Test conditions were held close to ideal for maximum fuel economy. In many instances of less-than-ideal conditions, the synthetic test lubricants would have provided even more fuel economy improvement. For example, synthetics superior cold temperature fluidity provides a larger proportion of fuel savings in cold operating conditions.
Additionally, while the present study did not include analysis of wear control, wear control is an important issue with low viscosity lubricants and one fully addressed by AMSOIL through additional testing.
Traditionally, the benefit of improved fuel economy provided by low viscosity lubricants is offset by a penalty in wear control. Such is not the case with Series 2000 and 3000 lubricants, as evidenced by Four-Ball Wear testing conducted by an independent laboratory (results shown on product labels) and a growing body of demonstration and on-road data.
For example, an ongoing fleet demonstration is providing evidence of the excellent wear control of Series 3000. Since January 1996, AMSOIL and a northern tier trucking fleet have been conducting a demonstration using Series 3000 in the 1996 Cummins N-14 ESP3 engines of five 1996 Kenworth class 8 trucks.
The trucks traveled 125,000 miles with-out an oil change and the rate of wear metal generation found in used Series 3000 samples was lower than that found in used control oil, Pennzoil Long Life 15W-40, which is changed at 20,000-mile intervals.
Additionally, the viscometrics of the AMSOIL fluids provide a wear control benefit in cold temperature applications since low viscosity fluids flow more freely in cold temperatures than high viscosity fluids do. Oils that flow easily in cold temperatures provide faster post-startup wear protection in cold engines than do less fluid oils. They also provide easier starting and reduced battery drain.
Finally, AMSOIL product users are protected by the AMSOIL warranty, which, unlike warranties offered by other oil companies, is not limited by time or mileage and does not require user registration and approval.