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Amsoil and Vehicle Warrantys

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I found the following information from an Amsoil retailer web page and find it to be misleading.



I also find it hard to believe in an oil that has to fall back on the Magnuson-Moss act to retain respect on warranty issues.



It should be noted that the Magnuson-Moss act does not protect you when you use parts or products that do not meet the manufactures requirements, in which an API requirement is one of the ratings that is required for our engines motor oil.



Reason: If Dodge and Cummins states clearly that you must use an API certified motor oil meeting a certain specs and you fail to do that both Dodge and Cummins does have a legal right to deny warranty claims on the engine.



It is well documented in the Dodge owners manual that you must use API certified oils that meet certain API specs i. e. CH-4 or CI-4 being the two you need.



It is also well documented that Amsoil Diesel oil is not API certified and therefore would in fact void your factory Dodge and Cummins warranty.



I also find their statement very misleading about you not having to follow the factory oil change interval. If you did in fact follow Amsoil's lead in the below Amsoil statement both Dodge and Cummins are standing on very firm legal ground to deny your factory warranty.



The following statement must mean that Amsoil has received oil failure claims: AMSOIL Inc. sells millions of gallons of oil per year and warranty claims are a rare occurrence. This statement is taken directly from the text below.



Below is what Amsoil is trying to fall back on to justify the use of their non API certified oils:











Warranty Laws: Learn The Federal Law & Become and Informed Consumer











Could using AMSOIL motor oil void your new vehicle warranty?



Absolutely not. Vehicle manufacturers recommend using motor oils meeting certain grades and American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Whether the motor oil is petroleum based or synthetic will not affect warranty coverage. The manufacturer is required to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets the requirements and was not the cause of the failure. AMSOIL exceeds these requirements and has never been deemed the cause of an engines failure. Even so, AMSOIL has its own limited warranty, protecting you even further. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson-Moss act states that a manufacturer may not require the use of a specific brand of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge.



If a car dealership, service center or other business states that using AMSOIL will void your new vehicle warranty, ask for that statement in writing and send it to AMSOIL Technical Services (AMSOIl Inc. , AMSOIL Bldg, Superior, WI 54880). If the business won't provide the statement in writing send AMSOIL Technical Services a letter identifying who made the statement, the name and location of the business and what the specific statement was. AMSOIL will then send a letter to the business informing them that their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law. Your name will be held in confidence. A sample of this letter is included below.



Could your new vehicle warranty be voided if you don't change your oil according to the manufacturers recommended change intervals, such as when using AMSOIL?



Absolutely not. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are guaranteed to run 25,000 miles to 35,000 miles (Series 2000 Severe Service 0W-30 oil) or one year in mechanically sound engines, providing, of course the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendation or when using an AMSOIL Super Duty oil filter changing the filter at 6 months or 12,500 miles (for gasoline engines), whichever comes first. If using the AMSOIL Dual-Remote or Dual-Gard By-Pass Filtration unit then the oil and By-Pass filter is changed as indicated by oil analysis testing. AMSOIL coinded the phrase "extended drain interval" and it has been validated by over 30 years of industry testing and tens of thousands of motorists and millions of over-the-road miles.



AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide extended drain performance because they don't break down in heat like conventional motor oils do. AMSOIL motor oils don't form performance-robbing deposits, and don't volatize (burn off), which alters viscosity and increases oil consumption. Finally, AMSOIL's superior additive package, a key element in the oil's ability to function, holds up under engine stresses, remaining serviceable for the full 25,000 to 35,000 miles, or indefinitely when AMSOIL By-Pass Filtration and oil analysis is used.



Additionally, if there is ever a question of whether or not a particular oil was the cause of an engine failure make sure to get a sample of the used oil in a clean bottle, typically 6 oz. minimum. The oil can then be sent to two independent testing labs for analysis (* labs are located throughout the country). Remember, an informed consumer is your best defense against being taken advantage of by a vehicle dealership or service center.



If you need the address, location, phone number and contact information for an oil testing laboratory(s) please contact me.



Only if an oil is determined to be the direct cause of an engine problem can a manufacturer or dealership deny warranty coverage for that specific problem. In this situation the AMSOIL warranty would apply, and the AMSOIL Technical Services Department would assist you in processing your claim and getting your vehicle repaired. That's AMSOIL's pledge to you. AMSOIL Inc. sells millions of gallons of oil per year and warranty claims are a rare occurrence. If you ever have a warranty problem with an automobile manufacturer (or snowmobile, boat, RV, motorcycle, etc... ) or dealership, AMSOIL will assist you by analyzing the problem and providing data supporting the fact that repairs should be made under the vehicle manufacturer's warranty. If this does not resolve the problem. AMSOIL will submit a claim with their insurance company and request that an adjuster have the vehicle repaired and pursue legal settlement later if necessary. The fact is there never has been an engine failure attributed to the non-performance of AMSOIL products, and we do not expect there ever will be. If it ever did, both AMSOIL and their insurance company would make certain your problem was resolved.







