The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

Latest News and Information in the World of Lubrication

Reprinted from The Direct Line & The Action News

April-June 2006

Past issues of Auto Technology & Lubrication News

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Briefly

Google Users Seek AMSOIL

The following is a list of how many times Google search engine users looked for the following words or terms in March 2006.

These statistics reveal that customers are actively searching for AMSOIL products. In fact, more searches were performed for "AMSOIL" than "motor oil" itself and more than Pennzoil, Castrol, Royal Purple, Lucas Oil and Mobil 1 combined.

Nissan OIl Consumption

Nissan North America recently instructed its dealers to cease sales of tens of thousands of new four-cylinder Altimas and Sentra SE-Rs built between January and May 2006 due to reports of excessive oil consumption, and the company is advising owners of affected vehicles to closely monitor oil levels to prevent engine damage while the company works on pinpointing the problem. The problem applies to approximately 100,000 vehicles, but Nissan has replaced the parts linked to the problem so vehicles currently coming off assembly lines are not subject to it. Notices sent to customers advise them to check oil levels every 700 miles, and if the oil does not register on the dipstick, they should immediately add oil and take the vehicle to a Nissan dealer. The company plans to issue follow-up advice once it determines the cause of the problem.

Auto Industry Focuses on Fuel Efficiency

Advanced fuel efficient vehicles increase demand for premium quality lubricants.

Increased concern about energy efficiency and security of energy supplies are spurring an increased interest in fuel economy, alternative fuels and advanced and alternative engine technology. Work continues on developing alternatives to the internal combustion engine, but Infineum Corporation predicts both gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines will continue to dominate the market through 2015 and beyond, while the cleaner engines of the future will drive demand for higher quality lubricants. According to Brian Crichton of Infineum International, hybrid and light-duty diesel vehicles will continue to gain significant light vehicle market share through 2015.

Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler have all introduced or plan to introduce hybrid vehicles for a wide range of different market segments, Due to their significant fuel economy benefits in light- to medium-duty urban operation, hybrids are gaining a loyal customer base in the United States. According to Crichton, hybrids will gain a maximum 15 percent of the market in North America by 2015.

According to Crichton, the traditional gasoline engine still offers potential for significant fuel economy improvements at a low cost. The light-duty diesel engine, on the other hand, offers efficiency advantages over its gasoline counterpart, but it is more expensive to manufacture. Despite their higher costs, light-duty diesel vehicles are expected to enjoy growth in the coming years.

"There is a strong possibility that light duty diesels will have significant penetration on the North American market, as concerns increase on energy costs and consumption," says Crichton.

The diesel engine is expected to retain its position as the power plant of choice in large load-carrying vehicles. Exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filters are expected to become increasingly common in urban and light-duty applications, while selective catalytic reduction may also be applied in heavy-duty and long-haul vehicles.

The combination of increasingly severe operating conditions and longer drain intervals in light-duty vehicles is bringing increased demand for high quality motor oil base stocks and higher additive treat rates. There are also efforts to align oil change intervals with other major vehicle service intervals and to establish fill-for-lease drain intervals. As motor oils are blended with higher quality base stocks that provide improved high temperature protection, stringent European diesel oil specifications may soon be applied to the North American market.

Although motor oil requirements for hybrid vehicles are the same as conventional gasoline engines, Crichton notes the downsized hybrid power plant and frequent stop-and-go operation require greater low temperature sludge protection and resistance to emulisification.

Heavy-duty diesel engines are expected to increasingly make use of alternative fuels such as biomass-derived fuels and natural gas, while demand for improved fuel economy will increase demand for high quality lower viscosity lubricants with low volatility, high viscosity index and extended drain capability.

According to Crichton, the availability of high quality base stocks will also encourage more and more equipment manufacturers to release their own internal lubricant specifications, increasing product complexity in the market.

AMSOIL offers premium synthetic motor oils for gasoline, hybrid and light- and heavy-duty diesel engines, providing vehicles with second-to-none engine protection, improved fuel economy and extended drain intervals.

