If your car calls for a 0W-40 oil, AMSOIL offers two fully synthetic options that we supply in Singapore: Extreme Power 0W-40 and Signature Series 0W-40. They share the same grade but are made for different engines and carry different specifications. This post is for owners of performance and turbocharged cars, and the workshops that service them. It explains how the two oils differ and how to choose the right one.
Why the specification matters more than the grade
The grade, 0W-40, tells you how thick the oil is when cold and when hot. It does not tell you whether the oil meets your car maker’s requirements. European car makers such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen publish their own oil approvals, while American and Japanese makers usually refer to API, dexos or their own standards. As such, the first step is always to check the specification in your owner’s manual, then choose the oil that lists it.
AMSOIL Extreme Power 0W-40
According to AMSOIL, Extreme Power is “a high-performance lubricant designed for street-driven vehicles”, formulated to deliver wear protection and resistance to oil consumption “even in severe conditions” (AMSOIL). Based on the AMSOIL data bulletin, the 0W-40 is recommended for vehicles that require (data bulletin):
- ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4.
- Porsche A40.
- BMW Longlife-01.
- Mercedes-Benz 229.1, 229.3 and 229.5.
- Volkswagen 502.00 and 505.00.
- Renault 0700 and 0710.
The same bulletin recommends changing it at 5,000 miles (about 8,000 km), six months or the car maker’s interval, whichever comes first. In other words, it is made for hard-driven European performance and turbo engines on a normal service schedule, not for extended drains. Extreme Power also comes in 0W-30.
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40
Signature Series is AMSOIL’s top range for everyday cars. AMSOIL highlights protection against engine wear, pistons and turbochargers, together with strong cleaning power. The 0W-40 lists the following specifications (product information):
- API SP, SN PLUS and SN.
- GM dexos R.
- Chrysler MS-A0921, MS-12633, MS-10725 and MS-10850.
- Nissan GT-R.
AMSOIL does not list ACEA or European maker approvals for this oil. In the United States and Canada, AMSOIL allows extended drain intervals with Signature Series. Outside those two countries, including Singapore, AMSOIL says to follow the car maker’s recommended interval, so we advise the same.
Which one suits your car
Based on the specifications above, our suggestion is:
- Choose Extreme Power 0W-40 for European performance cars that call for Porsche A40, Mercedes-Benz 229.5, BMW LL-01 or VW 502.00/505.00, especially turbocharged cars that are driven hard.
- Choose Signature Series 0W-40 for cars that call for API SP, dexos R or the Chrysler and Nissan GT-R specifications listed above, such as many American and Japanese performance cars.
- If your manual lists an ACEA C3 or low-SAPS approval, neither may be the right match. Please see our post on AMSOIL European 5W-30 LS and 5W-40 MS instead.
Currently, Singapore’s heat and stop-start traffic are hard on turbocharged engines, so whichever oil you choose, keep to the change interval in your manual. Our earlier post on turbo engines and LSPI explains more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Signature Series 0W-40 in my Porsche or Mercedes-AMG?
Only if your manual’s specification appears in the Signature Series list. Most European performance cars ask for maker approvals such as Porsche A40 or MB 229.5, which Extreme Power 0W-40 lists and Signature Series does not.
Can I extend my oil change interval in Singapore?
No. For cars outside the United States and Canada, AMSOIL advises following the car maker’s interval. Extreme Power is also designed for normal, not extended, intervals.
Is a 0W-40 better than a 0W-30 or 5W-30?
Not by itself. Use the grade and specification your car maker lists. A thicker oil is not automatically better protection.
To get AMSOIL Extreme Power or Signature Series, visit one of our partner workshops across Singapore. Workshops that would like to stock these oils can contact us.
Sources: AMSOIL, Extreme Power 100% Synthetic Motor Oil; AMSOIL Extreme Power 0W-40 (P400) data bulletin; AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 (AZF) product information.