Special Letter From AMSOIL To Your Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Boat, Snowmobile, Small Engine, etc. . Dealership:



Dear, Mr. Service Manager (actual name you supply will be put here),



It has come to our attention that you (or employee's name) have been informing our mutual customers that the use of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils voids your manufacturers' warranty. This claim is not true. Please review the following facts about warranties and AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils.



Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) recommend consumers use lubricants of the proper viscosity grade and service classification. Any oil, whether it's petroleum oil or synthetic, may be used without affecting overall warranty coverage. OEMs pay or deny warranty claims based on findings of failure analysis. To affect the vehicle warranty, the lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil did not cause the problem the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of the brand of oil used, or the length of time or number of miles the oil was used. To flatly inform customers that the use of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil voids their warranty is not true, is not supported by any OEM and damages AMSOIL INC.



Synthetic motor oil was introduced to the automotive public in 1972 by AMSOIL INC. , with its introduction of the world's first API (American Petroleum Institute) rated synthetic motor oil. Since then, every major engine oil manufacturer has followed AMSOIL's lead and has introduced synthetic oils of their own. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils exceed the most demanding worldwide performance standards. They are specially formulated for long service and provide superior performance and protection to that provided by conventional oils, and can be installed and used with complete confidence. AMSOIL INC. offers our customers warranty coverage and provides the proper insurance to cover an oil related failure, should one ever occur.



We appreciate your attention to this matter and anticipate there will be no further intimidation of our customers by your insuring no one implies or states that the use of AMSOIL products will "void" their warranty coverage. Thank You.



AMSOIL INC. , Customer Service Division



cc: Legal Department



If you would like a copy of this letter mailed to your dealership service manager please e-mail us at -- email address removed -- the name of the service manager, the complete mailing address of the dealership and the statement they made to you and we'll take it from there. Your name will be held in confidence.
 
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The Amsoil I use has "API" marked on the case. Hope that means it's API certified, not that I care.

I've been using Amsoil for a total of 800,000 miles, in 4 vehicles.

My oil change interval is longer than a Dodge warrenty.

engine stays clean, basically no wear.

Works for me, try it you'll love it.
 
I would not mind trying a few of the Amsoil products but only if they get the proper API certification, I am not in the mood to become my own warranty station.



Until then I will stick with Mobil, Chevron, Shell, Royal Purple, and others that take the time and have their oil certified, there is just something about putting an uncertified oil into my 48,000 dollar truck and hoping for the best that just does not agree with me.



Amsoil the ball is your court, get that API certification and stop trying to rely on warranty acts that don't fit your product.



I would also love to see Amsoil clean up their dealer act, to many Amsoil dealers are posting information that is not correct and Amsoil just stands by and lets them use the Amsoil name.



One dealer is trashing any oil that contains Moly, the above dealer is giving misleading statements about you not having to follow oil change intervals of the manufacturers. While you can go farther, if you failed to follow the manual you are becoming your own warranty station if you get caught.



Nothing Amsoil says will change that.



Cummins and Dodge are giving you 15,000 between oil changes as it is on the new trucks. To push any further in a Diesel engine is pushing any oil including Syns.



Mobile One back in the late 70's used to advertise that you could go 25,000 miles between oil changes using Mobil One, but then problems came up with dealers refusing to honor engine warranty work due to failure to follow the maintenance schedule for oil changes.



There is really no reason for Amsoil not to get proper certification unless it is some cult thing.
 
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I have used AMSOIL in my engine (series 3000) since day one And use amsoil products in my rear and front diff's no problems. when my fuel pump's failed(6) never did they ask if I was using a amsoil product in my fuel they just replaced my pumps and finally my VP-44. so I think the results are better proof than and tests (API cert)run in a lab at least for me. I run my oil 50'000miles between changes and just do oil samples and filter changes I run donaldson main filters and a fs2500 aux (bypass) filter. I use amsoil transmission fluid and a fs2500 remote filter for the trans fluid it keeps it very clean. no fluid related problems yet the truck has over 127'000+ miles on it hope this helps. TOD DISCLAIMER I am a AMSOIL lifetime dealer. :cool:
 
john3976:



Be clear about this, I did not say that I was an Amsoil dealer, nor did I say I followed or subcribed to any Amsoil policy. I simple stated that the Amsoil that I use has API MARKED ON THE CASE, and that I change my oil at itervals beyond the life cycle of the warrenty.

