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Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has from time-to-time encountered motor oils containing high levels of a multifunctional oil additive called zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). This additive contributes anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and corrosion inhibition properties to the oil. ZDDP has been used in motor oil formulations almost universally for decades, and oils with high levels of ZDDP are often promoted as being better suited for engines in older cars with “flat-tappet” lifters.
About The Petroleum Quality Institute of America
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) conducts independent testing of consumer, commercial, and industrial lubricants. PQIA’s mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by testing and reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace. It is expected that this improved visibility of quality will lead to wider conformance by lubricant manufacturers to specification and performance claims.
About The Petroleum Quality Institute of America
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) conducts independent testing of consumer, commercial, and industrial lubricants. PQIA’s mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by testing and reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace. It is expected that this improved visibility of quality will lead to wider conformance by lubricant manufacturers to specification and performance claims.
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In the News: “A Settlement has been reached with Dollar General Corporation, Dolgencorp, LLC, and DG Retail, LLC (“Dollar General”) in a Class Action Lawsuit claiming that Dollar General deceptively marketed, advertised, and sold DG Auto motor oils that were obsolete and potentially harmful to automobiles. Dollar General denies any wrongdoing. If You Bought Certain Dollar General DG Auto Brand Motor Oil Product(s) Between September 1, 2010 And December 31, 2017, You Could Get a Payment From A Class Action Settlement.” More>>
PQIA Supporters
The Following Companies Support the Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s Efforts to Help Assure the Quality and Integrity of Lubricants in the Marketplace.
PQIA Advisory Board
PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s Advisory Board comprises a distinguished group of professionals with prominence in a broad range of fields in the lubricants business. The role of the Advisory Board is to provide PQIA’s management with guidance, advice, recommendations and counsel in how to best pursue PQIA’s purpose and mission. MORE>>
PQIA – Sample Test Results , News, and More…
Test Results: JEGS, Diamond Fleet, and PennGrade
Samples of the following three brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. Click bottles for detailed assessments. JEGS Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 Hot Shot’s Diamond Fleet SAE 15W-40 PennGrade Partial Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 5W-30
Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has from time-to-time encountered motor oils containing high levels of a multifunctional oil additive called zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). This additive contributes anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and corrosion inhibition properties to the oil. ZDDP has been used in motor oil formulations almost universally for decades, and oils with high levels of ZDDP are often promoted as being better suited for engines in older cars with “flat-tappet” lifters.
DuraMAX, Lubir Edge, Super S SuperSyn
Samples of the following two brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. Click bottles for full report
Test Results: JEGS, Diamond Fleet, and PennGrade
Samples of the following three brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. Click bottles for detailed assessments. JEGS Full Synthetic Motor
Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has from time-to-time encountered motor oils containing high levels of a multifunctional oil additive called zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). This additive contributes anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and corrosion inhibition properties to the oil. ZDDP has been used in motor oil formulations almost universally for decades, and oils with high levels of ZDDP are often promoted as being better suited for engines in older cars with “flat-tappet” lifters.
Now Live ILSAC GF-6/API SP/Resource Conserving
Summary of the new API SP and ILSAC GF-6 designations. Consumers are encouraged to be aware of and familiar with these new designations and Certification Marks since, starting today, they will begin to appear on the labels of motor oil bottles.
Havoline, Spectrol, and Mobil Super Motor Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of Havoline, Mobil Super, and Spectrol show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Licensed GM dexos®1 Gen 2 brands
General Motors recommends the use of dexos™ approved engine oils for global factory and service fill in spark ignited and diesel engines. Importantly, the brands with dexos approved licenses varies over time. GM’s list of Licensed dexos® brands is available online and updated quarterly, with the most recent update on December 16, 2020.
Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has from time-to-time encountered motor oils containing high levels of a multifunctional oil additive called zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). This additive contributes anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and corrosion inhibition properties to the oil. ZDDP has been used in motor oil formulations almost universally for decades, and oils with high levels of ZDDP are often promoted as being better suited for engines in older cars with “flat-tappet” lifters.
DuraMAX, Lubir Edge, Super S SuperSyn
Samples of the following two brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. Click bottles for full report
DuraMAX, Lubir Edge, Super S SuperSyn
Samples of the following two brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. Click bottles for full report
Havoline, Spectrol, and Mobil Super Motor Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of Havoline, Mobil Super, and Spectrol show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Recent Samples Tested
Results in on Samples of Motorcraft, Prime, Royal Purple, and Speedway Motor Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the Motorcraft, Prime, Royal Purple, and Speedway samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Hmmm… Is it an ILSAC GF-6 “A” or “B”?
