AMSOIL XL Motor Oils Reformulated for Longer Service Life

AMSOIL has given the additive package of its “XL” series of engine oils a considerable shot in the arm. The XL 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 previously had a 12,000KM (7500 mile) or 6 month drain interval. The revamped XL products now have a 16,000KM (10,000 mile) drain interval or even longer as dictated by oil life monitors or owner’s manuals. It also boasts a multitude of new specifications including API SN, ILSAC GF-5 and GM dexos 1™ (for the 5W-30). As an added bonus, the pricing remains the same, so the XL line is an even greater value than before.

Here is a Q & A article on the reformulation:

1. Question: How are the new AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils different than the previous XL Series?

Answer: The upgraded AMSOIL XL Series Oils are performance‐enhanced through an updated additive package and meet the new ILSAC GF‐5, API SN and GM dexos 1™ (5W‐30) oil specifications. The new XL Series Oils are constructed with premium base oils, a robust additive package and now feature AMSOIL “extended‐drain boost” technology to help extend oil drain intervals even further, saving time and money without sacrificing engine protection or vehicle performance. The latest XL Series Oils also contain updated packaging and artwork.

2. Question: What is the AMSOIL‐recommended drain interval and why can AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils now be recommended for longer oil drain intervals?

Answer: AMSOIL XL Oils have been fortified with an “extended‐drain boost” to help them effectively achieve oil drain intervals of up to 16,000 KM (10,000 miles), 6 months or even longer where recommended in owner’s manuals or by oil life monitoring systems. AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils go further due to updated additive technology, a high total base number (TBN) and strong base oil construction. They have undergone extensive testing outlining proven protection and performance over long drain intervals.

3. Question: What are the main advantages of upgrading to AMSOIL XL Series Synthetic Motor Oils?

Answer: Beyond these products providing enhanced wear protection, fuel economy, and all‐weather performance, they reduce the cost of ownership. AMSOIL XL Oils have an increased drain interval recommendation from 7,500 miles to 10,000 miles. That is a 33% increase in drain interval at the same price per quart.

4. Question: What specifications are the new XL Series Oils formulated to meet/exceed?

Answer: The correct viscosity grade of AMSOIL XL Series Oil is recommended for unique specifications. The specific recommendations are listed below.

5W-20
API API SN, SM…
ILSAC GF-5, GF-4…
ACEA A1/B1
GM 6094M
Ford WSS-M2C930-A
Chrysler MS-6395N

5W-30
API API SN, SM…
ILSAC GF-5, GF-4…
ACEA A1/B1
Ford WSS-M2C929-A
Chrysler MS-6395N
GM dexos1™ (supercedes LL-A-025, 6094M and 4718M) Fortified with detergents that exceed dexos1™ sulfated ash specifications.

10W-30
API API SN, SM…
ILSAC GF-5, GF-4…
ACEA A1/B1
GM 6094M
Chrysler MS-6395N

10W-40
API SN, SM…
ACEA A1/B1

5. Question: Are AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils API Certified?

Answer: Yes. AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils are API certified where applicable and the lighter viscosity grades also meet or exceed API Resource Conserving requirements. Each API certified product is denoted by the API donut and starburst on the label. The XLO 10W-40 has the API SN certification but not the API SN Resource Conserving certification due to its heavier viscosity.

6. Question: Why was ILSAC GF‐4 replaced with the latest ILSAC specification, GF‐5?

Answer: ILSAC GF‐5 was developed for improved fuel economy, emission system protection and deposit control.

7. Question: What is GM dexos1™ and does it supersede previous GM specifications?

Answer: GM dexos1™ is the latest global passenger car gasoline engine oil specification from General Motors. This specification is designed to exceed performance requirements of API SM and ILSAC GF‐4 related to improved fuel economy, fuel economy retention, extended drain intervals and reduced emissions. GM dexos1™ supersedes previous specifications such as GM 6094M, GM 4718M and GM‐LL‐A‐025 in a SAE 5W‐30 viscosity and is recommended for use in applications calling for these specifications.

8. Question: Why are AMSOIL XL Series Oils no longer recommended for applications requiring the API CF (light‐duty diesel) specification?

Answer: The API is discontinuing the CF designation on December 30, 2010. Limited testing availability played into the API’s decision. AMSOIL has a wide viscosity range of diesel oils engineered to meet more recent API‐designated diesel motor oil specifications (API CH‐4, CI‐4+, CJ‐4) that are backwards compatible and apply to many vehicles covered previously by API CF.

9. Question: Is the new XL Oil compatible with previous XL Series Oils?

Answers: The upgraded XL Series is completely compatible with previous XL Series oils. In cases where previous AMSOIL XL Series Oils (API SM, ILSAC GF‐4) are mixed with new AMSOIL XL Series Oils (API SN, ILSAC GF‐5), use the 7500 mile/6‐month drain interval, or longer where stated by vehicle manufacturer or oil life monitoring system.

10. Question: Is there a difference between normal and severe service oil drain intervals on the upgraded XL Series Oils?

Answer: Similar to the previous AMSOIL XL Series Oils, the AMSOIL‐recommended drain interval established for the new XL Series remains in effect for both normal and severe service. Whether normal or severe service, the XL Series oil drain interval recommendation is 10,000 miles/6‐months, or longer when recommended in owner’s manuals or indicated by oil life monitoring systems.

11. Question: Will oil analysis additive results differ between the previous XL Series and the upgraded XL Series?

Answer: There will be measurable differences between the baseline additive metals of the previous XL Series and upgraded AMSOIL XL Series Oils.

12. Question: How does the XL Series provide sustainable benefits to the environment?

Answer: AMSOIL XL Series Oils are better for the environment than traditional petroleum oils due to their superior additive construction and premium base oil chemistry. Better chemistry allows for longer oil life, meaning fewer oil changes, less waste oil and oil packaging generated. By resisting volatility (burn‐off) and reducing wear, less emissions exit through the tailpipe and engines last longer. AMSOIL XL Series Oils are also formulated with additive technology specifically designed to promote proper emission system operation and longevity.

13. Question: When do I change my oil filter using XL Series Oils?

Answer: Change your filter when you change the oil at 10,000 miles or when you change your oil. Special filtration is not required, however, the use of an AMSOIL Ea Oil filter will provide improved filtration and help reduce engine wear.

14. Question: What are the package sizes for AMSOIL XL Series Motor Oils?

Answer: AMSOIL XL Series Oils will maintain the same product codes and package sizes as previously available.

1-US Quart Bottle
1-US Quart Bottles (case of 12)
1-US Gallon Bottle (excluding 10W-40)
1-US Gallon Bottles (case of 4) (excluding 10W-40)
30-US Gallon Drum
55-US Gallon Drum