For years, AMSOIL and its Dealers have actively addressed concerns over new vehicle and equipment warranties. As millions of satisfied AMSOIL customers know, using AMSOIL synthetic lubricants or practicing extended drain intervals do not void new vehicle or equipment warranties. Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), however, try to revive old fears about warranty coverage in an attempt to increase sales of their own, typically more-expensive, OEM-branded oils.
Misleading OEM Practices
OEMs often suggest in owner’s manuals, advertisements or through dealership personnel that motorists and enthusiasts must use the OEM-branded oil to comply with the new vehicle or equipment warranty. The tactic is especially pervasive in the powersports market. Some OEMs include warnings of catastrophic engine failure should a non-OEM oil be used.
These are nothing more than fear tactics meant to strong-arm motorists and enthusiasts into buying the OEM-branded lubricant. Many are unaware, however, that it is against the law for OEMs to tie use of a specific brand of oil to the warranty, as implicitly stated in the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, or to void the warranty simply because motorists practice extended drain intervals or use, for example, a non-API-certified oil.
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are Warranty Secure™
AMSOIL developed the Warranty Secure icon and associated statement to simply and effectively reinforce the truth about warranties and your right to use AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. The statement uses clear, direct language to remind consumers that the law is on their side, while the icon serves to quiet fears consumers may have as a result of misleading or false claims from an OEM, dealership or mechanic. Pursuant to the Magnuson Moss Act, motorists and enthusiasts have the right to use whichever brand of oil they prefer and to practice extended drain intervals without voiding their factory warranties.
Because the issue is most prevalent in the powersports market, the icon appears alongside powersports products, including new AMSOIL 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil. Visit www.amsoil.com/warrantysecure for complete details.
AMSOIL stands behind its products and the people who use them. If the OEM claims use of AMSOIL products violates the warranty, contact AMSOIL Technical Services (715-399-TECH).
From the Editor:
Some companies even have the oil re-labeled as an very non-conventional weight such as a 5W-50, a 15W-50 or even 2W-50 to make it more difficult to match. If you see this call us and we can make an appropriate suggestion and explain why there is nothing to fear. (Call 605-274-2580)
OEM can require a specific manufacturer specification to meet warranty such as Volkswagen, Chrysler and Audi frequently do, but they do not certify a list of those oils. The consumer may choose from a list from their own research as long as that product has been tested.
Per the Magnuson Moss Act, the manufacturer must first prove that the aftermarket product (or owner) caused the problem before any service can be denied.
I love it when our local Harley dealership or any other business tells my new AMSOIL customers they MUST use their product to stay within warranty. Why? Because it’s so funny to see their face when our customer goes back and demands the product for free as the law demands it – if they require a specific brand to remain within their warranty that product must be provided free of charge! Yes it’s true!