Champ Boat Series Opens June 24-25

Team AMSOIL powerboat racer Terry Rinker won three of the first four races of the 2005 Champ Boat Series season on his way to claiming the championship. Now, Rinker is set to begin his quest for a second straight championship when the 2006 Champ Boat Series season opens on the weekend of June 24-25 in Bay City, Mich. Look for Rinker all season on Fox Sports Net as he soars the waves on the Champ Boat Series racing circuit.

Shaun Crapo Joins Team AMSOIL

The Team AMSOIL/Scheuring Speed Sports snocross team recently signed professional snocross racer Shaun Crapo of St. Anthony, Idaho to a two-year contract. Crapo, who finished third in the Pro Stock class and fifth in the Pro Open class last season for Team Arctic Cat, joins long-time Team AMSOIL racer D.J. Eckstrom on the Polaris-supported team for the 2006-2007 WPSA snocross season.

"I am extremely excited about bringing Shaun on board," said team owner Steve Scheuring. "We now have two racers that can win consistently and race for the championship."

"Signing with AMSOIL/Scheuring Speed Sports and having D.J. as my teammate is one of the most exciting things to happen in my race career," said Crapo.

Briefly

Check Motor Oil Levels

English auto insurance company Warranty Direct blames damagingly low levels of motor oil for a sizable portion of mechanical breakdowns in the United Kingdom. the company authorized nearly 163,000 claims last year due to motor oil related engine failures, representing 2.26 percent of all authorized claims. According to a Comma Oil survey, 35 percent of those polled reported checking their vehicle's oil level only once a year or less. "The number of bills we pay as a result of owner negligence is rising at an alarming rate," says Duncan McClure of Warranty Direct. When using AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, AMSOIL recommends checking the oil frequently to maintain proper fill levels and maximum engine protection.

Hydraulic System Tip

According to Michael Liberty of Liberty Fluid Power Services, it is best to drain the tank and inspect the underside of the reservoir top when faced with component failures and consistently high particle count readings in hydraulic systems, especially systems using water glycol or operated in a moisture-rich environment. Moisture within the reservoir often forms rust inside the tank top. "Vibrations during the operation of the system will knock the rust particles into the oil, where they are picked up by the pump and distributed throughout the system," says Liberty. "New rust particles form where the old ones fell off and the endless contamination cycle continues. Changing filters and off-line filtration are not solutions to the problem. Replacing the reservoir is sometimes the most cost-effective solution."

Big Protection for Small Engines

New Formula 4-Stroke® Synthetic Small Engine Oil provides superior protection for a wide range of small engines.

Compact, hard working four-stroke engines are everywhere, powering everything from lawnmowers to portable generators to skid steers. Although people depend heavily on these hard working engines in both their working and personal lives, maintenance is oftentimes neglected or overlooked. In some cases, proper maintenance is overlooked because the equipment is used infrequently. Other times it's neglected because the engine is inaccessible. Whatever the reason, the life and performance of the engine is negatively affected without proper maintenance.

Motor oil temperatures in automotive applications typically run around 210 degrees F, while oil temperatures in continually operating compact engines can easily top 300 degrees F. These elevated operating temperatures promote oil consumption and oil thickening and can significantly reduce the life of the oil. The combination of elevated oil consumption and infrequent maintenance can lead to low oil levels, placing further stress on the remaining oil, while reducing engine performance and increasing the chances for engine failure. Infrequent operation of the engines can be just as damaging. Acids generated during operation and water from condensation can build up in the oil during inactivity, promoting corrosion and rusting of internal engine components.

Recognizing the stress severe operating conditions place on small engine lubricants, many engine manufacturers are beginning to recommend synthetic oils for use over a broad range of ambient conditions.

New AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® Synthetic Small Engine (ASE) is a premium quality commercial grade lubricant featuring a robust formulation that provides superior protection in the hot temperature, severe service operating conditions of both gasoline and light-duty diesel-fueled small motors where routine maintenance is neglected. Formulated with a high viscosity index and premium synthetic base oils that exceed both 10W-30 multi-grade and SAE 30 straight-grade viscosity requirements, Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil provides excellent all-season protection and performance. As a commercial grade lubricant, it meets the demands of homeowner, commercial and industrial applications, improving productivity and reducing maintenance costs through superior engine protection.

Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil effectively withstands the high temperatures of hard working engines, resisting oxidation and oil vaporization to control oil thickening and reduce oil consumption. In addition, AMSOIL ASE lasts longer in service than conventional oils and keeps engines clean for peak operating efficiency.

Featuring a shear stable formulation with no friction modifiers, Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil resists breakdown during rigorous mechanical activity, making it ideal for hydraulic or hydrostatic systems and chain cases. It is wet clutch compatible and designed to prevent clutch slippage in commercial or recreational transmissions. AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil protects gears and bearings during high-demand, commercial-duty service.

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil is formulated with high levels of premium anti-wear and detergent additive technology, providing severe service protection of pistons, bearings and gears and effectively neutralizing acids from combustion by-products common to small engines. Anti-rust additives further protect equipment during storage or infrequent use.

Developed within the compact engine industry, the Tecumseh 150 hour endurance test measures a lubricant's ability to function in continuous operation applications and severe operating conditions common to engines in the field. Operating speed is maintained at a constant 3,200 RPMs, while average oil temperature is 283 degrees F, average intake air temperature is 103.5 degrees F, average cylinder head temperature is 570.9 degrees F and average exhaust temperature is 1256.4 degrees F.

The superior performance of AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil was demonstrated in the Tecumseh 150 hour endurance test. Few oils can endure the full 150 hours of testing, but AMSOIL ASE passed with flying colors. A competing conventional 10W-30 oil subjected to the same test demonstrated a viscosity increase 10.5 times greater than AMSOIL ASE, while oil consumption was 189 percent greater, oxidation 58 percent greater and average engine wear 153 percent greater.

Applications and Recommendations
AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke® Small Engine Oil is recommended in gasoline or light-duty diesel-fueled engines, transmission, hydraulics and chain cases requiring an SAE 30 or 10W-30 lubricant and API SL, SJ, SH OR SG (gasoline) or API CF or CD (diesel) performance. It may also be used in motorcycle wet clutches requiring JASO MA.

Engine manufacturers include Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Honda, Tecumseh, Robin, Kawasaki, Onan, Kubota, Yanmar, Wisonsin, Power Train, Vanguard and Linamar.

Equipment brands include Toro, Ariens, Sears Craftsman, John Deere, MTD, Bolens, Dixie Chopper, Yard-Man, Coleman, Murry, Troy-Bilt, Ex-Cell Generac, Snapper, Simplicity, Ingersoll, Wheel Horse, Homelite, Porter-Cable, Devilbass, Poulan, Cambell Hausfeld, Massey Ferguson, Thomas, Bobcat, Kubota, New Holland and Caterpillar.

Applications include maintenance equipment, tractors, lawn and garden equipment, generators, compactors, pumps, light towers log splitters, welders, power washers, cement mixers and trowels, skidsteers, excavators and compressors.

Briefly

Ford Retires Mercon Spec

Ford Motor Company recently announced the retirement of its Mercon automatic transmission fluid specification, opting to promote its more stringent Mercon V specification. According to Chintan Ved, Ford lead development engineer for ATF, although the company has recommended Mercon V fluids for all its vehicles for the past seven or eight years, most Ford models continue to be serviced with Mercon fluids in the aftermarket. "All transmissions recommending Mercon ATF can now be serviced with Mercon V, " says Ved. "Mercon V is a tighter specification, requiring better anti-oxidation, anti-wear and anti-shudder properties from service-fill ATFs. We are doing this because we want to ensure our customers get the better fluid."

Contamination Control Tip

According to Garry L. Sands, lubrication technician at Tembec Inc., installing a bottom sediment and water (BS&W) sight glass on a pump, oil bearing or gearbox allows a lube technician to monitor the condition of the oil and maintain a clean environment for the rolling elements inside. "By checking this sight glass as often as the oil level sight glass, one can eliminate any water, dirt, bio-matter or wear particles that may accumulate on a daily basis if needed," says Sands. "This gives time to find where the contamination is coming from before any damage can occur. On the other hand, if contamination goes unnoticed or is simply allowed to remain for an extended period of time, emulsion can be created, acids can form, additives can be depleted, and the BS&W sight glass would be useless."

