AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil (ATM) and 10 competing conventional
and synthetic 10W-30 motor oils were subjected to a series of
API motor oil tests. The competing oils included petroleum-based
Castrol 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 1 SuperSyn Multi-Vehicle.
Seven API 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 (ASTM
D-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 (ASM 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.
