Wednesday, April 8, 2015

The Latest Upgrades for ATVs/UTVs



The Latest Upgrades for ATVs/UTVs


AMSOIL synthetic ATV/UTV lubricants provide hard-working and performance ATVs and UTVs upgraded performance and protection.

ATV and UTV owners invest thousands of dollars in their machines and accessories to improve utility and performance. Owners, particularly UTV owners, often purchase expensive upgrades, including roof panels, doors, winches, skid plates and snow plows. These upgrades are done to improve UTV utility and safety and maximize ATV performance, but increased weight and severity of service are side effects directly affecting lubricants.

Severe Service Challenges
Severe service and aggressive riding pose challenges. Elevated heat can break down oil, leading to harmful deposits and placing the engine at risk of extreme wear, while increasing the likelihood that heavily loaded, high-torque gears and bearings will fail. In addition, while accessories increase performance and versatility, the added weight and the propensity of these machines to be used for towing or hauling increase harmful heat and stress on gears and bearings. The negative effects of severe-service riding increase the importance of high-quality lubricants for increased protection.

What Riders Need
AMSOIL synthetic ATV/UTV lubricants provide another performance upgrade that helps owners safely and confidently push their machines to the limit. After spending thousands of dollars on a new UTV or ATV and equipping it with expensive upgrades, it makes sense to upgrade to AMSOIL performance.

AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic ATV/UTV Motor Oil
• Delivers reserve protection against heat
• Helps prevent varnish and sludge
• Delivers consistent clutch feel

AMSOIL 5W-50 Synthetic ATV/UTV Motor Oil
• Delivers reserve protection against heat
• Helps prevent varnish and sludge
• Delivers excellent all-weather performance

AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid
• Delivers reserve protection against heat
• Helps prevent varnish and sludge
• Boasts outstanding shear stability and resists extreme pressures

AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Front Drive Fluid
• Delivers reserve protection against heat
• Helps prevent varnish and sludge
• Boasts outstanding shear stability and resists extreme pressures
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Thursday, April 2, 2015

AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Deliver Extreme-Temperature Benefits



AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Deliver Extreme-Temperature Benefits


Extreme temperatures pose a host of challenges to lubricants. On hot summer days or when towing and hauling, extreme heat can deplete the oil additives sooner, altering the oil’s chemistry and preventing it from lubricating, cooling and protecting as designed. Sludge can form, which clogs narrow oil passages and prevents oil from reaching vital components, causing wear.

Heat can also cause motor oil to evaporate, or volatilize, creating deposits on the intake valves, which impede airflow into the engine and contribute to poor sealing of the combustion chamber. This can lead to rough idle, misfire and reduced power and fuel economy. When oil volatilizes, the lighter molecules evaporate, leaving behind the heavier components. This leads to viscosity increase, which makes the oil more difficult to circulate and reduces fuel efficiency. You may have experienced this when your car “uses” oil and requires frequent top-offs. Volatilization also creates emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Cold weather poses additional challenges. As the temperature drops, paraffins, or wax, present in conventional lubricants cause the oil to thicken and solidify. Oil that has thickened doesn’t flow as readily at startup, increasing the likelihood of engine wear. In extreme cold, lubricants can thicken enough to prevent the crankshaft from turning fast enough to start the engine, leaving you stranded and in need of a jump start.

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants provide improved extreme-temperature performance compared to conventional lubricants. They are engineered in the lab to have uniform molecular shapes and weights, which increases stability in the presence of extreme heat. Their durable molecules also provide improved resistance to chemical breakdown, deposits and sludge.

Unlike conventional lubricants, AMSOIL synthetic lubricants don’t contain paraffins, meaning they remain fluid in sub-zero temperatures. Their advanced synthetic chemistry results in significant extreme-temperature benefits compared to conventional lubricants, including the following:

• Maximum wear protection
• Superior engine cleanliness
• Less-frequent top-offs
• Longer service life
• Easier cold starts
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Friday, March 27, 2015

Feel Secure Using AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants



Feel Secure Using AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants

For years, AMSOIL and its Dealers have actively addressed concerns over new vehicle and equipment warranties. As millions of satisfied AMSOIL customers know, using AMSOIL synthetic lubricants or practicing extended drain intervals do not void new vehicle or equipment warranties. Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), however, try to revive old fears about warranty coverage in an attempt to increase sales of their own, typically more-expensive, OEM-branded oils.

Misleading OEM Practices
OEMs often suggest in owner’s manuals, advertisements or through dealership personnel that motorists and enthusiasts must use the OEM-branded oil to comply with the new vehicle or equipment warranty. The tactic is especially pervasive in the powersports market. Some OEMs include warnings of catastrophic engine failure should a non-OEM oil be used.