High Gas Prices Spark Increased Hybrid Sales

Consumers cite high gasoline prices as top reason for considering a hybrid vehicle purchase.

With gasoline prices expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, automakers have turned their attention to producing more fuel efficient hybrid vehicle models. Several new models were introduced last winter at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Saturn VUE Green Line and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

The new Camry Hybrid makes use of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, combining a gasoline engine and electric motor with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The system can run on full gas power, full electric power or a combination of both as needed. The gasoline engine conserves fuel by shutting down at low speeds and stop lights, while running the air conditioning and power steering systems electronically.

The Saturn VUE Green Line is referred to as a "soft" hybrid. Rather than incorporating an electric motor to aid vehicle propulsion, it uses a belt/alternator/starter system that allows the engine to shut down when the vehicle is stationary. The system does not contribute to vehicle propulsion.

Hybrid vehicles are gaining acceptance with the public due largely to rising fuel prices, while tax breaks further pique the interest of people shopping for new vehicles. Hybrid buyers can currently claim a $2,000 deduction, and the tax credit will range from $1,700 to over $3,000 in 2007 depending on the vehicle's fuel mileage.

Hybrid vehicles generally have longer manufacturer recommended oil drain intervals compared to conventional vehicles. However, the constant starting and stopping of the engine puts increased stress on the motor oil, making the use of a high quality lubricant essential for maximum engine performance and life.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, hybrid vehicle sales are expected to increase from 212,000 vehicles in 2005 to 780,000 in 2012, equating to approximately 4.2 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales.

"Future growth will be the result of more vehicle manufacturers entering the hybrid-electric market and a greater number of hybrid models," says Anthony Pratt, senior manager of Global Powertrain Forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "There are currently only 11 hybrid models available in the U.S. market. By 2012, that number could increase to 52 models."

According to the Maritz Automotive Research Group, consumers who are strongly considering purchasing a hybrid for their next vehicle purchase has nearly doubled in a year's time, from 17 percent in 2004 to 29 percent in 2005.

The Maritz Automotive Research Group reports the following as the top reasons survey participants would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle:

The volatility of gas prices is changing buyers' decision-making," says David Ensing, Ph.D., director of Research and Development for Maritz Automotive Research Group. "Although many question whether buyers will reap enough savings in fuel costs to offset the higher cost of the new powertrain, a growing number of consumers are betting it will."

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are ideal for hybrid vehicle owners. Not only do they offer a greater level of protection and performance for hard-working hybrid engines, they allow hybrid owners to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

Briefly

Off-Roaders Plan Engine Performance Upgrades

A recent SEMA Internet survey regarding planned purchases reveals 40 percent of surveyed 4x4 enthusiasts plan to make engine performance upgrades to their vehicles, while 33.3 percent intend to work on their vehicle's suspension. According to SEMA, increased popularity of competitive off-road activities such as rockcrawling and rally/Baha activities has produced greater interest in safety equipment, which finished third in the poll. Paint and graphics, body kits, exhaust systems and audio components were also cited by survey participants.

Clean Diesel For Dodge Ram

Dodge has approved use of B20 biodiesel fuel in its 2007 Ram pickup trucks with the Cummins turbodiesel engine. However, the approval only covers military, government and commercial fleets at this point. According to DaimlerChrysler, the company is currently working with "the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities, and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of Dodge Ram diesels."

Tracking Oil Losses

When it comes to starting a program to control oil losses, Noria Corporation recommends examining lubricant purchase records and comparing them to the quantity of lubricant sent for disposal. "Try to account for the difference by looking for leaks, products consumed in the process, evaporative losses and products wasted due to contamination or misapplication."

Superior Protection for Stored Equipment

New AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides long-term protection of stored two- and four-stroke engines.

