New synthetic oil reduces engine wear

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 14

New synthetic oil reduces engine wear

Christchurch • motorists will soon have a charice to test a new type of synthetic oil for themselves.' A shipment of the new “Amsoil” products, which are supposed to reduce petrol consumption and engine wear, has arrived at Lyttelton. Private dealers are expected to start selling the oil immediately. ■* The shipment has been brought in at the initiative of a Christchurch member of the automotive trade (Mr. R. Sigvertsen). He said that the advantage of the new oil lay in its molecular structure, which enabled its viscosity to remain constant at greater temperature extremes. The product was basically an ester, a combination of an oil derivative and natural alcohol, with various additives. The oil would reduce engine friction, resulting in a saving of at least 10, per cent on average fuel bills. Engines, less affected by contaminants, could also be expected to last

longer when using mineral oils.

Using the new product, cars? would need an oil change at about, a fifth of the present frequency, although consumers would have to pay nearly three times .the present cost of $7.18 per litre. Amsoil. -will introduce a new. range of products to this ' country, including diesel'oil, hydraulic fluid, tractor transmission oil, arid synthetic greases. Motor oil for two-stroke engines will also be available:.-.;:-: . *; ”

A campaign, which says that synthetics and the automotive industry are 'at the same stage as 'synthetics and the aviation; industry 20 years ago, begins immediately. Mr Sigvertsen said the local tests would begin soon to prove the product’s worth. The tests will be both private and .by “one of our agricultural research establishments.” A promotional film emphasises that the only real test is the “consumer test.” •