Recent Samples Tested:
The results of the tests conducted on the Driver One, Premier, Formula 300, and Simply Done 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.
It is important to note, however, that although the labels on the Premier Full Synthetic, and Simply Done products tested display the API marks, the companies shown on the labels do not hold a license with API and therefore, the products, as labeled, are not licensed to display the API marks. Consumers are cautioned that use of a motor oil that is not API licensed could void a vehicle’s warranty.
Product: Driver One
Viscosity Grade: SAE 5W-30
Labeled: API SN/ILSAC GF-5
Distributed By: Englefield Oil, Heath, OH
Manufactured By: Pinnacle Oil Holdings, LLC, Indianapolis, IN
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Product: Formula 300
Viscosity Grade: SAE 10W-30
Labeled: “Multi-Viscosity Formulation API SL/CD”
Manufactured By: Hicks Oils, DuQuoin, IL
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
As noted on the back label of the Formula 300, “SL/CD Motor Oil is best suited for use in 2004 automotive engines and older.” And “CAUTION – THIS OIL IS RATED API CD. IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR USE IN DIESEL-POWERED AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES BUILT AFTER 1994. USE IN MODERN ENGINES MAY CAUSE UNSATISFACTORY ENGINE PERFORMANCE OR EQUIPMENT HARM.”
Product: Premier
Viscosity Grade: SAE 5W-30
Labeled: “API SN GF-5”
Distributed in Coordination with Technical Chemical Company, 2101 E Cooley Drive, Colton, CA 92324
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
“Whereas the labels on the Premier Full Synthetic motor oil tested display the American Petroleum Institute’s Engine Oil Quality Marks—the API Certification Mark “Starburst” and the API Service Symbol “Donut,” PQIA has confirmed with API that the company displayed on the label, Technical Chemical Company (TCC), does not hold a license with API and therefore, this product, as labeled, is not licensed to display the API marks. Consumers are cautioned that use of a motor oil that is not API licensed could void a vehicle’s warranty.”
Product: Simply Done
Viscosity Grade: SAE “5W 30”
Labeled: “API SN/ILSAC GF-5″
Distributed By: TOPCO Associates, LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories.
Whereas the labels on the Simply Done motor oil tested display the American Petroleum Institute’s Engine Oil Quality Marks—the API Service Symbol “Donut” and API Certification Mark “Starburst,” PQIA confirmed with the API on September 10, 2020 that the Topco Simply Done motor oil in the marketplace at the time of purchase was not API licensed to display the marks. Consumers are cautioned that use of a motor oil that is not API licensed could void a vehicle’s warranty.
