Category: Motor Oil

The Pros and Cons of Semi-Synthetic Oils and Synthetic Blends

Andy ArendtAndy Arendt|
How to check oil properly

Generally speaking, synthetic blends and semi-synthetic refer to the same thing: an oil that uses a combination of conventional and synthetic base oils in its formulation.



Why Does Motor Oil Turn Black?

John BakerJohn Baker|
How to change your oil

Find out why motor oil turns black and how that may affect your engine and, more importantly, if it signals the time for an oil change.



Why Top Landscapers (Like Duluth Lawn Care) Trust AMSOIL

Andy ArendtAndy Arendt|
SABER Professional

Landscape professionals provide the most demanding proving grounds for two-stoke equipment. Their string trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws and other equipment run continuously in hot, dirty and wet conditions. And their brutal schedules leave no time for breakdowns.



What Should I Do with Used Motor Oil?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Container for used motor oil recycling

While most motorists pay someone to change their oil, 25 percent of us still crawl under our vehicles and do it ourselves. When we’re done, what do we do with the used motor oil?



Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: The Definitive Guide

John BakerJohn Baker|
AMSOIL, conventional vs. synthetic oil, cold pour

In the battle of synthetic vs. conventional oil, most motorists today know that synthetic oil emerges victorious. It’s widely understood that synthetic oil provides improved wear protection, engine cleanliness and fuel efficiency, among other benefits. Synthetic oil also lasts longer, offering increased convenience and cost savings. But what makes synthetic oil better than conventional oil?

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What Motor Oil is Best for Winter? (And Other Cold-Weather Questions)

John BakerJohn Baker|

Synthetic oil is best for winter. We’re done here. If only it were that simple. But most people want empirical data to support such claims.



Should I Switch to a Lighter Viscosity Oil in Winter?

John BakerJohn Baker|
frozen diesel - thermometer in winter

Motorists sometimes ask if they should use a lighter viscosity of motor oil once winter arrives. Yes – provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it. 



Why do European Cars Require Special Oil?

John BakerJohn Baker|
BMW

For all the grin-inducing benefits of owning a European car – finely tuned performance, sophisticated styling, prestige – they can be a pain. According to this list, four of the top five most expensive vehicles to maintain hail from across the pond.



How Does Synthetic Motor Oil Increase Fuel Economy?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Positive about Gas Prices

Increasing fuel economy remains a top priority for most automakers. Corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) requirements may be in flux, but gas prices continue to inch upward.



A Beginner’s Guide to Motor Oil: What You Need to Know

John BakerJohn Baker|
working on willys jeep

If you awoke this morning asking yourself, “Gee, I wonder what there is to know about motor oil,” you’re in luck. Here, we present a primer on motor oil fundamentals.