A LOOK AT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

USED MOTOR OIL

Over 640 million gallons of motor oil are sold annually, but what happens to this oil once it is used, drained and replaced? It should get recycled, but unfortunately, 40% of all used oil is carelessly dumped on the ground or down the sewer, while another 21 % is thrown out with the trash, eventually seeping out of the land fill and entering ground water supplies and waterways.

Crankcase oil accounts for more than 40% of pollution in the nation’s harbors and waterways. Because of the damage this used oil does to the environment, both government and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have pushed for used oil recycling programs.

It is everyone’s responsibility to recycle and ensure used motor oil doesn’t end up polluting rivers, lakes, streams, soil and ground water. In fact, recycling the motor oil from just one oil change protects one million gallons of drinking water from contamination.

Used motor oil can serve as a valuable energy resource too, being reprocessed into fuel that is burned in furnaces and in power plants to generate heat and electricity. In fact, just two gallons of used motor oil can provide enough electricity to run the average household for a day, or provide the energy to:

• Cook 48 meals in a microwave oven
• Blow-dry your hair 216 times
• Vacuum you house for 15 months
• Watch television for 180 hours

Motorists who take their vehicles to an automotive service outlet for an oil change can be reasonably certain they recycle the used oil. Motorists who change their own oil could be certain to discard it properly. Most service stations, repair facilities and quick lubes will accept used oil. If not, check with your local government or recycling coordinator.

Used oil filters are also recyclable. Some states have banned dumping used filters into landfills, while others have placed restrictions on how they may be discarded. The Filter Manufacturing Council has a web site listing the regulations for each state:

AMSOIL plays a large role in pollutions reduction by offering pollutant source reduction. Most automobile manufacturers recommend oil drain intervals of 3,000 to 7,500 miles for conventional oils, but AMSOIL recommends up to a 35,000-mile drain interval. In other words, by taking advantage of AMSOIL’s extended drain intervals, motorists reduce volume of used oil by up to 11 times.

EMISSIONS

Efforts to reduce exhaust emissions have been making headlines lately. New GF-3 requirements for gasoline engine oils were recently released, as well as the new API CH-4 service classification for diesel engines. Both reflect the same goal: to dramatically reduce exhaust emissions and promote cleaner air quality.

Conventional oils lose up to 20% of their original weight right out the tailpipe in high temperature service, causing them to thicken and circulate poorly, contributing to not only increased emissions, but also increased wear and decreased fuel economy.

PERFORMANCE

AMSOIL Performance Improver Gasoline Additive takes emissions reduction to the next level, effectively dissolving and removing fuel system deposits and other contaminates for improved power and performance in fuel injected and carbureted systems. Tests show AMSOIL Performance Improver reduces emissions by up to 90 percent, while restoring up to 95 percent of an injector’s original fuel flow.

FUEL ECONOMY

The advanced lubricity of AMSOIL motor oils not only decreases friction and wear, it also contributes to increased fuel economy. By reducing friction, engines don’t have to work so hard to overcome it, allowing it to use its heat-energy more efficiently.

If the average person drives around 15,000 miles each year, a 5% savings in fuel would give them over $57 in savings a year (assuming vehicle gets 20 mpg, at $1.55 per gallon) and more than 37 gallons of fuel would be conserved. NOTE: Gasoline prices are now about $3.00/gal amounting to a $111.00 per year!

Installing an AMSOIL Reusable Air Filter stretches your fuel dollar even further. AMSOIL Air Filters trap more dirt and allows up to 50% greater air flow than conventional paper air filters, improving engine performance and fuel economy.