PRODUCT INFORMATION
features & benefits how it works frequently asked questions technical informationPetroMoly® is a premium lubricating engine oil treatment with "Moly" (Molybdenum Disulfide), supplied in API and SAE certified standard, re-refined, or synthetic base stock. PetroMoly® has been tested and proven by the EPA to reduce fuel consumption, and testing by the Colorado School of Mines provided results of 50% or more in emissions reductions.
PetroMoly® extends oil intervals, eliminates formation of sludge build-up on engine parts, protects the engine from premature wear. The effects are particularly noticeable on the rings that seal the combustion chamber from blow-by gases, enhancing and improving engine performance and fuel efficiency.
BenefitsKeeps Engines Clean |
CertificationPetroMoly's High Performance Oil Treatment is the only oil with certified testing by the EPA read more >User ReviewsColorado School of Mines test of PetroMoly® read more > |
Molybdenum is a very hard metal with a number of industrial uses:
It is combined with chromium in steel to make the steel harder and more resistant to bending. Most bicycle frames produced today use a combination of chromium and molybdenum steel. Because this combination is harder than steel, the manufacturers can use less. This process makes the frame lighter.
Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly) has been used for decades in lubricating pastes and greases because it is slippery and forms a protective coating on metal parts:
Moly exists as microscopic hexagonal crystal platelets. Several molecules make up one of these platelets. A single molecule of Moly contains two sulfur atoms and one molybdenum atom. Moly platelets are attracted to metal surfaces. This attraction and the force of moving engine parts rubbing across one another provide the necessary thermo chemical reaction necessary for Moly to form an overlapping protective coating like armor on all of your engine parts. This protective armor coating has a number of properties that are very beneficial for your engine.
The Moly platelets that make up the protective layers on your engine surfaces slide across one another very easily. Instead of metal rubbing against metal, you have Moly platelets moving across one another protecting and lubricating the metal engine parts.
This coating effectively fills in the microscopic pores that cover the surface of all engine parts, making them smoother. This feature is important in providing an effective seal on the combustion chamber. By filling in the craters and pores Moly improves this seal allowing for more efficient combustion and engine performance.
This overlapping coating of Moly also gives protection against loading (perpendicular) forces. These forces occur on the bearings, and lifters. The high pressures that occur between these moving parts tend to squeeze normal lubricants out.
Eventually, there is metal to metal contact, which damages these moving parts and creates large amounts of heat. Fortunately, this is not the case with PetroMoly®. The layer of moly that forms on these moving surfaces can withstand pressures of 500,000 psi, without being squeezed out.
Engineers and scientists have tried for years to use Moly in motor oils but they have been unsuccessful because they could not find a way to keep it in suspension. Once Moly was put into suspension it would gradually settle out. It was easy to see it come out of suspension because a black sludge would collect on the bottom of the oil containers. In engines it would settle to the bottom of the crankcase or clog oil pathways and filters.
Engineers at PetroMoly® have overcome these obstacles. They have developed a patent approved process that keeps Moly in suspension. Since that time the product has undergone extensive independent testing in labs and in the field to insure that the product stands up to the rigorous needs of today's engines. Now you too can harness the benefits of Moly for your engine.
PetroMoly® motor oils are fully formulated, comprised of the highest quality petroleum based stocks, premium additives and, of course, Moly.
The additives in combination with Moly provide unusually high levels of detergency (engine cleaning and protection). Consequently PetroMoly® keeps engines extremely clean.
Q - What is so different about PetroMoly®? There are a lot of oil products out there. Why should I use PetroMoly® in my car?
A - PetroMoly® is the next technological step in engine care and lubrication. So far, our engineers have not been able to find any other product that continuously works like PetroMoly®. It's not just a short-term gratification product; as long as you use it, the moly particles will work to reduce friction. You may even feel a smoother ride and more pick up after 200 miles or so of use. PetroMoly® will help your engine last longer and during that time you should experience better fuel economy and lower emissions. We have helped a lot of people pass their emissions test with just one use of our product.
Q - Who invented this technology, and how long has it been out?
A - The basic PetroMoly® technology is the result of decades of research from a number of engineers with Tribology and long petrochemical backgrounds with strong roots to major oil companies, and they all have contributed in some fashion to this formulation. We have named the technology "molytech" and have marketed it since 1992.
Q - Is PetroMoly® safe for my luxury car as well as my family car?
A- Yes, it is very safe. Our customers have used it with great success in their 12 cylinder cars, as well as the high performance V-8, and "in-line 6" engines. It works great for the gas guzzling SUV's as well as the old reliable vintage cars. It is even used by race cars in the Indy Racing League™.
Q - Is PetroMoly® synthetic?
A - Yes, PetroMoly® oil treatment is made with synthetic base stocks, so it can be used with natural and synthetic blends.
Q - How many ounces are in the PetroMoly® oil treatment, and how many quarts of oil does it treat?
A - There are 16 ounces in the treatment, and each 16 ounces treats 4 - 5 quarts of oil, so if your crankcase is larger than 4-5 quarts you may need to add more that one bottle to obtain maximum effectiveness. The ideal mixture is one part treatment and nine parts oil, which means a 10% mixture.