I too could be paraniod and do everything to the letter of how I choose to interperate the warrenty. This would cover me for the brief period that warrenty exist, after that you become "your own warrenty station" whether you like or not.

Sorry I offered you an opinion other than what you want to beleive.

You're the comsumer, if you don't like the product, don't buy it.
 
Magnuson-Moss act does not mean squat if you have to spend lots of money on lawyers to get a refund.



If you use ANY aftermarket parts on your engine you can kiss your warranty goodby.



It's not a matter of right ot wrong, it's a matter of who can afford better lawyers.



Just my opinion :p
 
Dane said:
Magnuson-Moss act does not mean squat if you have to spend lots of money on lawyers to get a refund.



If you use ANY aftermarket parts on your engine you can kiss your warranty goodby.



It's not a matter of right ot wrong, it's a matter of who can afford better lawyers.



Just my opinion :p



YUP, you have it EXACTLY right - too bad so many folks erroneously THINK all they have to do is wave that "magic MM flag" to have the dealer cowering in fear... :rolleyes:



And, I suspect that Amsoil's effort as to customer "support" of warranty controversy, is pretty much limited to a single-sheet mimeographed form letter to the dealers in question, and a postage stamp... ;)



Just about the same as most OTHER outfits claiming grand customer support.
 
Magnuson-Moss act only covers after market parts that replace a OEM part, i. e. ball joints, oil filters, motor oils, ect.....



However that does not mean that any after market part is covered under the Magnuson-Moss act, for example the part must meet the manufacture specs in order to maintain your factory warranty.



This is where the Amsoil does not meet the test under the Magnuson-Moss act due to the manufacturer requiring API certified oil in your engine, only a couple of Amsoil's products are API certified, and those are not the ones most are running in their trucks.



As for the Amsoil warranty, it like swiss cheese, it is so full of holes for a way out for Amsoil that it is not even worth the paper it is printed on.
 
Gary - K7GLD said:
Well, here's at least ONE guy's experience and viewpoint on the Amsoil warranty - and keep focused upon what Amsoil actually DID for him when approached on their advertised warranty...



http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000327

What is really amazing is how the posters on the board are defending Amsoil's lack of action due to their opinion that Amsoil has no responsibility for the failure, when the thread starter's original post was simply a warning NOT to rely on the Amsoil warranty or any Amsoil help in defending a blame of failure based on Amsoil. And the thread starter was even an Amsoil distributor.



The posters even go on to argue that the Amsoil warranty ONLY applies to Amsoil lubes, not ALL Amsoil products (like the bypass filter being discussed). So maybe john3976 has got it right.



Disclaimer - never used Amsoil and probably never will even though I have got nothing against it. This thread is about deceptive and hollow warranty claims - not bad products.
 
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I just ordered and received 12 quarts of AMSOIL synthetic SAE 15W-40. I plan to instal their bypass filtration system as well. On the bottle it says it meets the API service for SL, SJ, CI-4, CH-4, CF-2 and CF. It also lists: Cummins CES20076 and CES 20077. Hope this helps.



Kimo
 
Kimo-AV8R said:
I just ordered and received 12 quarts of AMSOIL synthetic SAE 15W-40. I plan to instal their bypass filtration system as well. On the bottle it says it meets the API service for SL, SJ, CI-4, CH-4, CF-2 and CF. It also lists: Cummins CES20076 and CES 20077. Hope this helps.



Kimo



What you are reading is what Amsoils says it meets, they have never submitted it for API testing to confirm that it does in fact meet API certification. In fact it has been said that Amsoil would fail the API certification test due to their additive package. As for Cummins and Dodge, I believe both require that you use an API certified oil.



Saying you meet API specs and being API certified are two different things.



The other story on Amsoil is they don't want to spend the money to get their oil API certified, yet they do that with both of their semi syns, but this excuse by Amsoil does not hold water either as any testing costs for API certification would be tax deductible to Amsoil.



:--)
 
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From what I understand applying for the "API Certification" is a VERY expensive deal, and it only applies to the one type of oil submitted (ie synthetic 10W-30). So, Amsoil would have to spend millions and millions to certify each oil. Next, Amsoil is constantly updating their oils for the next up and coming standards. Now, all the updated oils must be recertified at a VERY expensive rate. They are confident in the fact that their oil meets or exceeds the requirements, without spending the untold amount of money.

As far as your link about the bypass kit, what kind of oil were they running in the car? Probably not Amsoil, or they would have looked farther into it. More than likely, they were running a standard petroleum based oil that was too thick for the filter, in that there are too many impurities in the oil that the filter pulled out and the oil lost its effectiveness. The bypass filters down to less than one micron (one millionth of an inch) and from what I have heard, they can strip petroleum oils of their additives and basically wear them out. I don't know if this is true, and I don't claim to know a lot about this stuff, just relaying what I have been told by others. I do know this - I love my Amsoil, I run it in my truck, and won't run anything else. A bypass filter is in my future, as I have had one before and loved it.