In the process of examining motor oils now entering the market with the new API SP/ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B credentials, PQIA has observed a few brands on the store shelves with labels that omit the letters “A” or “B” following the ILSAC Standard GF-6 declaration.
Results in on Samples of MAX1, Driver’s Choice, Vantage, and Winner’s Circle
The results of the tests conducted on the MAX1, Driver’s Choice, Vantage, and Winner’s Circle samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
New API SP/ILSAC GF-6A Motor Oils
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is now starting to see motor oils with the new API SP/ILSAC GF-6A standard on store shelves. Test results for the first group PQIA recently purchased can be seen by clicking on the bottles below.
The first group tested include Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, and Super Tech. More to come.
Consumer Alert: Mileage 365 “5-30” Motor Oil
Use of this product in virtually all automobile engines will likely cause harm to the engine.
Wolf’s Head Super Duty, DG Auto High Mileage, MAG1 High Mileage, Mobil Super, Gulf Super Duty Plus
The results of the tests conducted on these samples meet the SAE J300.
Havoline, Spectrol, and Mobil Super Motor Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of Havoline, Mobil Super, and Spectrol show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Licensed GM dexos®1 Gen 2 brands
General Motors recommends the use of dexos™ approved engine oils for global factory and service fill in spark ignited and diesel engines. Importantly, the brands with dexos approved licenses varies over time. GM’s list of Licensed dexos® brands is available online and updated quarterly, with the most recent update on December 16, 2020.
Test Results – O’Reilly, UltraLub, and Unival
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of O’Reilly, UltraLub, and Unival show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Above and Below Average
As seen by the differences in the API SN and SN PLUS samples examined by PQIA, the average of the SN PLUS formulations shows lower calcium and higher magnesium levels than API SN. The same can be seen with the new API SP Service Category, and for the same reason; to protect engines from potentially severe damage due to LSPI.
Test Results – Chevron Supreme, and ACE
Samples of Chevron Supreme SAE 10W-40 and ACE SAE 5W-20 were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Havoline, Spectrol, and Mobil Super Motor Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of Havoline, Mobil Super, and Spectrol show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Licensed GM dexos®1 Gen 2 brands
General Motors recommends the use of dexos™ approved engine oils for global factory and service fill in spark ignited and diesel engines. Importantly, the brands with dexos approved licenses varies over time. GM’s list of Licensed dexos® brands is available online and updated quarterly, with the most recent update on December 16, 2020.
Test Results – O’Reilly, UltraLub, and Unival
The results of the tests conducted on the samples of O’Reilly, UltraLub, and Unival show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Above and Below Average
As seen by the differences in the API SN and SN PLUS samples examined by PQIA, the average of the SN PLUS formulations shows lower calcium and higher magnesium levels than API SN. The same can be seen with the new API SP Service Category, and for the same reason; to protect engines from potentially severe damage due to LSPI.
Test Results – Chevron Supreme, and ACE
Samples of Chevron Supreme SAE 10W-40 and ACE SAE 5W-20 were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Getting Up to Speed on the New Passenger Car Motor Oil Specifications
Beginning on May 1, 2020, new performance specifications will start to appear on the labels of passenger car motor oil. The new specifications include International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) GF-6A, GF-6B, and the API SP. Motor oils meeting these specifications provide improvements over the previous in the areas of fuel economy and fuel economy retention, emission system compatibility, and wear protection.
Understanding PQIA’s reach in getting the word out about motor oil related issues, Phillips 66, a long-time supporter of PQIA, reached out to us suggesting we include its series of educational videos about GF-6 on the PQIA website.
Dr. Scott McQueen, Manager, Lubricants Research and Product Management for Phillips 66, says the videos were produced by Phillips 66 for installers and others in the field needing a quick way to get their team up to speed on GF-6. To this, Dr. McQueen added, “We feel education is critical as it pertains to the oil standards and what they mean for our customers and end consumers. Significant technology goes into formulating engine oils that protect and maximize the performance of the engines OEMs are manufacturing today. As a supporter of PQIA, oil quality and correct licensing are important to Phillips 66 and our industry.”
PQIA encourages consumers to view the videos to learn more about the new passenger car motor oil specifications and what they mean. Because motor oils are not all the same, and using the wrong motor oil in a vehicle can void its warranty and potentially cause harm, it’s crucial to be up to speed on API specifications.
