What's driving ILSAC GF-3?
For starters, automakers want reduced oil consumption and more fuel economy from the new spec than present oils provide. For starters, automakers want lower rates of oil consumption and greater fuel economy from the next generation of oils than they’ve received from this generation.
Because the choice of motor oil basestock affects the oil consumption and fuel economy of the finished motor oil, industry insiders are calling the new spec a basestock battle. Synthetics own the high ground on both counts.

Reduced oil consumption

Reduced oil consumption allows automakers to use less expensive materials for catalytic converters. High oil consumption contributes significant hydrocarbons to the emissions stream. Emissions control requires use of expensive precious metal catalysts, which break down carbon monoxide emissions rapidly enough to eliminate the "river" of hydrocarbon delivered by high rates of oil consumption. With lower oil consumption, a car’s emissions catalyst would be treating a "stream" instead of a "river" of emissions, and less expensive catalysts can handle the smaller job.

Reducing oil consumption also allows automakers to extend oil drain intervals by helping the oil retain its ability to lubricate and protect after exposure to high temperatures.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils’ extremely low rates of oil consumption have been proven through Noack volatility testing (AMSOIL was the first in the U.S. to use it) and millions of miles of extended oil drain service. AMSOIL has recommended 25,000-mile or one year oil drain intervals since 1972.

Better fuel economy

In the not-too-distant future, automakers will begin calling for lower viscosity grade oils than are currently specified to increase fuel economy. Today’s 5W-30 will give way to 0W-XX grades.

AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil provides outstanding fuel economy, at a time when most oil companies haven’t yet introduced a 0W- grade oil. The future clearly belongs to AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.
Copyright © Amsoil Oct 97