Two- and four-stroke recreational vehicles, hand held power equipment, small engines, construction and farm equipment are commonly operated seasonally or infrequently, then stored for long periods of time. During these periods of inactivity, and as a result of fluctuations in ambient temperatures, water vapor can form condensate within the engine. When this condensate comes into direct contact with steel and iron components, it forms surface corrosion on cylinder liners, piston rings, anti-friction bearings and steel/iron contact surfaces on rotational seals. Long periods of storage can also dry out cylinders, often resulting in permanent damage when the equipment is taken out of storage and dry started.

The severity of component distress resulting from extended storage varies, but it is usually not enough to result in immediate component failure. Often, equipment appears to function properly when put back into service, failing shortly thereafter as component distress increases with use. Because the failure doesn't happen immediately, the equipment owner often does not suspect storage-related problems.

The industry is beginning to recognize the relationship between storage-related corrosion and premature engine failures and performance problems. Unlike AMSOIL Motorcycle Oils, which are formulated with special long-term anti-rust agents, the effectiveness of most motor oils to keep condensate from contacting engine components and forming rust and corrosion diminishes with time.

Two common methods are used to extend protection of stored components. One method involves placing motor oil directly on internal engine components, usually by pouring one of two ounces of oil into the engine cylinders through the spark plug holes and manually rotating the engine to distribute the oil. The more effective, easier and cleaner method involves use of an aerosol fogging oil. Because it can be applied through the engine intake or carburetor as it is running, a fogging oil reaches and protects more components than a straight motor oil. In addition, the aerosol nature of fogging oil offers a more complete distribution of the oil than the straight motor oil method, something especially beneficial in applications with horizontal cylinder orientation, such as outboard motors.

A survey of manufacturers in the affected market reveals all have maintenance guidelines for long-term storage of equipment. Forty-three percent indicated special maintenance is required if length of anticipated equipment inactivity exceeds 30 days, while 43 percent indicated a time period of 60 days and 14 percent indicated a time period of 90 days. All recommended the application of additional oil to the engine for long-term storage, and more than half suggested the use of a special fogging oil.

New AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil offers superior film retention, providing long-term protection against corrosion and dry starts, extending engine life and reducing operating expenses. Its aerosol spray formulation offers easy and clean applications, while reaching more components and offering better distribution than straight motor oil.

AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil applications include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, outboard motors, stern drive and inboard marine engines, personal watercraft, lawn equipment, chainsaws, snowblowers, portable generators, hand held power equipment, powered construction equipment, cars and trucks.

Improving Fuel Economy: Buyer Beware

With fuel prices constantly rising, an increasing number of fuel additives and devices that claim to improve fuel economy are hitting the market. However, customers must exercise caution when buying such products. Although many additives on the market legitimately perform as advertised, many more are either already blended into the fuel or cannot live up to the hype.

"I think there's an excellent opportunity for less than scrupulous people to come in and do things in the name of trying to help," says Chris Greeson, senior technical services manager for Wix filters.

According to ExxonMobil fuel quality manager K. W. Gardner, detergent additives can improve fuel economy, but the benefits will not be apparent immediately. "Those have been documented to improve fuel economy over time," says Gardner. "Basically they operate by cleaning up deposits on the injectors, which improves combustion efficiency, and they've been shown to improve fuel economy 1.5 percent to 3 percent. It doesn't give you an immediate benefit; it takes time to clean up those types of deposits."

"A certain amount of caution needs to be exercised before getting too carried away with the use of any aftermarket additive," says Gary Parsons, global OEM and industry liaison manager at Chevron Oronite. "In general, additives can be viewed in the same vein as medicine. When used at the right dosage in the right applications, they can serve their desired purpose. However, used at improper dosages or in the wrong combinations, the side effects can be detrimental and defeat the purpose for using them in the first place."

Unless the engine manufacturer recommends it, it is best to avoid the practice of burning used crankcase oil in the engine. Any short-term fuel savings could be offset by premature equipment problems and failures. In addition, lower cost alternative fuels may contain higher contaminant levels that plug or decrease the service lives of fuel filters.

Customers should also be wary of "miracle" devices that claim to improve fuel economy. "During times of high fuel prices, a whole host of mechanical or 'miracle' type devices enter the market as people get more desperate to improve fuel economy," says Parsons. "Most of these devices don't have any scientific basis for the claims that are being made."

