FRAM SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Product: FRAM Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Viscosity Grade: SAE 5W-20 
Labeled: API SP/ILSAC GF-6A
Distributed By: Advance Auto Parts, Raleigh, NC

Purchased at: Piscataway, NJ
Date of purchase: 3/22/21
Website(s): shop.advanceautoparts.com

Company Information:
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Advance Auto Parts, the largest automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, serves both the professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of January 3, 2015 Advance operated 4,806 stores, 170 Worldpac branches, and served approximately 1,277 independently-owned Carquest branded stores in 49 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Canada.

Front Label
Back Label

Test Results and PQIA Assessment

Assessment Summary
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.
Although the laboratory tests conducted on this sample cannot be used alone to establish if the product tested meets a given API Service Category, they can be used to determine if it does not. The test results and PQIA assessment relates ONLY to the sample tested and the tests conducted.

Physical Properties

Elemental Analysis

Labeling

Volatility

Standard
FRAM
Status

NOACK  Volatility, % Loss, 1 hour @ 245.2°C

See Note
12.8

Note: The Noack volatility specification for an API SP/ILSAC GF-6A is 15% Maximum. Many engine manufacturers specify a maximum allowable evaporation loss (volatility) different from API SP. General Motor for example, sets a maximum of 13% Noack for its dexos® specification.  ACEA specifications are a maximum of 13% Noack and some OEM’s require even lower values.

Viscosity
Standard
FRAM
Status
Viscosity 100°C cSt
6.9 to <9.3
8.4
Viscosity 40°C cSt
47.1
Viscosity Index
156
Cold Crank Viscosity at -30°C
6,600 Max
4,043

Viscosity is a critical measure that determines how thick or thin a lubricant is. Viscosity is measured by several methods to determine the behavior of motor oil during cold startups and while hot at operating temperatures. Motor oils must meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-300 standards to conform to a specific viscosity grade. >>More

Viscosity Index measures the change in viscosity with temperature. Viscosity Index improver additives are used to optimize viscosity at different temperatures. >>More

Detergent Additives and Total Base Number (TBN)
Standard
FRAM
Status
Calcium (ppm)
1,118
Magnesium (ppm)
738
Sodium (ppm)
<5
Barium (ppm)
<1
TBN, mg KOH/g (ASTM D2896)
7.95

Detergent additives help to keep metal surfaces in an engine clean by controlling formation of deposits (i.e. sludge, varnishes). Such deposits can harm an engine by clogging oil passages that lubricate an engine, increase wear and reduce engine performance. A blend of calcium and magnesium-based detergents are most commonly used. A shift towards increased use of magnesium was required to address the needs of new gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines. >>More 

Detergent additives also help prevent corrosive wear by neutralizing acids formed as a by-product of combustion and other processes in an engine. Total Base Number (TBN) is a laboratory test that measures an oil’s ability to neutralize such acids. >>More

Antiwear Additives (parts per million)
Standard
FRAM
Status
Phosphorus
600 to 800 -a
712
Zinc
775
Molybdenum
62
Titanium
32
Boron
211

Antiwear (AW) additives help protect metal surfaces against impact friction and wear between moving parts in an engine. Such additives work by adhering to metal surfaces and forming a protective film between moving surfaces. The most widely used AW additive are chemistries containing phosphorus and zinc. Some lubricant manufacturers also employ the use of antiwear additives containing boron, molybdenum and titanium among others.

Antiwear additives are multifunctional in that they also act as corrosion inhibitors and, more significantly, antioxidants.

For more on AW additives and other functional and performance additives used in motor oil… >>More

Contaminants (parts per million)
Standard
FRAM
Status
Silicon*
9
Silver
<1
Aluminum
<1
Chromium
<1
Iron
2
Nickel
<1
Lead
<1
Antimony
<1
Tin
<1
Copper
<1
Vanadium
<1
Potassium
<5
Manganese
<1

Although motor oil is subject to contamination from a number of metals related to wear, and abrasive material in the form of silicon when in use, new motor oil typically does not contain such metals at any appreciable levels. The presence of these metals (iron, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, sodium, potassium, etc.) in a new motor oil can indicate contamination from used oil, rust, abrasives, and others introduced to the product during blending, packaging, and/or transportation. Such contaminants can be harmful to an engine. Some can also be part of an additive, such as copper or sodium, but these are not often seen.

*Whereas silicon in the form of polydimethylpolysiloxane is commonly used as an antifoamant in motor oil, such use typically does not exceed 10ppm in new motor oil. Levels much above indicate possible contamination with abrasive material, silicone-based sealers, and/or transformer and hydraulic oil.

Note1: Standards are established by API, SAE and others.
Note2: Test Method for metal analysis is ASTM D5185.

  1. This specification is expressed to one significant figure, therefore results between 550 and 849 are considered on specification.

Viscosity is a critical measure that determines how thick or thin a lubricant is. Viscosity is measured by several methods to determine the behavior of motor oil during cold startups and while hot at operating temperatures. Motor oils must meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J-300 standards to conform to a specific viscosity grade. >>More

Viscosity Index measures the change in viscosity with temperature. Viscosity Index improver additives are used to optimize viscosity at different temperatures. >>More

Detergent additives help to keep metal surfaces in an engine clean by controlling formation of deposits (i.e. sludge, varnishes). Such deposits can harm an engine by clogging oil passages that lubricate an engine, increase wear and reduce engine performance. A blend of calcium and magnesium-based detergents are most commonly used. A shift towards increased use of magnesium was required to address the needs of new gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines.

Detergent additives also help prevent corrosive wear by neutralizing acids formed as a by-product of combustion and other processes in an engine. Total Base Number (TBN) is a laboratory test that measures an oil’s ability to neutralize such acids. >>More

Antiwear (AW) additives help protect metal surfaces against impact friction and wear between moving parts in an engine. Such additives work by adhering to metal surfaces and forming a protective film between moving surfaces. The most widely used AW additive are chemistries containing phosphorus and zinc. Some lubricant manufacturers also employ the use of antiwear additives containing boron, molybdenum and titanium among others.

Antiwear additives are multifunctional in that they also act as corrosion inhibitors and, more significantly, antioxidants.

For more on AW additives and other functional and performance additives used in motor oil… >>More

Contaminants: Although motor oil is subject to contamination from a number of metals related to wear, and abrasive material in the form of silicon when in use, new motor oil typically does not contain such metals at any appreciable levels. The presence of these metals (iron, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, sodium, potassium, etc.) in a new motor oil can indicate contamination from used oil, rust, abrasives, and others introduced to the product during blending, packaging, and/or transportation. Such contaminants can be harmful to an engine. Some can also be part of an additive, such as copper or sodium, but these are not often seen these days.

*Whereas silicon in the form of polydimethylpolysiloxane is commonly used as an antifoamant in motor oil, such use typically does not exceed 10ppm in new motor oil. Levels much above indicate possible contamination with abrasive material, silicone-based sealers, and/or transformer and hydraulic oil.

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