My thinking is simply this - If you don't like something, there is no need to slam it. Share your opinion when the topic arises, but I don't see a need to just beat on it because you don't know a lot about it. If you don't know a lot about it, try and learn about it rather than to just try and find stuff to support your view. I'm not trying to start another oil war :-{} on the TDR I just thought I could help out a bit without stepping on too many toes! :-laf
 
Diesel Nut, Now if that is not calling the kettle black I don't know what is!



Have you read all the Amsoil dealers sites that bash any other brand of oil? LOL, you Amsoil dealers are to much sometimes.



By the way the guy in the link was an Amsoil dealer and was using Amsoil as I understand it.
 
john3976 said:
What you are reading is what Amsoils says it meets, they have never submitted it for API testing to confirm that it does in fact meet API certification. In fact it has been said that Amsoil would fail the API certification test due to their additive package. As for Cummins and Dodge, I believe both require that you use an API certified oil.



Saying you meet API specs and being API certified are two different things.



The other story on Amsoil is they don't want to spend the money to get their oil API certified, yet they do that with both of their semi syns, but this excuse by Amsoil does not hold water either as any testing costs for API certification would be tax deductible to Amsoil.



:--)



API licensing of lubricants is voluntary, and it ensures automobile manufacturers and consumers that the product meets a set of minimum standards.



Being on the market and making synthetic lubricants for over 33 years, are you saying you know more than they do concerning engine oils? And they are highly respected in the oil business.





Having been to the Amsoil factory on four different occasions, I can tell you beyond a doubt, if it's printed on the container it meets the API requirements for that product, or a Cummins spec, it does! :)

And looking in my 03' manual, it says to use on oil "conforming" to API CI-4





Wayne

amsoilman
 
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amsoilman said:
API licensing of lubricants is voluntary, and it ensures automobile manufacturers and consumers that the product meets a set of minimum standards.



Being on the market and making synthetic lubricants for over 33 years, are you saying you know more than they do concerning engine oils? And they are highly respected in the oil business.





Having been to the Amsoil factory on four different occasions, I can tell you beyond a doubt, if it's printed on the container it meets the API requirements for that product, or a Cummins spec, it does! :)

And looking in my 03' manual, it says to use on oil "conforming" to API CI-4





Wayne

amsoilman



Extended Change Intervals

Most manufacturers of synthetic oil advise users to not exceed the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. Part of this is self interest (they don't want to be liable for any damage) but the real reason is that synthetic oil, while it does have certain advantages, still becomes contaminated.



Be extremely wary of synthetic oil companies that offer to pay for your repairs if it is determined that their oil and their extended change interval recommendation caused the problem. Think for a moment of the incredible hassle you would have to go through to prove responsibility for an engine problem. Who would pay your legal bills? Who would pay for replacement transportation during the battle? The more bizarre the warranty the poorer the product is a good rule of thumb.



API Certification, Phosphorus & ZDDP

Never use a non-API certified synthetic oil (there are many of these on the market). The problem with the non-API certified synthetics is that they contain too much phosphorus (in the form of the additive ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphates)). The API has limited the amount of phosphorus because phosphorus shortens the life of the catalytic converter. These oils are fine for snowmobiles, motorcycles, and older cars that don't have a catalytic converter, and the extra ZDDP does provide additional wear protection. Unfortunately, the marketers of some the non-certified oils do not explicitly and honestly state the reason for the lack of API certification. You can check the status of API certification on the API web site. Be certain to go not just by the manufacturer name but by the actual product as well. This is because a manufacturer will sometimes have both certified and non-certified products. Suffice it to say that Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Castrol, & Havoline all make synthetic oils that are API certified and that can be purchased at auto parts stores and other retail outlets. Amsoil has one product line, XL-7500 that is API certified, but it's other lines contain too much ZDDP to be certified and should not be used in vehicles with catalytic converters.



Amsoil

Amsoil actually makes some very good products. The negative image of Amsoil is due to their distribution method (MLM) and their marketing approach. If Amsoil products were competitively priced with Mobil 1 and other synthetics, and if I could buy them in a store, I would not hesitate to use their XL-7500 synthetic as opposed to Mobil 1. What upsets me about Amsoil is that they didn't disclose until recently (and then it was by accident) the real reason that their oils (except for XL-7500) are not API certified. In the past they came up with all sorts of bizarre excuses about the reason for their lack of API certification and this greatly contributed to the distrust that people have of the company.
 
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