These are nothing more than fear tactics meant to strong-arm motorists and enthusiasts into buying the OEM-branded lubricant. Many are unaware, however, that it is against the law for OEMs to tie use of a specific brand of oil to the warranty, as implicitly stated in the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, or to void the warranty simply because motorists practice extended drain intervals or use, for example, a non-API-certified oil.

AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are Warranty Secure™
AMSOIL developed the Warranty Secure icon and associated statement to simply and effectively reinforce the truth about warranties and your right to use AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. The statement uses clear, direct language to remind consumers that the law is on their side, while the icon serves to quiet fears consumers may have as a result of misleading or false claims from an OEM, dealership or mechanic. Pursuant to the Magnuson Moss Act, motorists and enthusiasts have the right to use whichever brand of oil they prefer and to practice extended drain intervals without voiding their factory warranties.

Because the issue is most prevalent in the powersports market, the icon appears alongside powersports products, including new AMSOIL 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil.

AMSOIL stands behind its products and the people who use them.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

AMSOIL Introduces Premium New Products for V-Twins



AMSOIL Introduces Premium New Products for V-Twins

AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid (MVT) and AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid (MVP) are purpose-built for bikers who shy away from using a motor oil in their motorcycles’ transmissions or primary chaincases. Their introduction establishes secondary product recommendations in these applications, giving customers more options.

Main Recommendations Unchanged

The main recommendation for motorcycle transmissions and primary chaincases remains AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (consult the Motorcycle Product Guide at www.amsoil.com for specific product recommendations). For current motorcycle customers who use AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, there’s no need to change anything.

Although many bikers can attest to its outstanding performance in these applications and use AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil without reservation, some motorcyclists are locked in on the belief that a motor oil cannot adequately protect motorcycle transmissions and chaincases. Instead, they prefer lubricants that are clearly labeled for their intended applications. AMSOIL has now satisfied this demand with AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid and AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid. They are specifically designed for bikers who are reluctant to use multi-use lubricants, offering a full line of products to appeal to everyone.

Deliver Peace of Mind

Most bikers want to project confidence when they ride, and nothing ruins confidence faster than killing the engine when attempting to start from a dead stop. AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid and Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid help riders shift smoothly and avoid killing the engine when starting. Riders can count on consistent clutch feel for confident takeoffs and more effective riding. On the highway, Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid and Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid deliver a smooth, trouble-free ride, letting riders focus on the road instead of the performance of their bikes.

Excellent Transmission Protection

AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid features a high-quality, durable formulation that resists shear. Its robust chemistry provides film strength to protect against damage from shock loading, while its extreme-pressure additives provide additional protection against gear wear. It is formulated to deliver quiet operation, helping eliminate loud thunks and gear noise.

Outstanding Primary Chaincase Protection

AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid is formulated with a balanced additive system that provides consistent clutch performance and feel. It helps riders easily find neutral while promoting smooth acceleration throughout all riding conditions. Its superior load-holding capacity helps prevent clutch slip for confident takeoffs. AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid contains a heavy dose of anti-wear additives to protect the gears, chain and compensator bearing from premature wear, while resisting thermal breakdown and remaining fluid in low temperatures to reduce drag.

Applications

AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid and AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid are recommended for Harley-Davidson, Triumph and pre-2013 Indian bikes.

Change Intervals

AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid is recommended for up to 20,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid is recommended for up to 10,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
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Sunday, March 1, 2015

Conventional Vs. Synthetics




Conventional Vs. Synthetics



Oil, whether synthetic or petroleum-based, consists of molecular chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms, referred to as hydrocarbons. Petroleum crude oil is a thick, highly flammable dark-brown or greenish liquid with high energy densities. Many contaminating elements exist in this complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and metal components such as nickel or vanadium. Petroleum crude oil is the raw material
used for a wide variety of petrochemicals, including solvents, fertilizers, plastics and lubricants.
The oil refining process separates the various types of molecules in the oil by weight, resulting in a concentrated batch suitable for today’s uses such as gasoline, LPG, kerosene or base oils for lubricants. The chemical composition of conventional motor oil can vary substantially and depends on the raw crude oil refining process.
While petroleum base oils are refined, synthetic base oils are manufactured and can achieve a higher performance level. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered for a certain molecular composition with a tailored and uniform structure. Such fine-tuned control over the final molecular composition of synthetic oils is the key to the superior performance properties of these fluids. Designing molecular structures in a planned and orderly fashion results in molecules, and an end-product, that are far more stable than their refined petroleum counterparts.