Featured Articles
Buying Motor Oil Online
While this is a very efficient and easy way to shop, the Petroleum Quality Institute of America advises consumers to take the time to look for the specifications the product meets when buying motor oil online. If not shown on the first screen, click or scroll for more details before adding motor oil to your cart.
Read the Labels on Motor Oil Before You Buy
Know how to read the labels and what to look for on both the front and back labels of the motor oil you buy, or you may be using product that can cause unsatisfactory performance or damage to your engine. The following are some key items to look for on motor oil labels and to consider before buying.
Now Live ILSAC GF-6/API SP/Resource Conserving
Summary of the new API SP and ILSAC GF-6 designations. Consumers are encouraged to be aware of and familiar with these new designations and Certification Marks since, starting today, they will begin to appear on the labels of motor oil bottles.
Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Labeling
In July of last year, the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) voted on, and passed amendments to NIST Handbook 130 (HB-130). Among the approved changes, was amended language to both the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities and the Uniform Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulation sections on Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF).
SN PLUS Motor Oils – Calcium Down, Magnesium Up
The SN PLUS Service Category was introduced as a supplement to API SN specification in 2018 to mitigate low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events in Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines. Such LSPI events can cause engine knocking, decreased efficiency, and in the worst case, catastrophic failure due to cracked pistons.
Playing Roulette with 303 Yellow Buckets
There has been a significant amount of talk about “303” tractor hydraulic fluid (THF) over the past year, and for good reason. This is because although THFs labeled as 303 have commonly been seen in the market for decades, and for some considered the product of choice due to price, three states (including Missouri, Georgia, and most recently North Carolina), have issued stop-sale orders for tractor hydraulic fluid labeled, claimed or implied as meeting THF 303.
PQIA Video Gallery
All PQIA News and Archives
Test Results: JEGS, Diamond Fleet, and PennGrade
Samples of the following three brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. Click bottles for detailed assessments. JEGS
Motor Oils for Classic and Vintage Cars
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America has from time-to-time encountered motor oils containing high levels of a multifunctional oil additive called zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). This additive contributes anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and corrosion inhibition properties to the oil. ZDDP has been used in motor oil formulations almost universally for decades, and oils with high levels of ZDDP are often promoted as being better suited for engines in older cars with “flat-tappet” lifters.
DuraMAX, Lubir Edge, Super S SuperSyn
Samples of the following two brands of motor oils were recently examined by PQIA. The results of the tests conducted on the samples show the products meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. Click bottles for full report
Resources
AAA – American Automobile Association
ACC – American Chemistry Council
ACEA – European Automobile Manufacturers Association
AFPM – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
AOCA – Automotive Oil Change Association
API – American Petroleum Institute
ASA – The Automotive Service Association
ATIEL – Association Technique de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants (ATIEL)
Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association
CAAM – China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM)
CEC – Coordinating European Council (CEC)
CRC – Coordinating Research Council
EMA – Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association
ILMA – Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association
International Council of Machinery Lubrication
JAMA – Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.
KAMA – Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA)
Municipal Fleet Managers Association
NAFA Fleet Management Association
NLGI – National Lubricating Grease Institute
NORA – An Association of Responsible Recyclers
OICA – The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
PMAA – Petroleum Marketers Association of America
PQIA – Petroleum Quality Institute of America
SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
SIGMA – Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America
STLE – Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
The World Refining Association
UEIL – Union Indépendante de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants
Passenger Car Engine Oil (PCEO)
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
John Deere Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
Volvo T-13 Engine Oil Oxidation Test
SAE Viscosity Grade Specifications
Evolution of Motor Oil Viscosity Grades
Viscosity Specifications for ATFs
Understanding Viscosity Modifiers
Consumer Alert
Due to the high viscosity, absence of additives vital to protecting an engine from deposits and wear, high phosphorus content, and labeling violations, PQIA has issued a Consumer Alert on Super Green Smokeless Motor Oil. Use of this product in virtually all automobile engines will likely cause harm to the engine. Read More>>
PQIA Supporters
The Following Companies Support the Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s Efforts to Help Assure the Quality and Integrity of Lubricants in the Marketplace.
PQIA Advisory Board
PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s Advisory Board comprises a distinguished group of professionals with prominence in a broad range of fields in the lubricants business. The role of the Advisory Board is to provide PQIA’s management with guidance, advice, recommendations and counsel in how to best pursue PQIA’s purpose and mission. MORE>>
Petroleum Quality Institute of America
406 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-201-4033