Glossary of Terms
A comprehensive reference for motor oil, lubrication, and AMSOIL terminology. Use the search bar or browse by category to find definitions.
98 terms found
A
ACEA A3/B3
An ACEA specification for high-performance oils suitable for gasoline and diesel passenger car engines with extended drain intervals.
Oil SpecificationsACEA C3
An ACEA specification for catalyst-compatible oils with mid-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulphur) levels, suitable for vehicles with diesel particulate filters and three-way catalysts.
Oil SpecificationsACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association)
An organization that defines performance standards for motor oils used in European vehicles.
Oil SpecificationsAdditives
Chemical compounds added to base oils to enhance their properties and performance.
General Lubrication TermsAntioxidants
Additives that slow down the oxidation process of the oil, extending its useful life and preventing the formation of harmful deposits.
General Lubrication TermsAnti-wear agents
Additives that form a protective layer on metal surfaces to reduce friction and wear in engines and other machinery.
General Lubrication TermsAPI (American Petroleum Institute) classification
A system that defines the performance level and application of motor oils, using letter codes (e.g., SN, SP) to indicate the oil's suitability for different engine types.
Oil SpecificationsAPI CK-4
A diesel engine oil specification introduced in 2016 for high-speed four-stroke engines, designed to meet 2017 on-highway greenhouse gas emission standards.
Oil SpecificationsAPI FA-4
A specialized diesel engine oil specification introduced alongside CK-4, specifically for certain high-speed four-stroke engines designed to meet 2017 on-highway greenhouse gas emission standards.
Oil SpecificationsAPI SN Plus
An API classification introduced in 2018 to address low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) issues in turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines.
Oil SpecificationsAPI SP
The latest API classification for gasoline engine oils, introduced in 2020, offering improved high temperature deposit protection and more stringent sludge control.
Oil SpecificationsASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
An international standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, including those related to lubricants and motor oils.
Oil Performance MetricsAuthorized Dealer
An Authorized AMSOIL Dealer is an individual or business approved by AMSOIL to sell their products and represent the brand, often receiving training and support from the company.
Common AMSOIL TermsB
Boundary lubrication
A lubrication regime where the oil film is very thin and there is some contact between surface asperities, relying heavily on anti-wear additives.
General Lubrication TermsBypass Filtration System
An additional oil filtration system that works in conjunction with the engine's full-flow filter to provide finer filtration and extend oil life.
Common AMSOIL TermsC
Catalog Customer
An AMSOIL customer who purchases products at retail pricing without the benefits of Preferred Customer or Dealer status.
Common AMSOIL TermsCentipoise (cP)
A unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units. Water at 20°C has a viscosity of 1 cP.
Oil Performance MetricsCentistoke (cSt)
A unit of kinematic viscosity in the CGS system. It's equal to 1 mm²/s in SI units.
Oil Performance MetricsCold Cranking Simulator (CCS) Viscosity
A test that measures an oil's viscosity at low temperatures, simulating cold engine starts. Lower CCS viscosity generally means easier cold starts. Performed using ASTM D5293 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Engine Oils and Base Stocks Between −10 and −35 °C Using the Cold-Cranking Simulator.
Oil Performance MetricsCommission
The earnings an AMSOIL Dealer receives based on the sales volume of their Personal Group and their own direct sales.
Common AMSOIL TermsContamination
The presence of unwanted substances in oil, such as water, fuel, coolant, or wear particles, which can degrade oil performance and engine health.
General Lubrication TermsConventional oil
Lubricants refined directly from crude oil, offering basic protection for engines under normal conditions.
General Lubrication TermsCorrosion inhibitors
Additives that protect metal surfaces from chemical attack by forming a protective barrier or neutralizing corrosive substances.
General Lubrication TermsD
Dealer profit
The earnings an AMSOIL Dealer makes from the sale of AMSOIL products, typically the difference between their wholesale cost and the selling price.
Common AMSOIL TermsDetergents
Additives in motor oil that help keep engine parts clean by preventing deposit formation and removing existing deposits.
