My Million-Mile Journey with Amsoil Synthetic Oil
Story by John Schlimmer
My Million-Mile Journey With Amsoil Synthetic Oil
Starting a Million Mile Journey with Amsoil products was an “unborn idea” that was about to bless my future! Hello, I’m John Schlimmer. After 27 years of being my own boss…In the early summer of 1999…my business income had declined forcing me to look at other alternatives.
At age 52, I’m thinking Lord what can I do? The thought came to me, “You can drive!” In early September of 1999, I purchased a new 1999 Chevy 3500 express cargo van and decided to start a delivery service.
Much to my surprise…the delivery service turned out to be an 8,000 – 10,000 miles a month adventure…delivering all over the USA.
My Million Mile Journey With Amsoil Synthetic Oil – Long-Lasting and Reliable
Can you guess what I was doing sometimes twice a month? I was Changing my oil every 5,000 miles. No fun especially when you’re away from home and your engine oil needs changing.
I’d heard about the Amsoil products in April of 2000 and their remarkable 25,000-mile oil change! That encounter gave birth to My Million Mile Journey with Amsoil Synthetic Oil.
Amsoil…A Change You Can Count on
From 5,000 to 25,000 mile oil change
In May 2000, with 68,250 miles on my 99 Chevy van, I decided to put the AMSOIL products to the test.
Purchase Amsoil at Rock Bottom Prices!
Let’s address your ‘deeply ingrained belief’ about changing oil. While pouring AMSOIL 0W-30 synthetic oil into the engine filler tube, I noticed the label on the back of the bottle said, “Good for 35,000 miles!” (This was back in 2000). Since then, the recommendation has changed to 25,000 miles.
After stretching my mind like a bungee cord from a 25,000-mile oil change to a 35,000-mile oil change I thought, “Go ahead, drive 35,000 miles…let’s see how good this oil is.” Little did I realize that my Million Mile Journey with Amsoil Synthetic Oil was underway!
I installed the Amsoil 0W-30 synthetic signature series oil in the engine along with the SDF (now EA/EAO) oil filter…(SDF oil filter was good for 12,000 miles back then).
I had the dealership perform a transmission flush and install AMSOIL synthetic automatic transmission fluid, a Wix filter in my transmission, and 75W-90 synthetic gear lube in the differential.
I purchased the AMSOIL multi-purpose synthetic grease and greased all the zerk fittings on the front suspension including the driveshaft. (My van is a 1-ton Express 3500 and has 18 zerks).
NOTE: By using AMSOIL synthetic grease, I was able to drive 1.2 million miles before needing to replace the tie rods and front suspension. In comparison, most over-the-road van drivers typically replace their suspension around 300,000 to 400,000 miles.
Increased MPG
Oil Changes Went From 20 A Year…
To 4 A Year… Savings Per Year…$2000
Million Mile Journey Savings…$18,000
One immediate benefit…fuel mileage improved by 1 mpg! (Savings of $1700 per year). Instead of spending $600 a year on oil changes, it dropped to $300…PLUS…the downtime of getting an oil change was turned into $$$ by spending more time on the road and getting paid to see the good ole USA in my Chevrolet.
My First 35,000 Mile Oil Change
At 103,750 miles (35,500 miles on the oil) I drained the oil, caught a sample, and mailed it to Amsoil. By the way, the oil was black and I figured it had probably lost all its lubrication properties. However, I was about to learn just because your oil turns black, don’t panic!
A week later with the report in hand, I called Amsoil to go over the report. What do you think the results were? If you were like me, I figured it would be contaminated and depleted.
To my amazement, this is what they said… ”your oil is good for another 10-15,000 miles. Just change the oil filter!!”
However, due to the nature of my delivery service…Sitting and waiting to pick up another delivery, I had lots of idle time.
In the heat of the summer, I would idle the engine with the AC running to cool the inside of the vehicle and in the wintertime, I would idle the engine with the heater running to warm the inside of the vehicle.
