Here are the replies I got back from Amsoil:
Russ;
Here is the link I referred to:
Warranties and the Magnuson-Moss Act
You have a customer who is interested in AMSOIL motor oil, but he's concerned that using a synthetic oil or extending his oil drain interval will void his warranty.
Your customer has no need for concern. Congress in 1975 enacted the federal Magnuson-Moss Act to regulate written consumer product warranties. An examination of the law reveals warranties remain intact when AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are used.
The law was meant to give consumers detailed information about warranty coverage before they buy.
Congress charged the Federal Trade Commission with creation of the specifics of the law.
The FTC set down three rules under the Act: the Disclosure Rule, the Pre-Sale Availability Rule and the Dispute Resolution Rule.
Those rules require warrantors to title their written warranty as either full or limited, provide a single, clear and easy-to-read document that spells out certain information about coverage and ensure that warranties are available where the products are sold so that consumers can read them before buying.
In passing the Act, Congress meant to give consumers access to warranty information, let consumers comparison shop for warranties, encourage warranty competition and promote timely and complete performance of warranty obligations.
While the Magnuson-Moss Act does not require manufacturers to provide a written warranty, it provides specific rules when one is provided. Among those provisions, FTC regulations state: (c) No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection may be waived by the Commission if (1) the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and (2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest. (15 U.S.C.2302(C))
That means your warranty stands when you use AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants.
Vehicle manufacturers recommend lubricants according to their viscosity grade and service classification. Any oil, whether its conventional petroleum motor oil or synthetic, meeting the correct viscosity grade, 5W-30 for example, and the current API and ILSAC North American service classifications may be used without affecting warranty coverage. AMSOIL motor oils are recommended for use in applications requiring these specifications. For more information on API licensing, go to Ask AMSOIL in the Dealer Zone.
Furthermore, the practice of extending oil drain intervals does not void warranties. Original equipment manufacturers pay or deny warranty claims based on the findings of failure analysis. To affect the vehicle warranty, the lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil didn't cause the problem the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or length of time in use.
Synthetic motor oil was introduced to the automotive public in 1972 by AMSOIL, INC., with the world's first API rated synthetic motor oil specially formulated for long service and superior performance and protection to that of conventional oils.
Nearly 30 years ago, AMSOIL synthetics represented a vision of the future and technology ahead of their time. Since then, every major engine oil manufacturer has introduced synthetic oils of their own. To be sure, many original equipment manufacturers would like you to believe you can only use their products. However, it s a violation of the consumer protections set forth in the Magnuson-Moss Act, unless they re willing to provide you those products free of charge.
AMSOIL offers a warranty that covers the cost of repair or replacement of a proven mechanically sound engine damaged as a result of using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil. However, it has never happened. Thirty years of experience proves AMSOIL can be installed in any vehicle with complete confidence.
AMSOIL further backs its products with action when a Dealer or customer reports being told their warranty is voided if they use synthetics.
If you have heard from any member of a business that the use of AMSOIL Motor Oil or the practice of extending drain intervals will void warranties, send AMSOIL all the details including the name of the business, business owner or manager and the individual making the claims, in a signed and dated letter. Send the letter to the Technical Services Department at corporate headquarters and an AMSOIL representative will send them a letter explaining the facts.
Access to the complete Magnuson-Moss Act is available on the Internet by key words Magnuson-Moss Act or Federal Trade Commission.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to your question(s). As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Byron Selbrede
Technical Services
The accuracy of this e-mail response is dependent upon the information provided. AMSOIL INC. is not responsible for wrong recommendations that were based on inaccurate or incomplete information.
From: Russ Vance [mailto:rvance@mchsi.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 1:51 PM
To: Mail TechService
Subject: RE: Technical Service Contact Form
I could not open the link. I put in my preferred customer number (I am not a dealer), but that apparently does not work. Could you possibly email me the information?
Thanks,
Russ Vance
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From: Mail TechService [mailto:tech@amsoil.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 10:05 AM
To: Russ Vance
Subject: RE: Technical Service Contact Form
Russ;
First, remember that the internet is providing an open forum where people are giving their opinions, and are not necessarily based on fact. We have addressed this type of question on line and it can be found at
https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/magnuson_moss.aspx .
If you have further concerns after reviewing this, please contact us again.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to your question(s). As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Byron Selbrede
Technical Services
The accuracy of this e-mail response is dependent upon the information provided. AMSOIL INC. is not responsible for wrong recommendations that were based on inaccurate or incomplete information.
From: Russ Vance [mailto:rvance@mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 7:15 PM
To: Mail TechService
Subject: Technical Service Contact Form
Below are the results of your feedback form.
Date: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 at 19:15:09
Sponsor ZO: none
Field Name
Value
1
feedback.setup
required
Name
Name
Russ Vance
Email
rvance@mchsi.com
Comments
I have been using Amsoil products for a couple of years with no problems. I recently bought a 2007 Ford Ranger with 24k miles. I joined a forum (The Ranger Station) to learn more about my new vehicle. In a recent post about synthetic oil, I posted a note that I use Amsoil in all my vehicles. Below is my post an a response I received from one of the members (note:I posted as 30coupe): Quote: Originally Posted by 30coupe I run Amsoil in every vehicle I own. Not only do you get extended service intervals, but I have gained some mpg in every vehicle (not huge gains but 1- 3 mpg depending on the vehicle). The main reason for using Amsoil though is the improved wear protection. If you are putting it in a older vehicle (75K+ miles) you will need to flush the engine first. Amsoil engine flush is just a few bucks a bottle and takes about 15-20 minutes to do. NOTE: I do NOT sell Amsoil products! I just use it because it works for me.
Be careful with Scamsoil products if your vehicle is under warranty! They lie and lead you to believe all their oil products are API certified, in reality only 2 are API certified, PCO, and XL:
http://eolcs.api.org/DisplayCompanyI... mpanyID=226450 The PCO is only rated at CI-4, not CJ- 4, the newest certification for diesels. And on top of all that, you pay highly inflated prices for the Scamsoil products, due to the MLM (pyramid) stucture!
Is it true that not all Amsoil motor oils are not API certified? If so, why? Could this lead to warranty problems on my newer Ranger or my wifes Toyota Prius (both under warranty)? I run Series 2000 O-w20 in the Prius and plan to use Signature Series 0-w30 in the Ranger. BTW: Using the extended service interval, I find Amsoil products cheaper than others. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Russ Vance