Oil Change Intervals and the AMSOIL Warranty

AMSOIL Warrants That the Use of its Synthetic Lubricants Will Not Cause Mechanical Damage – Even at the Oil Change Intervals Recommended by AMSOIL

Download the AMSOIL Oil Change Interval Guide (132 kb pdf).

The Facts

AMSOIL is a recognized leader in the lubrication industry. The company’s introduction of the world’s first API-rated synthetic motor oil brought many lasting and irreversible changes for the oil industry, automotive manufacturers and consumers alike. Extended oil change intervals, synthetic lubricants for all applications and, above all else, unparalleled quality have defined the brand.

Still, after more than 40 years, millions of miles, refutable scientific proof and countless customers who are not only satisfied, but oftentimes amazed, some people are still concerned that using AMSOIL lubricants will void their vehicle’s warranty. A new vehicle is a big investment, so it is understandable if owners are concerned about anything that might affect the vehicle’s warranty.

Furthermore, language in owner’s manuals can be confusing as to what is allowed and what will void the warranty, especially when it comes to lubrication and maintenance. People are often told to use the vehicle manufacturer’s brand of lubricants and to change oil every 3,000 miles, or else. The fact is, vehicle manufacturers cannot require motorists to use a specific brand of lubricant, unless they provide it for free. They also cannot void a warranty due to the owner’s practice of extending oil change intervals.

Vehicle manufacturers recommend lubricants according to their viscosity grade and service classification. Any oil, whether it’s conventional petroleum motor oil or synthetic, meeting the correct viscosity grade, 5w30 for example, and the current API and ILSAC North American service classifications may be used without affecting warranty coverage. AMSOIL motor oils are recommended for use in applications requiring these specifications. In addition, the AMSOIL Warranty (see details below) covers the cost of repair or replacement of a mechanically sound engine damaged as a result of using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil.

Not Just Cars and Trucks

Cars and trucks aren’t the only expensive machines affected by these concerns. New snowmobiles, boats and motorcycles come with warranties very similar to automotive warranties. In fact, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in these industries also promote the use of their own lubricants and create the same concerns among power sports enthusiasts.

For example, a letter to the editor in the Summer 2007 issue of Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine asks, “Would I void the warranty if this lubricant is not specified in the H-D owner’s manual?” The editor responds by saying, “SYN3 is the only synthetic motor oil that does not impact your 24-month, unlimited-mile factory warranty.” Of course, this is untrue and would be a direct violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The next issue of Enthusiast contains a letter from another reader who corrects the editor’s response from the summer issue. The letter-writer requests a correction if it was a misprint, or the paperwork necessary to obtain his free oil if it was not. The editor notes that the magazine received dozens of similar letters (including one from AMSOIL INC. Executive Vice President Dean Alexander), and Enthusiast addressed the issue in an interview with Larry Gutjahr, P&A Lubricants Category Manager at Harley-Davidson. Gutjahr quickly denounces the claim that the use of other synthetic oils will void Harley-Davidson’s warranty and explains that Harley recommends its own brand of oil because they don’t test other oils.

In Summary

Brand: Nearly 40 years ago, AMSOIL synthetics represented a vision of the future and technology ahead of their time. Since then, every major engine oil manufacturer has introduced synthetic oils of their own. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) would like you to believe you can only use their products. However, it’s a violation of the consumer protections set forth in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, unless they’re willing to provide you those products free of charge.

Oil Change Interval: Vehicle warranties cannot be voided due to the owner’s practice of extending oil change intervals. Original equipment manufacturers pay or deny warranty claims based on the findings of failure analysis. To affect the vehicle warranty, the lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil didn’t cause the problem the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or length of time in use.

AMSOIL Stands Behind Their Products: The AMSOIL Warranty (see details below) covers the cost of repair or replacement of a proven mechanically sound engine damaged as a result of using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil.

The AMSOIL Warranty Legalese

AMSOIL, Inc. warrants that the use of its lubricants will not cause mechanical damage to any mechanically sound equipment when AMSOIL, Inc. products are used in full compliance with the company’s recommendations and instructions. In summary, AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are guaranteed to run for the service life recommended by AMSOIL, providing the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or, when using an AMSOIL Oil Filter, changing the filter at AMSOIL’s recommendations. For full details, download a copy of the AMSOIL, Inc. Limited Warranty:

AMSOIL Limited Warranty- Lubricants (1,856 kb)