|
Comparative Motor Oil Testing
API (American Petroleum Institute) Motor Oil Testing:
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 Synthetic 10W-30 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 Synthetic 10W-30 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 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 “Genuine Synthetic PAO Formulated” oils have shattered the
parameters of the most rigorous industry testing and set the standard
for all other motor oils.
|
