What is AMSOIL, and why can’t you buy it at the parts store?

Who makes AMSOIL?

AMSOIL founder Al Amatuzio built the company on the principles from his career as a jet fighter squadron commander. In 1972 AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil became the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute service requirements, which is why AMSOIL calls itself The First in Synthetics®. Al Amatuzio was inducted into the Lubricants World Hall of Fame in 1994.

Today AMSOIL INC. is family-owned, led by Chairman and CEO Alan Amatuzio, and headquartered in Superior, Wisconsin. AMSOIL says it formulates, blends, and packages its lubricants in the USA, and its quality and environmental management systems are registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

How is AMSOIL sold?

Four ways, according to AMSOIL:

• Online at AMSOIL.com, at retail or member pricing.
• By phone at 800-777-7094.
• Through an independent AMSOIL Dealer, like me.
• At retail stores and service shops that carry it, listed in the AMSOIL locator.

Preferred Customers are members who save up to 25% off AMSOIL retail prices, for $20 a year or a $10 six-month trial for new customers. Dealers pay a $100 USD ($130 CAD) annual fee, buy at wholesale, and can resell and earn commission. AMSOIL publishes those amounts; they can change. The full comparison is on Preferred Customer vs Dealer.

Why isn’t AMSOIL on the shelf at every parts store?

Because AMSOIL chose it that way. AMSOIL says it values independence, entrepreneurship, and personalized service, and that its products are distributed exclusively through independent AMSOIL Dealers and their retail partners. That is why you find it at some local shops and through dealers, but not in every big-box aisle.

To find a store or shop, use the AMSOIL locator. One caution about marketplace listings: AMSOIL Dealers may not sell AMSOIL on sites like eBay, Amazon, or craigslist, and AMSOIL’s Limited Warranty does not cover lubricants that were not sold by AMSOIL or an authorized AMSOIL Dealer.

Is AMSOIL an MLM?

Here is the straight answer. AMSOIL Dealers can sponsor other Dealers and earn on their team’s sales, so there is a network-marketing part to it. But the money comes from selling oil: AMSOIL says each product has a defined profit value, and a Dealer earns a commission every time they or their customers buy. AMSOIL’s own FAQ and Dealer pages add:

• Dealers are not required to sell, and AMSOIL puts no pressure on them to make sales.
• Dealers buy at wholesale pricing, not at inflated prices.
• Sponsoring other Dealers is not required.
• There are no inventory requirements or sales quotas; AMSOIL takes the orders, handles invoicing and payment, and ships to the customer.

AMSOIL also states that building a successful Dealership takes skill, hard work, and time, and that there is no guarantee of any specific level of sales, income, or profit. I have been a Dealer in Wasilla since 2013. Most of what I do is match the right bottle to a truck, sled, or wheeler, and I earn a commission when you buy through my links. If you buy through this site, you pay the same AMSOIL.com price you would anyway.

Thinking about it yourself? AMSOIL’s Dealer page has the details.

What does AMSOIL make?

Synthetic lubricants for nearly anything with an engine: cars and trucks, diesels, motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, snowmobiles, boats, and small engines, plus gear lube, transmission fluid, grease, filters, and fuel additives. Where to start on this site:

• Cars & trucks: Signature Series, XL, OE
• Diesel: Signature Series Max-Duty
• Snowmobiles: INTERCEPTOR® and DOMINATOR®
• ATV & UTV: Formula 4-Stroke®
• Harley-Davidson: V-Twin oil and kits
• Small engines and equipment

Questions people ask next

Will it void my warranty? See Will AMSOIL void my warranty?. Why pick it over the oil at the store? See why AMSOIL and what motor oil is the best. Need help choosing? Call or email me in Wasilla.