From Butterflies to V12s: Why We Switched to Plant-Based Motor Oils
It might seem like a big leap—from something as delicate as a butterfly to the raw power of a V12 race engine—but that’s exactly the bridge we decided to build.
Our journey began with a single goal: find the best racing oil to push our engines just past the limits our competitors could reach. Along the way, we made an unexpected discovery. Oils derived from plants—uniform, highly organized, and naturally polar—performed better than synthetic oils made from mineral oil (a byproduct of crude petroleum).
But the real breakthrough wasn’t just about performance—it was about biodegradability. Crude oil–based motor oils can take decades to break down. In contrast, fatty plant oils biodegrade in just days to weeks. That difference matters—especially if you care about your engine and the environment your kids will inherit.
The Cost Breakdown: What You Really Pay
At first glance, the shelf tells a simple story:
- Mineral oils: $4 per quart up front: $20/qt oil change rate
- Synthetic petroleum oils: $6 per quart: $18/qt oil change rate
- Biodegradable plant-based oils: $18 per quart
Your first reaction might be, “Wow, only $10 more per month for something safer, cleaner, and CO₂-capturing?” But many people balk at the “3x more” price tag. So let’s dig into the math.
The Engine Longevity Equation
- Mineral oil: Change every 3,000 miles, rebuild at 60,000.
➤ Cost of rebuild: $6,000 = 10¢/mile. - Synthetic petroleum: Change every 5,000 miles, rebuild at 90,000.
➤ Cost per mile still high. - NEOgenic oils from ABOVE: Change every 10,000–25,000 miles (monitored by Blackstone Labs).
➤ Engine lifespan: 200,000+ miles.
When you factor in fewer oil changes, a drastically delayed rebuild, and longer engine life, you’re looking at real long-term savings.
Hidden Costs You’re Already Paying
- Fuel savings: Our plant-based oils have been shown to improve fuel economy by up to 5%.
- Catalytic converter protection: Petroleum-based oils require more additives—like zinc and ash—that gunk up emissions systems. Those repairs can cost $800 to $5,000.
- Environmental cost: Mineral oils resist biodegradation. A spill lingers for decades—just like plastic.
The Love Calculation
Years ago, when money was tight, a mother turned to her husband and said, “We’re broke.”
The father pointed to their daughter and said, “We’re rich. Let me prove it.”
He asked, “Would you sell her for $50,000 to a loving family?”
She said no.
“What if someone offers $1 million?”
Still no.
“$2 billion from the richest person in the world?”
Absolutely not.
He smiled. “Then we are rich.”
We show our love in what we choose—especially when no one’s watching. If you buy oil that microbes can’t digest—oil that lingers in our soil and waterways for 30 to 50 years—what are you teaching your children? That performance is more important than protection? That short-term savings outweigh long-term care?
But for just 15¢ a day—or $5 a month—you can choose NEOgenic plant and algae-based motor oils.
You’ll protect your engine, save fuel, and make a stand for a cleaner world.
Be Rich in What Matters
Upgrade your oil.
Protect your engine.
Protect your future.
Be rich in what you love.
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