I think it's amazing how these oil companies can persuade so many.

For the price of the oil and filter from Polaris once a year.....big deal, it's $28.

The fact is, most will never own or operate their atv long enough to have a specified oil really make a difference. It does seem to make people feel more assured though.

We have all been through many engines in our lifetimes so far. As far as I know, I personally haven't seen an engine fail because of a oil brand/type. I think change interval, keeping the oil level up, clean air filters, and staying out of mud and water make much more of an impact on the life of an engine.

 

In general, I would say that you are correct. Most people don't keep any vehicle long enough to realize the benefits of a super-high quality synthetic. Sludge build-up, high mileage, cold starts, heat stress...non of it will really show it's effects for many years. Any regular modern oil approximating the advised viscosity will work just fine. But.....for me....I want the best I can afford in case I do decide to keep my ATV for a decade or more. In my opinion it will reduce the amount of wear and help in minimizing engine failure issues. My model is a two seat version (heavier loads encountered) as well and thus I see a legit need for a high quality synthetic. You are 100% correct though about those that prefer riding in mud/water and stress the ATV with full-out power much of the time. Nothing can be expected to last very long that way....at least not in peak form. Riding with a concern for excessive engine stress (combined with reg. oil changes as you stated) is indeed the best way to have longevity in any motorized vehicle.

 

From what I understand, polaris had 0W-40, then went to 2W-50, and has been flip flopped a few times over the years, so with that, and everything else I hear, either is fine, and I personally use the Mobil1 0W-40 also

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not so worried about saving the $10 and I know that Polaris didn't engineer some special oil. All they probably did is buy it from Mobil 1 (who are the best) and put their name on it. The reason I wanted to find out is the nearest Polaris store is like 40 minutes away now and I'm surrounded by auto parts stores. Thanks again...Jeff

 

[QUOTE=Roofer;2889415]I think it's amazing how these oil companies can persuade so many.QUOTE]

I agree with you, but lets face it, advertising works, big time. After all, it looks like you are sold on only using Polaris oil in your machine. Maybe, maybe not.

I was just wondering how did Polaris find it cost effective, to come up with a company to produce a very specific, exclusive oil for them.

Did they do it because the engines needed it to prevent wear or did they do it to corner the market for their machines?

Is it a truely different viscosity oil or just a labeling issue?

It would be fun to know who makes their oil for them. It may be even different companies, who knows.

Again, I agree with you, engines rarely fail from this kind of oil issue. But the dyno oil in the flat tappet cam failures, in the muscle car industry has a lot of people paying close attention to oil issues these days.

Bill

 

Not to dissuade, but what makes you believe that Mobil 1 is the 'best'? Certainly a good oil, but when one compares the percentage of POA base stock ingredients and looks at various oil analysis, Mobil 1 doesn't always come out on top. When one looks at premium, top of the line synthetics....Mobil 1 is in the middle to lower of the pack on average.