Comparative Motor Oil Testing
Motor Oils Tested
Amsoil ATM
Mobil 1 Extended Performance
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic
Pennzoil
Pennzoil Platinum
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend
Castrol GTX
Chevron Supreme
Havoline
Formula Shell |
Test Areas
Thin Film Oxygen Uptake (ASTM D-4742)
High Temperature / High Sheer (ASTM D-4583)
NOACK Volatility (ASTM D-5800)
Pour Point (ASTM D-97)
Total Base Numbers (ASTM D-2895)
Cold Cranking Simulator (ASTM D-5293)
Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D-4172)
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Amsoil Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil (ATM) and 10 competing
conventional, synthetic and synthetic blend 10W-30 motor
oils were subjected to a series of motor oil tests.
Seven 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 lubricants 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 lubricants reserve alkalinity for
combating acids. The Cold Cranking Simulator Test
(CCS) indicates the degree to which a lubricant can impact
cold weather starting. The impressive test results
show Amsoil Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil outperformed the
competitors in nearly every test.
Extends Oil Life
The Thin Film Oxygen Uptake Test (TFOUT) is used to evaluate
engines oil's ability to resist heat and oxygen breakdown
when contaminated with oxidized / nitrated fuel, water, and
soluble metals such as lead, copper, iron, manganese and
silicon. This test is designed to mimic the operating
conditions of a gasoline engine.
Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil has superior heat and
oxidation resistance to control sludge deposits and extend
oil life. Engines stay clean for maximum protection
and oil changes are reduced, saving time and money.
|
Amsoil: |
500 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
469 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
404 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
395 |
|
Havoline: |
375 |
|
Pennzoil: |
364 |
|
Formula Shell: |
310 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
277 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
172 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
164 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
153 |
The higher the number the better.
Protects Hot Engines
The High Temperature / High Shear Test measurers a
lubricants viscosity under severe high temperature and shear
conditions that are similar to severe service applications
in an engine. In order to prevent wear, it is
important for a lubricant to maintain it's protective
viscosity level under severe operating conditions.
Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil does not "shear back" and
thin out like other motor oils. Its superior viscosity
stability provides unsurpassed bearing protection for
dependable engine operation, especially during hot operating
conditions.
|
Amsoil: |
3.23 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
3.22 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
3.19 |
|
Formula Shell: |
3.18 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
3.16 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
3.14 |
|
Pennzoil: |
3.14 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
3.10 |
|
Havoline: |
3.09 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
3.06 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
3.05 |
The higher the number the better.
Maximizes Fuel Economy, Reduces Oil
Consumption and Emissions
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.
Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil resists high temperature
volatilization (evaporation) better than other motor oils.
Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil maintains peak fuel efficiency
reduces oil consumption and emissions.
|
Amsoil: |
5.44 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
6.58 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
6.77 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
6.97 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
7.49 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
8.84 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
9.12 |
|
Havoline: |
9.13 |
|
Formula Shell: |
9.18 |
|
Pennzoil: |
9.50 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
9.57 |
The lower the number the better.
Improves Cold
Temperature Startup
The pour Point Test determines the lowest temperature at
which a lubricants will flow. The lower a lubricant's
pour point, the better protection it provides in low
temperature service.
Unlike conventional oils that solidify in cold temperatures,
Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic Motor oil remains fluid down to -58*
F. Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil helps engines turn over
easier and flows quickly to engine parts for critical
start-up protection. Engines start faster and wear is
greatly reduced for extended engine life.
|
Amsoil: |
-58 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
-54 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
-38 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
-35 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
-29 |
|
Pennzoil: |
-29 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
-27 |
|
Havoline: |
-27 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
-27 |
|
Formula Shell: |
-26 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
-26 |
The lower the number the better.
Controls Acid Formation
Total Base Number (TBN) is the measurements 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 is in suspending
wear-causing contaminates and reducing the corrosive effects
of acids over an extended period of time.
The high TBN of Amsoil Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil allows it
to effectively combat wear-causing contaminations and acids,
providing superior protection and performance over extended
drain intervals.
|
Amsoil: |
12.20 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
11.89 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
10.16 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
9.11 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
8.67 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
8.52 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
8.00 |
|
Formula Shell: |
7.76 |
|
Havoline: |
7.65 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
7.46 |
|
Pennzoil: |
6.89 |
The higher the number the better.
Helps Engines Start Easier
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 start
ability. The lower a lubricant's cold crank viscosity,
the easier an engine will turn over in cold temperatures.
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.
|
Amsoil: |
0.45 |
|
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: |
0.55 |
|
Pennzoil Platinum: |
0.55 |
|
Quaker State Advanced Full Synthetic: |
0.55 |
|
Castrol GTX: |
0.60 |
|
Trop Artic Synthetic Blend: |
0.60 |
|
Formula Shell: |
0.66 |
|
Motorcraft Synthetic Blend: |
0.66 |
|
Havoline: |
1.65 |
|
Chevron Supreme: |
1.80 |
|
Pennzoil: |
1.80 |
The lower the number the better.
The Company of Firsts
Over 30 Years of
Innovation and Leadership
-
First to produce synthetic motor
oils for diesel engines, racing engines, turbos, and
marine engines.
Motor Oils Tested
Amsoil ATM (Synthetic)
Castrol GTX Drive Hard (Petroleum)
Mobil Drive Clean (Petroleum)
Pennzoil with Purebase (Petroleum)
Quaker State (Synthetic)
Quaker State Peak Performance (Petroleum)
Castrol Syntec (Synthetic)
Valvoline (Petroleum)
Pennzoil (Synthetic)
Mobil I SuperSyn Multi-Vehicle (Synthetic) |
Test Areas
Thin Film Oxygen Uptake (ASTM D-4742)
High Temperature / High Sheer (ASTM D-4583)
NOACK Volatility (ASTM D-5800)
Pour Point (ASTM D-97)
Total Base Numbers (ASTM D-2895)
Cold Cranking Simulator (ASTM D-5293)
Four-Ball Wear (ASTM D-4172) |
AMSOIL
Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil (ATM) and 10 competing
conventional and synthetic10W-30 motor oils were subjected
to a series of ASTM motor oil tests. The competing oils
included petroleum-based Castro 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 SuperSyn
Multi-Vehicle.
Seven 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
(ASTMD-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 start ability. 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 the 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. |
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