Category: Vehicles

Updated Diesel Fuel Additives

The AMSOIL diesel fuel additive line boasts several improvements with AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean (ADF) and AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cold Flow (DFC) featuring new formulations. They are designed to clean both the tough-to-remove deposits surfacing in modern high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) diesel engines and traditional injector deposits.

The formulations of AMSOIL Diesel Cetane Boost (CCB) and AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow (ACF) remain unchanged.

All four products feature bold new packaging.
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A Study of SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oils

In May of 2013 AMSOIL released a study of their Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil tested against synthetic offerings from nine popular competitors by an independent, third party laboratory.

The competitors tested in the report are:

  • Mobil 1™ Extended Performance
  • Royal Purple High Performance Motor Oil
  • Lucas Synthetic
  • Red Line High Performance Motor Oil
  • Castrol Edge® with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology®
  • Pennzoil Ultra™
  • Petro-Canada SUPREME Synthetic™
  • Quaker State Ultimate Durability™
  • Valvoline SynPower® Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Continue reading A Study of SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oils

AMSOIL Upgrades ATF Specifications

AMSOIL’s ATF products have been elevated to the Signature Series family, now known as Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL). While formulations and pricing remain unchanged, the robust nature of these products was further proven in intense field testing allowing AMSOIL to introduce new application and service life recommendations. Field testing was conducted in Las Vegas taxi cabs. As you can imagine, Las Vegas cabs endure continuous stop-and-go conditions in extreme desert heat which makes it an excellent location to test these products.

Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF and Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF offer the most benefits in applications where heavy towing, elevated temperatures and challenging terrain are common. As transmission sumps are shrinking these robust fluids offer piece of mind and the ability to extend service life in some applications.

I’m excited to see the addition of the Mitsubishi ATF J2 specification to the Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF (ATL). This will directly apply to my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander and is great to see an after market fluid for this application.
Continue reading AMSOIL Upgrades ATF Specifications

New Snowmobile Application Tool for AMSOIL Products Released

AMSOIL has released a new online application guide that can help you find the correct AMSOIL synthetic oil and related product information for your snowmobile. It covers Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Polaris and Yamaha models from today and back to the 1990′s.

Test out the AMSOIL Snowmobile Product Application Guide

Enter the year, make and model into the guide and it will provide you with following information, specific to your model.

  • AMSOIL synthetic two or four-stroke engine oil
  • AMSOIL chaincase fluid
  • Engine coolant
  • The service life of the fluids for your application
  • Oil filter part # (for four-stroke engines)
  • NGK spark plug or wire-set part numbers
  • Fuel capacity

Amsoil also provides and updates extensive application guides and cross reference tools for auto & light truck, motorcycle, ATV, marine and more.

These are great tools to help you to discover and research the fluids and specifications required for your equipment. As always though the main source of information should be your owners manual.

Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Drain & Fill

I’ve decided to do a yearly drain and fill on my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander transmission fluid instead of the flush every 2 years as suggested in the manual. The dealership flushed the fluid after the first two years so I’m sure most of the contaminants from break-in are out of the system and now it’s just a matter of keeping the fluid fresh and making sure it isn’t breaking down. Transmission fluid quality is important for all vehicles but what stresses it the most is high fluid temperatures which can be generated while towing or on loose surfaces like sand and to a lesser extent snow.

Amsoil doesn’t sell a transmission fluid that meets the specifications of the DiaQueen J2 fluid for this vehicle at this time. I appreciate that the company does not push consumers to a generic ATF product if it doesn’t meet the spec. Amsoil stands behind their lubricants with their warranty secure program so if the application guide suggests an Amsoil product for your vehicle you can use it with confidence.
Continue reading Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Drain & Fill

Fall Maintenance

The leaves turning, nights getting cooler and mornings crisper is a signal that the seasons are changing. It’s time to start thinking about putting away summer equipment while looking over any winter gear that may need some work before the snow flies. Don’t forget to maintain those daily drivers to help them make it through another winter.

The fall is the perfect time to change the oil on your daily driver if you’re on an extended 6-month/15,000-km schedule using either the Signature Series or the XL Series from the 3 tiers of AMSOIL engine oils. Our 2005 Vibe was changed last weekend and is now good until May of 2013 or 20,000-kms.

I think it’s too soon to put the bikes away but those early morning starts without synthetics in the crank case may become a bit more harsh. Try one of the AMSOIL motorcycle oils to help with extream temperatures like cold starts and hot idling in the heat of the summer. In my opinon fresh oil is the best way to store any piece of equipment/vehicle. AMSOIL motorcycle oils have excellent anti-corrosion additives that lesser oils may be lacking.

How do you remember what needs to be done? Especally if you’re maintaining the equipment for an entire house, family or small fleet?
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OE 5W-20 and 5W-30 Now Available in Gallons

AMSOIL Original Equipment Synthetic Motor Oil is ideal for cost-conscious customers and customers hesitant about taking advantage of extended drain intervals. Now OE 5W-20 (OEM) and OE 5W-30 (OEF) are available in gallon containers – no mention yet of the other viscosities and if they will be available in gallon containers.

  • Provides excellent wear protection
  • Delivers optimum fuel economy
  • Maintains low emissions
  • Protects in all temperatures
  • Helps keep engines clean

I don’t normally stock OE oils but put your order in before my weekly trip to the distribution centre on Thursday evenings. Contact me to place an order or if you have any questions.

AMSOIL Synthetic Power Steering Fluid Reformulated

AMSOIL has given their Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid a formulation tune-up to meet more specifications than ever. This fluid now covers most all applications to go with its other merits which include all-weather capabilities and smooth performance.

Like many components on your vehicle, the power steering system will benefit greatly from a good synthetic fluid. Synthetics have the innate ability to resist breakdown in extreme heat and yet remain fluid under frigid conditions. That painful growling noise that you hear during cold start-ups is your power steering pump starving for oil. This product virtually eliminates that issue, providing tremendous year-round wear control and smooth operation. The power steering system is one of those over-looked maintenance items, but the benefits offered by this inexpensive upgrade are well worth it.

Here are the latest specifications met by AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid:
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Castrol Syntec @ Costco

Did you miss the sale of Castrol Syntec at Costco last week? $9 off is an ok deal on 6 quarts of “synthetic” oil but there is no need to wait for Costco to put Castrol on sale for a quality oil change at an excellent price.

AMSOIL Original Equipment is available any time you need it at wholesale pricing for 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 or 10W-30. If you live near one of the Canadian distribution centres in the GTA or Edmonton areas you can eliminate minimal shipping charges by picking up your order directly at the distribution centre.

Your $30/year membership fee gives you access and wholesale pricing to top quality AMSOIL synthetic oils, oil and air filters – including partners like Wix, Mann and NGK.

Contact me to discuss how to get you set up with a Preferred Customer account to gain access to the private warehouse and wholesale pricing.

Mitsubishi Outlander Oil Change

I spent Friday evening making a mess changing the oil on my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. This was my first DIY oil change on the vehicle. Below are some notes and photos specific to the Outlander, in general it’s very similar to other vehicles but hopefully this can help some others get started. Any questions or comments post below in the comment section.
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