Has anyone used AmsOil in their Prius?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(OlsonBW @ Jul 2 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]471861[/snapback]</div>

If you are still under warranty and sticking to the 6mo/5K oil change intervals, then you are wasting your money using Amsoil, or any pricey synthetic, IMHO.

You might want to posting your question over at Bob is the Oil Guy - http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/ubbthreads.php - where some serious oil geeks hang out. I mean the work "geek" in the best possible sense.

If you are really curious how your oil is doing, consider having a used oil analysis done at your next change. That really is the only way to know what the wear metals are, the fuel dilution and the TBN is for the oil after the end of service.

After a lot or reading over at BITOG I decided to run Trop Artic semi synthetic (It's made by Conoco Phillips) with a Mobil one filter in my Prius. It had some good UOA's over at BITOG. The oil is semi-synthetic with a high TBN and is a bargain at $1.48/quart at WalMart.

If you look at this Amsoil site where they tested their oils versus others you will see that the Trop Artic more then held its own: http://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/g1971/index.aspx

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(OlsonBW @ Jul 2 2007, 03:51 PM) [snapback]471861[/snapback]</div>

Same here. I am thinking about it. I have used Mobil 1 in my other vehicles, but I am thinking of using AMSOil in the Prius because the cost of 3 quarts doesn't seem that much. However, the point is taken that its overkill if you stick with the factory oil change interval of 5k.

I think one of the best benefits of synthetics is the ability to keep the engine clean (e.g. the TFOUT test on the AMSOil page linked above).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(OlsonBW @ Jul 2 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]471861[/snapback]</div>

I put some of their 0W-20 in my '07. It's only been in ~1500 miles so I don't really have any info on how it's doing. One thing I do know is that the stuff is so transparent that it's difficult to see the level on the dipstick. I plan on doing an analysis occasionally to see how it's doing. I am not a dealer but am a "preferred customer" and get it at the dealer cost which, if I remember right, cost me ~$35 for the oil and filter and the shipping.

 

Synthetic vs. dyno oil has been discussed many times in this forum. I have yet to see any convincing evidence that the first is better than the second for the Prius. However, if you were a car, you'd most likely prefer being fed the more expensive and "better" synthetic variety. I am guessing this is why so many people use synthetic oil.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jul 3 2007, 03:22 PM) [snapback]472548[/snapback]</div>

Discussed on this forum and many others. In fact, BITOG (Bob Is The Oil Guy) is a forum where they discuss nothing but oil. (well actually they discuss ATF and grease too, but you get the point).

There is really no correct answer because people look at it differently:

Some people look at the economics.

Some people look at the performance.


Conceding the point that its not necessary to use synthetics with the 5k OCI, I can think of two reasons I will use synthetic:

Superior resistance to sludge and varnish. It will keep the engine cleaner than dino. I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.

Superior dispersion of contaminants. A couple of people have reported higher levels of water contamination in their UOA for the Prius. A syn oil should be better at dispersion of the water than a dino oil.

If I lived in a cold climate, I would want it for the superior cold pumping performance also.

Just my opinion, reasonable people may disagree and I'm fine with that.

 

I've been using Amsoil 0W30 in our '04, changing every 10k, which is about six months for us. Very satisfied. Currently at 69,000 miles. Warranted until 100k.

PA P

 

I put Amsoil in my '07 at 2750. Now at 7200. All is well. Level on stick has apparently not budged. 450 miles put on over weekend at 70 mph+ with mpg at 54. Yes, I know that synthetic is overkill, but been using Mobil 1 since it's introduction in '76, with drain periods of 10K to 15K, with zero problems. This is my first use of Amsoil. Priced out about the same as M1.

 

amsoil said if you put the 25k oil (0w 20 ) just change the filter at 5 k or 10 k what ever you car is oil changed at then change the oil at 25k (amsoil does not have a ea filter for a 2010 prius yet )

 

AMSOIL invented the idea of 100% synthetic oil for automobiles. They probably make the best form of that oil to this day. They certainly test their products in ways the other oil producers never do. I have used the AMSOIL when I can locate it. I have even purchsed it on line at times, which is fairly common these days. You would do well to use their high quality oil filters as well. It certainly could do no harm to your car, and would probably do a lot of good.

 

I have used 100% Synthetic Oil in my vehicles since about 1980. All have gone 2-300K and been sold. The Reasons to use 100% synthetic are numerous. Unlike 'dino' oil, the synthetic resists breakdown from heat far better, so it doesn't form that black goo (called Sludge) that colors your oil, and can clog the engine to the point of failure. It is why all Jet engines must use only 100% sythetic oil, its original use. The 100% synthetic oil contains No Parrafin Wax, this is what thickens in cold weather and makes the engine harder to start. The other benefits of this is the starters last a lot longer, as will your battery. The engine is lubricated immediately and doesn't need the oil to warm before it becomes effective. The engine wear is considerably less, and can be measured by the 4 ball wear test. After the engine has been broken in, you can often extend the oil drain interval, though this depends on the quality of the oil filter to a degree, and the conditions in which you drive.

So Called synthetic 'BLENDS' are no better than dino oil because they contain the negatives of the sludge forming, wax containing oil. So either you use synthitic oil or not. Personally I'd never buy a car that was not maintained with 100% synthetic oil. The dipstick will show you that easily.

 

I dropped in amsoil 0w20 synthetic 25k mile back on may 11th, along with the amsoil 15k filter. I get about 3-4 mpg more, but that's versus 5w30 motor oil dropped in by the dealer by the previous owner. I love the stuff, I've used it in sport bikes and cruisers for 6 or so years.

 

use it every 12000 -15000 mile oil change.. have cases in my garage LOL great stuff you know best.. or you could use royal purple

 

I have always used Royal Purple in my EVO. How does the Amsoil compare? What about to the M1?

I will end up letting the dealership handle the changes for the first 2 yrs/25K miles. After that I will probable start maintaining the car myself. As I have done with all of my others!

 

don't use AMSOil in Prius but use it in my bikes. Mobil-1 in all cars.

AMSOil is much better oil (10K vs 5-6K from M-1 in bike) but Mobil-1 is cheaper, and we had 2 cars to go 225K and 380K on Mobil-1 w/o any problems with 10K changes. Mobil-1 could be had for ~30$ for change on sale.

IMHO if I were to go to AMSOil I would also consider bypass filter, and run it with 20-25K oil changes which it is warranted for good luck

 

I have a 2005 with 80,000 miles. I change my Amsoil once per year (about15,000 miles) and change the filter every 6 months. Had the oil tested at Blackstone after 15K and they said I could
go longer if I wanted.to. I live in MN so the car goes through a full theater of seasons.