I knew idling was tough on the engine and transmission oil. Depending on the amount of idle time, I would change the oil every 20,000 to 25,000 miles.
When Amsoil came out with the EAO 25,000-mile oil filter, I loved that because now I didn’t have to change my oil filter as often. After that, I began changing my engine oil and oil filter every 20 – 25,000 miles.
Amsoil … Signature Series Synthetic Oil
Don’t Leave Home Without it
AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil contains specialized anti-wear technology.
Its durable, high-temperature film strength effectively separates metal surfaces to reduce
wear even under the most grueling conditions.
Tests prove the AMSOIL Signature Series provides better protection against wear
than other motor oils…helping engines to last longer.
Amsoil Synthetic oil…the best motor oil for your vehicle.
I Have Proven
You Can Go 20 – 25,000 Miles
With The Amsoil EAO Oil Filter
- AMSOIL Oil Filters have the best efficiency ratings in the automotive market providing a filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns.
- The Oil Filters feature advanced full-synthetic nanofiber technology and rank among the most efficient filters available for the
auto/light-truck market. When used in conjunction with AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, AMSOIL EA Oil Filters are guaranteed for extended service life.
- Oil Filters designated with product code EA15K are recommended for 15,000 miles/one year, whichever comes first, in normal or severe service.
- Filters designated with product code EAO are recommended for 25,000 miles/one year, whichever comes first, in normal service, or 15,000 miles/one year, whichever comes first, in severe service.
My Million Mile Journey with Amsoil
Blessed Me with A Million Mile Transmission
After driving my 99 Chevy van over 1,270,000 miles…using the Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid, it still has the original transmission…never been overhauled.
It shifts as smoothly as the day I purchased it. The only maintenance I’ve done to the transmission is to change the Amsoil Synthetic Transmission oil and filter every 150,000 miles. Now that’s extreme lubrication! (Note…city driving or short distances are recommended every 100,000 miles).
The fella from Wisconsin that drove his
91 Chevy pickup 1 million miles…
went through 5 transmissions.
Cost to replace a transmission…
$3500 x 5 = $17,500.
Amsoil Transmission Fluid…Takes The Heat
Amsoil Racing … Torque Converter
and Transmission oil…Amazing story!
Now I know why I still have my original
transmission at 1.3 million miles.
Amsoil Synthetic Transmission Fluid High-Temperature Test Chart
Amsoil transmission fluid gives you Exceptional Hot – and Cold Temperature Performance plus thermal stability.
Hot temperatures are no excuse for poor reliability. Naturally, heat resistant and heavily fortified with anti-oxidants. Amsoil ATF exceeds the most demanding oxidation requirements.
Amsoil ATF delivers outstanding protection against sludge and varnish deposits that clog narrow oil passages and contribute to clutch glazing.
Transmissions can operate hotter and longer with AMSOIL ATF than with conventional fluids.
Cold-Temperature Fluidity – Cold, thick automatic transmission fluid lengthens shift times and reduces energy efficiency (fuel economy). AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is wax-free and delivers extraordinary cold-flow properties (-60°F pour point). Shifting is more responsive, energy efficiency is improved, and warm-up times are reduced.
Extended Fluid Service Life
Amsoil Synthetic Transmission Fluid
Most drivers are unaware that transmissions commonly operate under severe service and require shorter fluid drain intervals. AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is a long-life fluid capable of extended service intervals.
It provides an extra margin of protection, especially when fluid change intervals are missed, during heavy use, and even during abuse. Drivers can count on AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF to provide protection beyond conventional fluids.
Ball Joints Replaced at 792,000 Miles
Thanks To Amsoil Synthetic Grease!
