1 is readily available I use it. I wish AMSOIL would go to the retailers!

[Amsoil Dealer]

I am a mobile 1 user as well and well if amsoil was on the shelf I would have bought it. Since mobile 1 is readily available I use it. I wish AMSOIL would go to the retailers!
dakolorado,

To address your comment, Amsoil was incorporated 34 years ago (1972) and did not have a sufficient budget to sell national on every level. Amsoil, being a small speciality oil manufacturer, could never compete with the big guys for shelf space.

Shelf space at the big stores is not free --- you have to pay for every inch of shelf frontage that you use, so Amsoil chose what worked for them at the time - a Direct Marketing System using Independent Amsoil Dealers.

If Amsoil was entering the market today they would probably pick a different course. Access to Venture Capital and the Stock Markets would give them access to the capital they would need for a different corporate structure.
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AMSOIL WILL NOT COMPETE WITH IT's INDEPENDENT DEALERS

The reason Amsoil is not on-the-shelf in more retail locations, is that they will not sell to retail stores for less than they sell to their Independent Dealers. For this reason, many retail stores are not interested in carrying Amsoil. They prefer to carry products with a higher mark-up (profit margin).
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AMSOIL IS AVAILABLE IN SOME STORES

Amsoil is available in some stores -- mostly high performance speciality shops -- that lean more towards quality (for building performance and race engines, or a store owner that appreciates superior products) than to a "price point" retail store (i.e. Walmart, etc.).
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AMSOIL IS THE ONLY MOTOR OIL COMPANY WITH A PREFERRED CUSTOMER PROGRAM (like Costco).

For Site Members of www.Dakota-Durango.com, I am offering FREE (with purchase) - AMSOIL PREFERRED CUSTOMER MEMBERSHIP's - whereby you can Buy Amsoil Products At DEALER COST (Wholesale Pricing) - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO (http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14246)

Time to switch another vehicle to Amsoil __________:worky:

[Amsoil Dealer]

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When it comes to synthetic motor oils, having a firm understanding of their benefits is invaluable. Here are eight truths about why synthetics are better for today's motorist and worth the extra upfront cost.

1) They offer superior wear protection so that engines last longer.

2) They improve fuel economy so that vehicles get better mileage out of every tank of gas.

3) Due to their low pour points and cold weather pumpability, they make winter starts much easier.

4) By reducing friction they help engines run cooler.

5) By reducing deposits engines run cleaner and perform more efficiently.

6) Due to lower volatility they reduce oil consumption.

7) They have been proven to provide more horsepower.

8) Because they resist oxidation and breakdown, they reduce varnish and sludge which keeps valves and rings from sticking.

When combined with extended drains, premium synthetic motor oils offer these additional benefits:

1) Synthetics save customers money. The overall life-cycle costs are less than petroleum products.

2) They save customers time. Surveys have shown that consumers desire the convenience of extended drain intervals.

3) They reduce waste. Not only is there less waste oil to deal with, there are also fewer empty containers to dispose of.

No question about it, the truth is powerful. By speaking the truth about synthetics we can put to rest the anxious concerns of our customers regarding one of their biggest investments, ... their vehicles. In the end we're respected, and their engines are protected.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Motor Oil Technology

Motor oil technology has gradually progressed since the days of the earliest automobiles. In those days, standard motor oil drain intervals were between 500 and 1000 miles, and motorists had to switch viscosity grades with the changing of the seasons.

The development of oil filtration and additive technology in the 1930's allowed drain intervals to increase to 2000 and later 3000 miles, while the development of viscosity modifiers in the 1940's allowed the formulation of multi-grade oils that could be used in both hot and cold temperatures.

Vehicle manufacturers are pushing for extended oil drain intervals.

Vehicle manufacturers in the United States are definitely coming around to extended oil drains. Most owners manuals from recent model vehicles recommend 5000 to 7500 mile oil drain intervals. Vehicle manufacturers in Europe have been recommending extended oil drains for years. In fact, the average drain interval in Europe is 10,000 miles (but understand that their EUROPEAN oil standards are greater than our minimum API standards).
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Use whatever you want ... just USE A TRUE SYNTHETIC!

True synthetics are pure with no impurities in the oil where petroleums will have sometimes as much as 30% impurities in its oil. True synthetics have higher ranges of temperature (hot and cold) that they can handle - much more than petroleum - and synthetic's provide for better performance.

Synthetic and Non-Synthetic Differences

The major difference why synthetics perform longer than petroleum oil is heat tolerance. Flash point is the temperature at which an oil gives off vapors that can be ignited with a flame held over the oil. The lower the flash point the greater tendency for the oil to suffer vaporization loss at high temperatures and to burn off on hot cylinder walls and pistons. The flash point can be an indicator of the quality of the base stock used. The higher the flash point the better. 400 degrees F is the minimum to prevent possible high consumption.

Today’s engines are expected to put out more power from a smaller size and with less oil than engines of the past. Therefore, the engines run much hotter than they used to. That puts an increased burden on the oil.

Even the best petroleum oils will have flash points only as high as 375 and 420 degrees F. For today’s hot running engines, this may not be nearly enough protection. Just about any synthetic you come across will have a flash point over 430 degrees. High quality synthetics can have flash points over 450 degrees (Every AMSOIL synthetic oil has a flash point of over 450 degrees F with some exceeding 475 degrees). As a result, you will see little noticeable breakdown due to burn-off.

Just as important is the way in which petroleum and synthetic oils burn off. As a refined product, petroleum oils molecules are of varying sizes. Thus, as a petroleum oil heats up, the smaller molecules begin to burn off. Since the ash content in most petroleum oils is very high, deposits and sludge are left behind to coat the inside of your engine. In addition, as smaller particles burn off, the larger, heavier molecules are all that is left to protect the engine. Unfortunately, these larger particles do not flow nearly as well and tend to blanket the components of your engine which only exacerbates the heat problem.

Synthetic oils, because they are not purified, but rather designed specifically from the ground up for lubrication purposes, are comprised of molecules of uniform size and shape. Therefore, even if a synthetic oil does burn a little, the remaining oil has the same chemical characteristics that it had before the burn off.

There are no smaller molecules to burn-off and no heavier molecules to leave behind. Moreover, many synthetics, have very low ash content. As a result, if oil burn-off does occur, there is little or no ash left behind to leave sludge and deposits on engine surfaces. Obviously, this leads to a cleaner burning, more fuel efficient engine.

It is true that the additives in many oils begin breaking down after only a few thousand miles. What needs to be recognized is that there are different quality “grades” of additives just as there are different quality grades of just about any other product that you buy. There are also different combinations of additives that tend to work for better and for longer when combined than when used individually.
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AMSOIL stands apart from the competition.

AMSOIL 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 (crude oil based non-synthetics), 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 "Synthetic PAO Formulated" oils have shattered the parameters of the most rigorous industry testing and set the standard for all other motor oils.

https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/websites/graphics/amsoilbar.jpg

[Billy Bob]

I've been a Mobile 1 synthetic oil users for a couple years and have never had any gripes with it what so ever. Why should I pick Amsoil over them?

must not use it too often,
Its Mobil 1 ,not mobile
its oil not a City in Alabama:jester:

I used to use Mobil 1, tried amsoil, no looking back
and mine gets deleivered to me at work, that beats me going to the parts store for it :banana2: