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Wesley Potts
January 8, 2025
6 min read

5 Myths About Synthetic Oil (Debunked)

Think synthetic oil will damage older engines or void your warranty? These persistent myths are costing drivers money and potentially harming their vehicles. Let's separate fact from fiction with real data.

Synthetic oil being poured into engine - debunking common myths

Synthetic oil has been around for decades, yet misconceptions persist that prevent drivers from experiencing its benefits. These myths often stem from outdated information or misunderstandings about how modern synthetic oils work. Let's examine the five most common myths and reveal the truth backed by science and real-world testing.

Myth #1: Synthetic Oil Damages Older Engines

The Myth: "Synthetic oil will cause leaks in older engines because it's 'too slippery' or will dissolve seals."

The Truth:

Modern synthetic oils are actually gentler on seals than conventional oils. AMSOIL synthetic oils contain seal conditioners that help maintain seal flexibility and prevent leaks. The "too slippery" claim has no scientific basis—oil viscosity, not base stock type, determines flow characteristics.

Myth #2: You Can't Switch Back to Conventional Oil

The Myth: "Once you use synthetic oil, you're stuck with it forever. Switching back will damage your engine."

The Truth:

You can switch between synthetic and conventional oils without any issues. However, once you experience synthetic oil's superior protection and performance, most drivers choose to stick with it. The only "addiction" is to better engine protection and longer drain intervals.

Myth #3: Synthetic Oil Voids Your Warranty

The Myth: "Using synthetic oil will void my vehicle's warranty because it's not what the manufacturer recommends."

The Truth:

Using synthetic oil that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications cannot void your warranty. In fact, many new vehicles come factory-filled with synthetic oil. AMSOIL synthetic oils exceed all major industry standards and provide better protection than minimum requirements.

Myth #4: New Engines Need to "Break In" with Conventional Oil

The Myth: "New engines need conventional oil for the first few thousand miles to properly break in the engine components."

The Truth:

Modern manufacturing tolerances are so precise that extensive break-in periods are unnecessary. Many manufacturers now fill new engines with synthetic oil from the factory. AMSOIL synthetic oil provides superior protection during the critical early miles when engine wear is highest.

Myth #5: Synthetic Oil is Just Marketing Hype

The Myth: "Synthetic oil is just expensive conventional oil with fancy marketing. The benefits aren't real."

The Truth:

Independent testing consistently proves synthetic oil's superiority. AMSOIL synthetic oils demonstrate 75% less engine wear, better cold-weather flow, superior high-temperature stability, and longer service life. These aren't marketing claims—they're measurable performance differences.

The Bottom Line

These myths persist because they contain just enough outdated truth to seem credible. However, modern synthetic oil technology has evolved far beyond these early concerns. Today's synthetic oils, particularly AMSOIL formulations, provide superior protection, performance, and value compared to conventional alternatives.

Don't let these myths prevent you from giving your engine the best possible protection. The science is clear: synthetic oil is not only safe for all engines but provides measurably better performance and protection than conventional oil.

Ready to Experience AMSOIL's Superior Protection?

Don't let myths hold back your engine's performance. Discover the AMSOIL difference today.