"Whenever you look at a product like that, make sure the manufacturer stands behind their warranty claims," says Keith Bechtum, engine liquid filtration product specialist at Donaldson. "Do they have anything more than a testimonial, and will they guarantee that performance?"

The use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils is a tried and true method of increasing fuel efficiency. Independent tests indicate synthetic lubricants can increase fuel efficiency by 2 to 5 percent, while field testing and on-road operation indicate AMSOIL synthetic motor oils yield even greater fuel economy benefits.

Briefly

Fuel Efficient Trucks

The Bush Administration recently announced new 2008-2011 light truck fuel economy regulations that increase average fuel economy by more than 10 percent by 2011, up to 24 mpg. The new standards vary according to truck size, with smaller trucks expected to comply with tougher standards than larger models. The size provision means each automaker will have its own fuel economy standard based upon its product offerings. "The new standards represent the most ambitious fuel economy goals for light trucks ever developed in CAFE's history," said Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. Automakers referred to the new standards as challenging, but some acknowledged they will be able to meet them through use of available technology.

Industrial Oil Storage Tip

According to Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, lubricants should be stored at moderate temperatures in a location removed from sources of possible contamination, including coke and cement dust, textile mill fly and other sources of grit and soot. It is important the storage facility, and especially the dispensing equipment, be kept clean through regular cleaning schedules. In order to avoid contamination and confusion of brands, orderliness is essential when handling partially emptied lubricant containers and dispensing equipment. Clearly label dispensing equipment to indicate the container from which it was filled. In addition, to avoid contamination of lubrication oils, drying oils such as linseed oil should not be stored in the same location.

The Growing Popularity of SURVs

Sport utility recreational vehicles (SURV) provide a convenient way to transport power sports vehicles.

The power sports vehicle market has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years, and the sport utility recreational vehicle (SURV) market is reaping many of the benefits. SURVs are towable recreational vehicles characterized by swing-down ramps and rear cargo space for hauling vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and jet skis, and their popularity has exploded in recent years. In fact, according to Mark Warmoth, founder of Weekend Warrior Trailers Inc. of Perris, Calif., SURVs account for approximately 35 percent of all travel trailer and fifth-wheel sales in California.

Alfa Leisure Inc. of Chino, Calif. is credited with introducing the first production-type SURV in the 1970s, and demand through the years has been closely tied to the popularity of off-roading. Demand began taking off in the early 1990s, coinciding with the introduction and success of four-wheel ATVs.

"This isn't a niche category anymore; it's a mainstream product," says Joe Hosinski, marketing manager for Dutchmen Mfg. Inc of Goshen Ind. "It's getting larger and larger every year. More manufacturers are getting into SURVs."

Many companies, including Dutchmen, Forest River Inc. and Keystone RV Co., have created divisions that build nothing but SURVs. "We made it a dedicated product line for us with engineers and designers working solely on SURVs," says Hosinski. "It's a product that is going to be around, a core part of our travel trailer/fifth-wheel business."

SURV marketers have strived to separate the vehicles from conventional travel trailers. "Our trailers are made for camping in the desert," says Warmoth. "There aren't too many Weekend Warriors going to a campground where you plug-in. Every coach that we provide has a generator-ready compartment. But, because of the price of the generator, we make it optional because some people might want to pay $800 for a portable or plug into the buddy's coach. But I'd say 80% of the trailers we produce are shipped with generators."

Forest River separates its Work and Play SURV from conventional RVs by emphasizing its cargo-hauling attributes over its sleeping and living arrangements. "This is not your two- or three-week vacation home," says general manager Curt Smith. "It's for the guy who goes to the Sturgis Black Hills Classic, Daytona Bike Week and other motorcycle rallies. It's for the weekend warrior guy who goes out motocross racing or the guy who wants a hunting camp when he goes out deer hunting for three or four days - a place to keep the rain off, a place to sleep off the ground that has a nice bathroom facility where they can take a shower. This is a fully self-contained unit; it can be taken to a campground or it can be taken off-road."