After encountering countless road craters, at 600,000 miles, my original rims had to be replaced. They had become so bent and out-of-round, that balancing my wheels was almost impossible. I mentioned my bent rims to emphasize the daily wear and tear the front suspension endures mile after mile.
| What you’re about to read in the next paragraph is amazing. It testifies to the lubrication strength of the Amsoil synthetic products. |
 Amsoil Synthetic Grease My Million Mile Journey with Amsoil … Synthetic GreaseAt 792,000 miles…I finally had to replace the ball joints. The left front ball joint that I replaced at 278,795 miles…due to a tear in the protective rubber…didn’t need replacing, but I changed it anyway. The steering arms and tie rods are all still original at over 1 million miles…thanks to Amsoil synthetic grease. I use the Amsoil Multi-Purpose synthetic grease for maximum protection against wear and corrosion on the front suspension, wheel bearings, and driveshaft. |
Check out the Amsoil ‘Grease Comparison Test’ video below. After witnessing this impressive demonstration, you’ll understand why my ’99 Chevy van managed to surpass 1.2 million miles before I had to replace the original steering arms and tie rods!
Severe Gear Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Gear Lube
Amsoil Gear Lube
Formulated for the severe operating conditions of today’s pick-up trucks, SUVs, heavy equipment, and other hard-working vehicles. When I added the Amsoil synthetic Amsoil Synthetic Gear Oil…I forgot about it. Big mistake…at almost 500,000 miles…the differential bearings had to be replaced. Found out later…differential oil should be replaced every 150,000 miles.
Here’s a valuable tip. Change the differential fluid whenever you change the transmission fluid.
At around 1.1 million miles, I had to replace the entire differential housing due to the axle/differential splines wearing thin. My van had a limited-slip differential, which is great for traction, but from what I understand, it’s a bit more delicate than a standard one-wheel drive differential. I hauled many heavy loads over long distances, demanding heavy-duty protection from just three quarts of oil—the differential’s capacity.
My Million Mile Journey With Amsoil … P.i. Treatment
Fuel Injectors Replaced At 930,599 Miles
When I replaced my engine at 930,599 miles…the Chevrolet dealer service manager in Jackson, TN…advised me to replace the injectors.
But when I told him they were the original injectors…he looked at me with disbelief. He’d never seen injectors last that long.
Amsoil suggests using a bottle of the PI fuel treatment every 4000 miles. Since I drive over the road 8-10,000 miles a month…I would add the PI treatment once a month. I would normally (depending on how much idle time I had) pick up an extra MPG when adding a bottle of the PI.
Did P.I. help keep my injectors operational over more than 900,000 miles? I know what I think. What do you think?
P.i. Performance Improver Concentrate (API)  Amsoil P.i. Gas Treatment is the most potent gasoline additive available. As a concentrated detergent, it cleans combustion chamber deposits, intake valve deposits, and port fuel injector deposits. Helps maintain peak engine performance and fuel economy. |
Engines with accumulated deposits:
Testing showed…AMSOIL P.i. provided the following clean-up benefits after only one tank of gasoline:
- Improves fuel mileage by an average of 2.3%
- Reduces emissions up to 15%
- Reduces carbon monoxide (CO) up to 26%
- Reduces nitrous oxides (NOx) up to 17%
- Restores power and performance
- Reduces the need for costly higher octane fuel
- Reduces noise from carbon rap and pre-ignition
- Engine runs smoother
- Helps pass “emissions” test
Let’s Get Started
Purchase the $10 preferred customer membership. Good for 6 months and get all your Amsoil products at Rock Bottom prices saving you 25%…shipped to your doorstep in 2-3 business days. You get to “try the products out” with no obligation to continue.
Purchase Amsoil Products at Rock Bottom Prices
Have questions? Or need help in selecting the right oil and filters for your vehicle or equipment? Feel free to contact me anytime at (937) 417-1127 or jbs777@gmail.com. If you reach my voicemail, simply leave a message or text, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for using my ID#516778 as your referral when ordering.
Happy Trails
John Schlimmer
Independent Authorized Amsoil Dealer
www.MillionMileChevy.com
PS: Most Japanese models take the Ea15K oil filter…good for 15,000 miles. If you drive over 15,000 miles a year…change the oil filter…no need to change the oil until 25,000 miles or one year. European cars … oil and filter need to be changed at the recommended mileage by the owner’s manual.