Base Oil Groups

The entire range of base oils, including conventional petroleum products, are divided into five groups based on the level of saturates (saturated molecules), sulfur and viscosity index. In general, the chemical composition and performance properties of the base oil categories improve with advancing group number. For instance, Group I has a lower concentration of saturates than Group II, while Group II has a lower concentration of saturates
than Group III base oils. Today, Group III, Group IV and Group V base oils are considered synthetic.
Base Oil Chart

Saturated molecules contain a higher percentage of carbon-hydrogen (CH) bonds, which limits the available sites to which other, harmful molecules can attach. When other molecules, like oxygen, attach to oil molecules, they break down the molecular composition of the oil and weaken its performance. Saturated molecules are beneficial in lubricating fluids because they remain stable longer, resulting in a more durable lubricant. Unsaturated molecules have fewer single carbon-hydrogen bonds and are therefore less stable.
Saturated Bonds graphic
Sulfur is a naturally occurring, inorganic element that readily reacts with oxygen molecules and is detrimental to oil performance. Synthetic base oils have less sulfur than conventional base oils.
Viscosity index refers to the temperature-viscosity relationship of lubricating fluids. Oils with a high viscosity index (VI) are less affected by temperature; those with low VI are affected more. Oils with a VI less than 120 (Groups I & II) are more susceptible to viscosity variance due to temperature. The viscosity index of synthetic base oils is higher than that of conventional petroleum base oils.

Pure, Uniform Molecules Form Strong, Stable Lubricants

Petroleum oils have molecular structures that are randomly organized and, consequently, have limited performance abilities. Their varied and inconsistent molecular structure results in less film strength and lubricity. Their paraffinic wax content also makes them more susceptible to viscosity variance and cold-temperature flow problems.
On the other hand, synthetic base oil molecules are chemically controlled, which provides increased film strength and lubricity over petroleum oils.
The performance qualities of base oils have a marked impact on the performance qualities of the finished product. Synthetic base oils provide key features and customer benefits including better wear protection, more horsepower, increased engine cleanliness, improved fuel economy, easier cold starts and longer oil life.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Protect Hardworking Diesels



AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Protect Hardworking Diesels


The term “diesel” still conjures a host of negative connotations to some: loud, smelly, smoky, dirty. Such unflattering descriptions may have been apt years ago, but those in the know realize today’s diesels no longer fit the stereotype. And judging by the numbers, increasingly more drivers are discovering the truth about diesels.

Data compiled by Hybridcars.com and Baum and Associates reveal that U.S. clean-diesel car sales jumped 25 percent during the first six months of 2014. An impressive increase, but even more so when considering the overall car market increased just 4.2 percent during the same time. Even more remarkable, increased sales have come during an economic recessionary period during which, until recently, diesel fuel prices have trended upward. 

“Clean diesel” is a term automakers use to distinguish today’s cleaner, quieter diesels from their loud and smoky predecessors. Technically, a clean-diesel engine is no different from any other diesel engine. The differences lie in the fuel they use and their sophisticated exhaust-treatment devices. 

In 1993, the United States government limited diesel fuel sulfur content to 500 ppm – known as low-sulfur diesel. In 2006, ultra-low-sulfur diesel became available, which has a maximum sulfur level of 15 ppm. By 2010, the EPA required that 100 percent of highway diesel fuel be ULSD. 

More changes to the diesel fleet came in 2007. To meet EPA emissions standards, on-road diesel vehicles model-year 2007 and later come with exhaust-treatment systems designed to reduce harmful emissions. These systems range from exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filters (DPF), in-line regeneration and others. Though they all function differently, their purpose is the same. They, along with ULSD, are expected to decrease emissions from these engines by more than 90 percent. 

Turbocharged diesels already place enormous stress on motor oil. Elevated heat and shearing forces can thin the oil until it fails to provide adequate protection, leaving components susceptible to wear and failure. Sophisticated emissions-control devices on 2007-and-newer diesels make things worse. Fuel dilution from DPF regeneration or excessive idling further thins the oil, while excess soot from EGR and blow-by leads to harmful sludge formation and abrasive wear.

AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils are designed to withstand the punishment doled out by diesel engines. The complete line of AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils delivers superior protection for older and modern diesels equipped with exhaust treatment devices. They resist wear, withstand extreme heat and guard against the harmful effects of soot, such as oil thickening and sludge formation. 

AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils have you covered during heavy use and even abuse.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Premium Protection for High-Horsepower Chrysler and Nissan Applications




Premium Protection for High-Horsepower Chrysler and Nissan Applications

Along with the new 5W-50 viscosity formulated for high-horsepower Ford Mustang engines, the Signature Series line now includes a robust 0W-40 synthetic motor oil formulated specifically for high-horsepower Chrysler and Nissan engines. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil (AZF) provides top-of-the-mark protection and performance that customers expect from Signature Series.
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