Many SURV models feature beds, dinettes and couches that fold up against interior sidewalls, maximizing rear cargo space. And consumers are discovering the benefits of the large cargo spaces extend beyond hauling power sports vehicles.

"Right now, some people see these simply as a way to haul toys," says Jim Baehmann, product planning manager for towables at Fleetwood RV of Riverside Calif. "But it's a very nice alternative hauling option because you have all this cargo space. You can bring home your home improvement materials. You can help your buddy move. Some folks would use these for accessible kennels in attending dog shows. People can use them to work out of; you can put tool boxes in there for a mobile shop, with fold-down benches and a dedicated circuit.

"When you buy the optional generator, you get a dedicated 30-amp circuit," says Baehmann. "So when you run your generator, it directs power specifically to this circuit, and you can actually plug in a welder there. So, the sky's the limit."

While SURVs have been popular on the West Coast for years, their popularity is also becoming evident on the East Coast. However, design preferences tend to differ, with West Coast consumers generally preferring an open interior and East Coast consumers generally preferring a divider wall between the living quarters and garage. Consumers who use their SURVs in colder climates also tend to prefer the divider wall because it insulates the living area from the elements.

In addition to two- and four-cycle motor oils formulated to provide superior protection and performance for power sports vehicles, AMSOIL offers top quality synthetic greases that provide superior protection for SURV wheel bearings.

Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease reduces friction and wear in high-speed/high-temperature components, keeping equipment running cool, clean and trouble-free for outstanding performance and long life.

Synthetic Water Resistant Grease

AMSOIL Synthetic Water Resistant Grease is formulated for applications with frequent water exposure, offering outstanding cohesiveness and adhesiveness, as well as superior wear protection and friction reduction.

Synthetic Fifth Wheel and Open gear Compound

AMSOIL Synthetic Fifth Wheel and Open Gear Compound is a convenient spray application that provides excellent adhesion to surfaces, resistance to water washout and protection against rust, corrosion and wear.

Motorcycle Service Study

According to a J.D. Power and Associates study, 20.6 percent of new motorcycle owners reported they made no service visits, including oil changes, routine maintenance, repairs, recalls and product updates, over their past year of ownership. Another 39.6 percent reported one visit, 22.2 percent reported two, 10.7 percent reported three and 7 percent reported four or more.

According to the study, 70.3 percent of owners brought their new bikes to their selling dealership for service, 12.2 percent went to another dealer, 13.8 percent did the work themselves and 3.8 percent went to an independent mechanic.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 48.7 percent rated their cost of ownership at 6 or below, but 47.5 percent indicated 9 or 10 for their overall ownership experience. In addition, 97.6 percent indicated they probably or definitely will recommend buying a motorcycle from the same manufacturer, while 88.4 percent indicated they probably or definitely will recommend buying a motorcycle from the same dealer.

AMSOIL 10W-40 (MCF) and 20W-50 (MCV) Synthetic Motorcycle Oils provide superior protection and performance for motorcycles, decreasing ownership costs though extended drain intervals and decreased maintenance expenses and downtime.

Briefly

Synthetic Motor Oils Credited for Increased Vehicle Life

A recent report released by the National Highway Traffic safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals average passenger cars are currently lasting in upwards of 150,000 miles, while average pickups and SUVs are lasting 180,000 miles or more. These numbers indicate an increase in average vehicle life over the past 10 years. A similar report from 1995 indicated an average car life of 125,000 miles and an average truck life of 150,000 miles.Among the factors credited for this increase in vehicle life are advances in metallurgical and engine technology and growing use of synthetic motor oil.

Automakers Anticipate Diesel Growth

While diesel-powered vehicles accounted for only three percent of total vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2005, automakers continue to predict significant growth for diesel vehicles over the next few years. DaimlerChrysler, Honda and Ford all expect to market clean diesel vehicles that meet the emissions regulations of all 50 states, and low sulfur diesel fuel regulations that lower sulfur levels from the current 500 parts per million to 15 parts per million go into effect in October. A new federal law provides tax credits of up to $3,400 per vehicle for clean diesels that meet stringent emission levels. Although diesel vehicles cost more than gasoline-powered vehicles, they offer improved fuel efficiency over their gasoline counterparts and cost significantly less than hybrid vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates predicts diesel vehicle sales will nearly double by 2010, reaching more than 1 million vehicles.