General Lubrication TermsDiesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
A urea-based fluid used in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions in diesel engines.
Oil SpecificationsDispersants
Additives that keep contaminants suspended in the oil to prevent sludge formation and deposits.
General Lubrication TermsDynamic viscosity
Also known as absolute viscosity, it's a measure of a fluid's internal resistance to flow under an applied force. Often measured using ASTM D2983 - Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Viscosity of Lubricants Measured by Brookfield Viscometer.
Oil Performance MetricsE
Ea Oil Filters
AMSOIL's line of high-efficiency oil filters, designed to provide superior filtration and engine protection.
Common AMSOIL TermsElastohydrodynamic lubrication
A form of hydrodynamic lubrication that occurs in non-conforming contacts under high pressure, such as in gears and roller bearings.
General Lubrication TermsEnergy Conserving
A designation given by API to oils that have passed specific tests for fuel economy improvement in gasoline engines.
Oil SpecificationsExtended Performance
Motor oils designed to provide protection for extended oil change intervals, often featuring enhanced oxidation resistance and cleaning properties.
General Lubrication TermsExtreme pressure (EP) additives
Additives that form a protective layer on metal surfaces under high-pressure conditions, preventing welding and reducing wear.
General Lubrication TermsF
Fire point
The temperature at which oil vapors will continue to burn for at least 5 seconds after ignition by an open flame, typically a few degrees higher than the flash point. Also measured using ASTM D92.
Oil Performance MetricsFlash point
The lowest temperature at which oil vapors will ignite when exposed to a flame, an important safety parameter and indicator of the oil's volatility. Determined by ASTM D92 - Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester.
Oil Performance MetricsFoam stability
A measure of an oil's resistance to foaming and its ability to release entrained air. Excessive foaming can lead to oil starvation and increased oxidation. Tested using ASTM D892 - Standard Test Method for Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils.
Oil Performance MetricsFour-Ball Wear Test
A test that measures the wear preventive characteristics of a lubricant by rotating a steel ball under load against three stationary steel balls immersed in the test oil. Conducted using ASTM D4172 - Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method).
Oil Performance MetricsFriction modifiers
Additives that reduce friction between moving parts, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear in engines and other machinery.
General Lubrication TermsFull Synthetic
Motor oils made entirely from synthetic base stocks and high-performance additives, offering superior protection and longevity compared to conventional oils.
General Lubrication TermsG
GM dexos1
General Motors' proprietary oil specification, designed to meet the specific needs of GM gasoline engines, with dexos1 Gen 3 being the latest version.
Oil SpecificationsGroup III, IV, V (Base Oil Classifications)
API classifications for base oils. Group III are highly refined mineral oils, Group IV are PAOs, and Group V includes all other synthetics like esters.
Oil Performance MetricsH
HDEO (Heavy Duty Engine Oil)
Oils specifically formulated for use in heavy-duty diesel engines, typically meeting API CK-4 or FA-4 specifications.
Oil SpecificationsHigh Mileage
Specially formulated motor oils designed for vehicles with high mileage (typically over 75,000 miles), containing additives to address age-related engine issues.
General Lubrication TermsHigh-Temperature/High-Shear (HTHS) viscosity
A measure of oil viscosity under conditions similar to those in an operating engine, crucial for maintaining oil film thickness and protecting engine components. Measured using ASTM D5481 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Apparent Viscosity at High-Temperature and High-Shear Rate by Multicell Capillary Viscometer.
Oil Performance MetricsHydrodynamic lubrication
A lubrication regime where a thick, continuous oil film completely separates moving surfaces, providing optimal protection.
General Lubrication TermsHydrolytic stability
The ability of an oil to resist chemical breakdown in the presence of water, maintaining its properties and performance.
General Lubrication TermsI
ILSAC GF-6A
The latest ILSAC specification for motor oils, introduced in 2020, providing improved fuel economy, engine protection, and compatibility with ethanol-containing fuels.
Oil SpecificationsILSAC GF-6B
A subset of the GF-6A specification, specifically for 0W-16 viscosity grade oils used in certain high-efficiency engines.
Oil SpecificationsILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee)
A joint organization of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers that develops minimum performance standards for motor oils.
Oil SpecificationsJ
JASO FB
A Japanese Automotive Standards Organization specification for two-stroke engine oils, indicating basic performance level.
Oil SpecificationsJASO MA2
A Japanese Automotive Standards Organization specification for four-stroke motorcycle engines, ensuring proper clutch performance in wet-clutch applications.
Oil SpecificationsK
Kinematic viscosity
A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow under gravity, typically measured at 40°C and 100°C for engine oils. Determined using ASTM D445 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids.
Oil Performance MetricsM
Multi-grade oil
Oil that meets the viscosity requirements of two different SAE grades, providing effective lubrication across a wide temperature range.
General Lubrication TermsN
NOACK volatility
A measure of oil evaporation under high temperature conditions. Lower NOACK volatility indicates less oil consumption and better high-temperature performance. Determined by ASTM D5800 - Standard Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Oils by the Noack Method.
Oil Performance MetricsO
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Refers to the original producer of a vehicle or engine, often used in the context of manufacturer-specific oil specifications or recommendations.
Oil SpecificationsOE (Original Equipment)
An AMSOIL product line designed to meet the basic performance requirements of vehicle manufacturers, suitable for normal service conditions.
Common AMSOIL TermsOil analysis
An oil analysis is the process of examining a sample of used oil to assess engine condition, oil condition, and contamination levels.
General Lubrication TermsOil consumption
The rate at which an engine uses or loses oil, often measured in miles per quart or kilometers per liter.
General Lubrication TermsOil degradation
The breakdown of oil molecules over time due to heat, oxidation, and contamination, reducing the oil's ability to protect and lubricate the engine.
General Lubrication TermsOil film strength
The ability of an oil to maintain a protective layer between moving parts under high pressure and temperature conditions.
General Lubrication TermsOxidation
The chemical reaction between oxygen and oil molecules that leads to oil degradation, increased viscosity, and the formation of harmful deposits.
General Lubrication TermsOxidation stability
The ability of an oil to resist oxidation, maintaining its properties and performance over time.
General Lubrication TermsP
PAO (Polyalphaolefin)
A type of synthetic base oil known for its excellent thermal stability, low volatility, and good low-temperature properties.
Oil Performance MetricsPCMO (Passenger Car Motor Oil)
Oils formulated for use in passenger car and light truck gasoline engines, typically meeting API SP and ILSAC GF-6 specifications.
Oil SpecificationsPersonal Group
In the AMSOIL business structure, refers to the network of dealers and customers directly or indirectly sponsored by an individual dealer.
Common AMSOIL TermsP.i. Performance Improver
An AMSOIL fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers, improving engine performance and efficiency.
Common AMSOIL TermsPour point
The lowest temperature at which oil will flow, crucial for cold weather performance. Measured using ASTM D97 - Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products.
Oil Performance MetricsPPM (Parts Per Million)
A measure of concentration often used for trace elements or contaminants in oil. 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 mg/kg or 0.0001%.
Oil Performance MetricsPreferred Customer
AMSOIL's Preferred Customer program offers wholesale pricing, exclusive promotions, and other benefits to loyal customers who frequently purchase AMSOIL products.
Common AMSOIL TermsQ
Qualified Customer
A designator in the AMSOIL system for customers who have made qualifying purchases and are eligible for certain benefits or discounts.
Common AMSOIL TermsR
Regency Platinum Direct Jobber
The highest level of achievement in the AMSOIL Dealer program, representing top-performing dealers with significant sales and team-building success.
Common AMSOIL TermsResource Conserving
An API designation similar to Energy Conserving, but including additional requirements for emission system protection and turbocharger protection.
Oil SpecificationsRetail pricing
The standard price for AMSOIL products when purchased without any special customer status or discount program.
Common AMSOIL TermsS
SAE Viscosity Grades
A classification system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers to rate motor oil viscosity, using numbers like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The number before 'W' indicates low-temperature viscosity ('W' stands for winter), while the number after represents high-temperature viscosity.