Q - Won't I void my manufacturer's warranty if I don't change my oil when they recommend it?
A - Always follow your manufacturer's oil drain interval recommendations while the vehicle is in warranty. When the warranty has expired, PetroMoly® recommends no less than 7,500 mile drain intervals for gasoline powered vehicles, and 15,000 mile drain intervals for diesel powered vehicles.
Q - Can I use PetroMoly® products in my brand new vehicle, or do I need to break it in first?
A - You can use PetroMoly® to break in the engine, but follow your manufacturer's recommendation on when to change the oil and filter.
Q - Which SAE viscosity grade should I use in my vehicle i.e. 5W-30, 10W-30, 20W-50, etc.
A - Please refer to your owner's manual for the which viscosity grade is best for your vehicle in your particular climate.
Q - When I got my product, I noticed it was shiny black in color. Is this normal?
A - Yes, the molybdenum disulfide suspended in the lubricant gives it a silvery black color. It is quite normal, that is what makes this product work better and differently than any other oil product.
Q - Are there any special instructions to follow when converting from my oil brand to PetroMoly®?
A - If your vehicle has more than 100,000 miles service, it is a good idea on the first use of PetroMoly® to change the oil filter at 1,000 miles, and top off the oil. PetroMoly®'s high detergent package can cause a "clean out" effect that puts an extra demand on the oil filter, especially in older vehicles that may have a buildup of deposits. After this initial conversion to PetroMoly®, you can resume the regularly scheduled oil change recommendation of 7,500 miles for gasoline engines and 15,000 miles for diesel engines.
Q - Is there a local distributor for your product in my state?
A - PetroMoly® Oil Treatment is available in some automotive stores, and you can also order all products online or call toll free 1-877-ENVIRONMENTAL (368-4766) to place an order.
EPA420-R-99-001, January 1999
Vehicle Programs Group, Vehicle Programs and Compliance Division
Office of Mobile Sources, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
This technical report does not necessarily represent final EPA decisions or positions. It is intended to present technical analysis of issues using data, which are currently available.
The purpose in the release of such reports is to facilitate the exchange of technical information and to inform the public of technical developments, which may form the basis for a final EPA decision, position, or regulatory action.
This report describes EPA laboratory fuel economy and exhaust emission testing of PetroMoly® motor oil at EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PetroMoly®, high performance oil offers "Increased fuel economy up to 10%" and "Reduced toxic emissions up to 60%," in addition to other claimed benefits.
Motor Oil Lubricants and Lubricant Additives are excluded from EPA testing under 40 CFR Part 610.11. EPA engineers recognize that lubricants and lubricant additives have the potential to impact fuel economy as measured in the FTP and HFET test protocols. EPA's Vehicle Programs and Compliance Division (VPCD) agreed to test PetroMoly® because:
evidence from independent laboratory testing exhibited a statistically significant improvement in fuel economy of four to five percent*
(see the following documents in the Appendix: Application for EPA Evaluation, Independent Test Lab Report, and Table A-1 and Table A-2 for the EPA preliminary analysis of the independent test laboratory data – the website address is www.epa.gov)
The purpose of the EPA test program was to conduct a controlled technical evaluation of PetroMoly® in a manner that would address the manufacturer's specific claims for:
1. Increased fuel economy over conventional motor oils.
2. Reduced "toxic" emissions
Use of PetroMoly® demonstrated the following when compared directly to the stock configuration test.
1) There was a two percent improvement in fuel economy on the city drive test.
2) There was a three percent improvement in highway fuel economy.
After removing the PetroMoly® and replacing it with the recommended commercial weight oil the vehicles were returned to stock configuration tests and showed:
There was a three percent improvement in highway fuel economy relative
to the original tests with commercial engine oil.
There was a one percent improvement in city fuel economy
compared to the first stock configuration test series.
The exhaust emissions were two, four and one percent lower for HC, NOx and CO respectively when comparing the second stock configuration series with the first.
EPA used the same statistical analysis program for evaluating data results from independent laboratory* and EPA laboratory testing. (*Independent laboratory testing by the Colorado School of Mines)
Review the entire Colorado School of Mines PetroMoly® Study
Improvement of four to five percent in the city driving test
improvement of two to three percent in the highway driving test
EPA analysis of these data showed that the improvements were statistically significant.
One of the two vehicles tested also showed a thirteen percent reduction in oxides of nitrogen, which was statistically significant
The three percent improvement in highway fuel economy and two percent improvement in city fuel economy measured in the EPA confirmatory testing of PetroMoly® were statistically significant improvements.
Although EPA testing showed reductions of nine percent and ten percent in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide exhaust emissions respectively, these changes were not statistically significant.
This compilation of information specifically excerpts parts of the full context of the EPA report. These excerpts are biased, providing the main positive points about the benefits of PetroMoly® and written in this summarized version. The full report provides more detailed information.
* Independent laboratory testing by the Colorado School of Mines.