Q. I have read
the NOACK tests and the "3,000 miles oil change" fallacy. I have
been using the AMSOIL
Series 2000 0W-30 synthetic oil, AMSOIL
SDF-29 filter and AMSOIL
Air Filter. I have been following directions cleaning and
re-using the air filter on a once-a-year basis and changing the
oil filter twice a year. I leave the oil in for the full year.
That amounts to between 5,000 and 6,500 in the one year period.
I
have recently purchased a brand new 2001 Pontiac Grand Am with
the 3.4L engine. I also have purchased the GM Factory extended
6/60 warranty. I received the warranty book and read it. Much to
my surprise I find the following reference under "Your
Responsibilities" in the book:
"YOU
must properly maintain the covered VEHICLE which includes, but
is not limited to, changing the engine oil at a minimum of every
3,000 miles or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If
requested, proof of required service, including receipts and
work orders showing date and mileage of the VEHICLE at the time
of service must be presented to US in the event of a FAILURE or
CLAIM."
Because of this I fear switching to the
AMSOIL
0W-30 synthetic oil and oil filter and leaving it in the engine
for the full year or 35,000 miles thus risking voiding the
factory warranty. Is there anything you can do to contact GM and
convince them of the fallacy of the 3,000 mile oil change and
convince them to use and recommend
AMSOIL synthetic oil
in their cars? They are convinced enough to use Havoline
"extended" drain interval antifreeze, why won't they see the
advantages of AMSOIL
synthetic 0W-30 oil?
A. The
language in the extended protection plan was written by an
insurance company, and is definitely intended to intimidate you
into changing your oil every 3,000 miles. They are doing
everything they can to try to limit their liability for claims
and create “wiggle” room. What’s new!
All of the vehicle OEMs in the U.S. have agreed that a warranty
cannot be denied because a customer was using any brand of motor
oil at any length drain interval unless an engine failure was
directly attributable to the oil or drain interval. For example,
if your radio, power steering unit, air conditioner, etc., broke
down, they could not void the warranty that covers those items
because you were changing your engine oil at 6,500 miles or one
year. If it is not an oil related failure, they cannot void the
warranty. The law supports this position.
If your engine failed, and the manufacturer denied your warranty
for repair due to your using extended drain intervals, then you
would submit your claim to the AMSOIL
Technical Services Department for handling. (See the
AMSOIL
Limited Warranty.)
Our staff will analyze the oil, and if we are able to provide
documentation that proves the source of the problem was other
than the oil, and that in turn allows your claim to be processed
under the original warranty, then we will. If no proof can be
assembled regarding the source of the problem, our insurance
adjustor will be dispatched to resolve the claim. A warranty
claim being denied because of the use of extended drain
intervals is an extremely rare occurrence. That’s because motor
oils do not cause engine failures … dirt, glycol and other
mechanical problems do.
Ironically, in Europe the auto manufacturers recommended drain
intervals are from 12,000-18,000 miles using petroleum products,
and are moving even higher. In the U.S., it has been published
that auto manufacturers are also going to be moving toward
extended drain intervals of up to 15,000 miles in the not too
distant future. G.M. is currently moving toward a system that
tells you when to change your oil based upon a computer program
that evaluates your driving habits. Some other car companies are
planning on having an on-board oil analyzer to tell you when to
change your oil. This will allow for shorter drains for poorer
quality oils and longer drains for higher quality oils, where
G.M.’s system will not distinguish between the two. As these
changes develop, so will the language in owner’s manuals as well
as extended warranty policies.
You’ve used our products successfully for 7 years, drive
extremely low miles per year, and are following all of our
directions for air filter cleaning and oil filter changing. You
have our warranty coverage to fall back on in the unlikely event
of an engine failure that is not covered by your vehicle
warranty. I hope you will not be intimidated by the language in
your extended warranty policy and will continue to use the
highest quality and best performing products that you can,
AMSOIL.
T's Advanced Synthetics
Greg and Marcy Thurman
Your Nationwide
AMSOIL
Authorized Independent
Dealer
Nationwide US Warehouses,
Canada and Palm Harbor, FL
727-798-8552
E-Mail:
greg@tsadvancedsynthetics.com
If you
experience problems or have questions or comments about
our website please email us at
greg@tsadvancedsynthetics.com
Home
|
T's Privacy Policy
|
Links |
Contact Us