Oil SpecificationsSAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur)
SAPS refers to the content of sulphated ash, phosphorous and sulfur in motor oil, most commonly in European manufactured vehicles. Low SAPS oils are designed to be compatible with emission control systems in modern vehicles.
Oil Performance MetricsSeal compatibility
The ability of an oil to interact with engine seals without causing them to shrink, swell, or degrade, preventing leaks and maintaining engine integrity.
General Lubrication TermsSemi-synthetic oil
A blend of conventional and synthetic oils, offering a balance between performance and cost.
General Lubrication TermsShear stability
The ability of an oil to maintain its viscosity under high stress conditions, crucial for protecting engine components.
General Lubrication TermsSignature Series
AMSOIL Signature Series is their premium product line, offering the highest level of protection and performance for demanding applications and extended drain intervals.
Common AMSOIL TermsSingle-grade oil
Oil that meets the viscosity requirements of only one SAE grade, typically used in specific applications or older engines.
General Lubrication TermsSludge
A thick, dark deposit formed in engines from oil oxidation and contamination, which can clog oil passages and reduce engine efficiency.
General Lubrication TermsSponsorship
In the AMSOIL business model, the act of bringing new dealers into the AMSOIL network, often providing mentorship and support.
Common AMSOIL TermsSUS (Saybolt Universal Seconds)
An older unit of kinematic viscosity, representing the time in seconds for 60 mL of oil to flow through a calibrated orifice at a specific temperature.
Oil Performance MetricsSynthetic Blend
Motor oils that combine synthetic and conventional base stocks, offering a balance between the performance of synthetics and the cost-effectiveness of conventional oils.
General Lubrication TermsSynthetic oil
Lubricants made from chemically modified petroleum components or non-petroleum materials synthesized in the labratory, offering superior performance compared to conventional oils.
General Lubrication TermsT
TC-W3
A National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) specification for two-stroke cycle gasoline engine lubricants used in water-cooled outboard engines.
Oil SpecificationsThermal breakdown
The degradation of oil due to high temperatures, leading to changes in viscosity and the formation of deposits.
General Lubrication TermsTotal Acid Number (TAN)
Total Acid Number is the measure of the acidity of oil, indicating the level of oxidation and degradation. Lower TAN is generally better. Measured using ASTM D664 - Standard Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Titration.
Oil Performance MetricsTotal Base Number (TBN)
A measure of the oil's reserve alkalinity, indicating its ability to neutralize acids formed during engine operation. Higher TBN generally means better protection against corrosion. Determined by ASTM D2896 - Standard Test Method for Base Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Perchloric Acid Titration.
Oil Performance MetricsU
UOA (Used Oil Analysis)
Analysis performed on used oil to assess its condition, detect wear metals, and determine if it's still fit for use.
Oil Performance MetricsV
Varnish
A hard, amber-colored coating that forms on engine parts due to oil oxidation and polymerization, reducing heat transfer and engine efficiency.
General Lubrication TermsViscosity
A fluid's resistance to flow, crucial for determining an oil's ability to protect engine components at various temperatures.
General Lubrication TermsViscosity index (VI)
A measure of how much an oil's viscosity changes with temperature. A higher viscosity index indicates less viscosity change with temperature, which is desirable. Calculated using ASTM D2270 - Standard Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C.
Oil Performance MetricsVOA (Virgin Oil Analysis)
Analysis performed on new, unused oil to establish a baseline for its properties and additive content.
Oil Performance MetricsW
Wholesale pricing
Discounted pricing offered to AMSOIL Preferred Customers and Dealers, allowing them to purchase products at lower than retail prices.
Common AMSOIL TermsX
XL (Extended Life)
An AMSOIL product line designed to provide extended drain intervals and enhanced protection compared to conventional oils.
Common AMSOIL TermsZ
ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate)
A common anti-wear additive in motor oils that provides protection against metal-to-metal contact, especially during engine start-up.
Oil Performance MetricsZRT (Z-Rod Racing Technology)
AMSOIL's proprietary technology designed for high-performance and racing applications, offering superior protection under extreme conditions.
Common AMSOIL Terms