Four-Strokes Popular Choice in Outboard Market

Four-stroke outboard motors have unique lubrication requirements.

When the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instructed outboard motor manufacturers to reduce hydrocarbon emissions 75 percent by 2006, it forced the industry to adopt new technologies in order to comply, including two-stroke direct fuel injection (DFI) and four-stroke motors. Four-stroke outboard motors have not only succeeded in reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, they have also been a hit with consumers. In fact, Mercury Marine has seen its four-stroke sales surpass its two-stroke sales.

The Verado motor is Mercury's flagship four-stroke outboard motor model. "Our push into the development of four-stroke technology for marine use is really exemplified by the Verado engine and it will be the platform that we will use to develop technology for the future," says mercury Marine fuels and lubricant specialist Frank Kelley. "It will continue to be developed for improved fuel economy characteristics, lower emissions, reduced noise and vibration, and better reliability, along with any other characteristics that might enhance the customer's enjoyment of their engine."

When four-stroke outboard motors were introduced to the market, manufacturers recommended either their own specially formulated oil or an API SG or SL automotive oil. However, because the specific lubrication requirements of automobiles and outboard motors are different, it soon became apparent that four-stroke outboard motors would require their own oil specification.

"As four-stroke outboard engine technology becomes more prominent, it is obvious that it will be the standard for outboard engines, and at Mercury we felt that there was a need to develop a standard that would allow consumers to buy oils that were appropriate for their engines," says Kelley.This standard, entitled FC-W, was released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in August 2004.

Outboard motors are constantly exposed to water, and they require greater corrosion protection than automobiles. "If water is present in the oil or the system it will begin to attack certain components, like valve springs, which means that the engine is likely to fail earlier," says Kelley. "Since the presence of moisture is a very high probability circumstance, it is important to try to reduce the effect of any corrosion so that durability can be retained."

Outboard motors run at higher rpms for longer periods and at higher torques. While automobile engines normally operate at around 2,500 rpm, outboard motors can run twice as fast, requiring greater levels of wear protection, improved shear stability and better bearing durability than automobiles. In addition, marine oils often become diluted with fuel when the motor runs at low rpm, and it is essential for the oil to maintain its lubricity in such conditions.

AMSOIL 10W-30 and 10W-40 Formula 4-Stroke™ Marine Synthetic Motor Oils are FC-W certified and formulated specifically for four-stroke gasoline-fueled marine applications, offering unsurpassed wear protection, viscosity stability, low volatility and excellent low temperature fluidity. Their top quality rust inhibitors effectively protect equipment from corrosion and rust, even during equipment storage.

Marketing to Female Motorcyclists

Women are quickly becoming a sizable portion of the motorcycle market. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), women represent 10 percent of all riders. In addition, women purchase up to 23 percent of new Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

"Women are often key decision makers in the family and their greater acceptance of motorcycling over the past decade means more riders and also more next-generation motorcyclists," says Ty van Hooydonk, director of product communications for the communications bureau of the MIC.

More and more women becoming active motorcyclists has a trickle down effect as they are more likely to allow or even encourage their husbands, sons and daughters to ride.

"There's more general awareness of women riding motorcycles because more women are, in fact riding motorcycles and because mainstream media and the motorcycle industry want to present that important story," says van Hooydonk.

In addition, women tend to be very powerful influencers with each other, happy to share new-found passions with their friends.

"Women are profitable customers because of a higher loyalty factor," says Marcia Kull, marketing consultant and owner of SheGoes, Inc. "A woman typically will put more research into the first purchase decision she makes. In many cases, she will pre-qualify not only the product, but also the seller."

According to Kull, the auto industry is aware that women typically take two weeks longer than men when deciding on a vehicle. "She will later amortize that time investment by staying loyal, says Kull. "Unless you have given her a good reason to take her business elsewhere, her second purchase decision will no include the same background check."

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