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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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>>
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.
Dr. Scott McQueen Joins PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott McQueen, Manager of Lubricants Research & Product Management for Phillips 66, has replaced recently retired Reginald “Reggie” Dias on the PQIA Advisory Board.
Test Results – Kirkland Signature Full Synthetic, and RacePro Synthetic Blend
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.
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.
Modern Muscle, and Majestic 5W-30
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.
PQIA Issues Consumer Alerts on Q Motor Oils recently tested
PQIA issues Consumer Alerts on the Q brand “10•30” and “10•40” motor oils recently purchased at a convenience store in Florence Kentucky. Based on the results of the samples tested, use of these products in virtually all automobile engines on the road today could cause harm to the engine.
Results in on Samples of Prime Guard, Questron, and Two SGT. P Motor Oils
The following are the most recent motor oils examined by PQIA. Based on the tests conducted and product labeling, there are no issues with the Prime Guard Full Synthetic Motor Oil examined. There are, however, issues with the other brands tested. Most concerning are the Sgt. P. Motor Oil products.
Irvin Warren – Tribute
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is saddened to announce the passing of PQIA’s founding Advisory Board member, Mr. Irvin Warren William Irvin Warren June 1, 1942 – December 1, 2020 The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is saddened to announce the passing of PQIA’s founding Advisory Board member, Mr. Irvin Warren. Mr. Warren of Dunn, North Carolina,
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 CarQuest, NAPA, ProLine, and STP
The results of the tests conducted on the CarQuest, NAPA, ProLine, and STP 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.
The High and Low of API SP ILSAC GF-6A Motor Oils
The recently introduced API SP Service Category and ILSAC GF-6A/6B standards complete the process to upgrade passenger car motor oils.
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.
The New API SP/ILSAC GF-6A Motor Oils are Now on Store Shelves
Although the new API SP/ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B standards were approved for first licensing on May 1, 2020, motor oils with these standards have been hard to find on retail shelves. But it is not unusual for it to take several months from first allowable use date for new specifications to migrate into retail stores.
Test Results: Driver One, Premier, Formula 300, and Simply Done
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
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.
Dr. Scott McQueen Joins PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott McQueen, Manager of Lubricants Research & Product Management for Phillips 66, has replaced recently retired Reginald “Reggie” Dias on the PQIA Advisory Board.
Test Results – Kirkland Signature Full Synthetic, and RacePro Synthetic Blend
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.
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.
Modern Muscle, and Majestic 5W-30
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.
PQIA Issues Consumer Alerts on Q Motor Oils recently tested
PQIA issues Consumer Alerts on the Q brand “10•30” and “10•40” motor oils recently purchased at a convenience store in Florence Kentucky. Based on the results of the samples tested, use of these products in virtually all automobile engines on the road today could cause harm to the engine.
Results in on Samples of Prime Guard, Questron, and Two SGT. P Motor Oils
The following are the most recent motor oils examined by PQIA. Based on the tests conducted and product labeling, there are no issues with the Prime Guard Full Synthetic Motor Oil examined. There are, however, issues with the other brands tested. Most concerning are the Sgt. P. Motor Oil products.
Irvin Warren – Tribute
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is saddened to announce the passing of PQIA’s founding Advisory Board member, Mr. Irvin Warren William Irvin Warren June 1, 1942 – December 1, 2020 The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is saddened to announce the passing of PQIA’s founding Advisory Board member, Mr. Irvin Warren. Mr. Warren of Dunn, North Carolina,
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 CarQuest, NAPA, ProLine, and STP
The results of the tests conducted on the CarQuest, NAPA, ProLine, and STP 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.
The High and Low of API SP ILSAC GF-6A Motor Oils
The recently introduced API SP Service Category and ILSAC GF-6A/6B standards complete the process to upgrade passenger car motor oils.
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.
The New API SP/ILSAC GF-6A Motor Oils are Now on Store Shelves
Although the new API SP/ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B standards were approved for first licensing on May 1, 2020, motor oils with these standards have been hard to find on retail shelves. But it is not unusual for it to take several months from first allowable use date for new specifications to migrate into retail stores.
Test Results: Driver One, Premier, Formula 300, and Simply Done
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
Featured Articles
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
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Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-201-4033