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. 

Subscribe to the PQIA Newsletter to get regular email updates in your inbox.

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. 

Additive Manufacturers

Afton Chemical

Infineum

Lubrizol

Oronite

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>>

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.

Read More »

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.  

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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

Read More »

Test Results: truenorth, CITGO, SHEETZ, and Simply Done

Revised: September 10, 2020 Recent Samples Tested: The results of the tests conducted on the truenorth Premium, CITGO SUPERGARD, SHEETZ Premium, 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. Product: truenorthViscosity Grade: SAE 10W-30Labeled: API SN/ILSAC GF-5Distributed By: Lyden Oil Company, Youngstown,

Read More »

Dave Klinger, President of PPC Lubricants Joins PQIA Advisory Board

METUCHEN, NJ, August 21, 2020/ – – PQIA Announced Today that Dave Klinger, President of PPC Lubricants has Joined the PQIA Advisory Board The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce Dave Klinger as a new member on the PQIA Advisory Board. Mr. Klinger is the President of PPC Lubricants, a 4th-generation,

Read More »

Compliance – Properly Displaying Viscosity Grade

Viscosity is one of the most important properties of motor oil and generally the first piece of information a consumer looks for, beyond brand, when making a buying decision. For this reason, the viscosity grade is shown on the front label in plainly visible print. Further, many brands display it on the front label in

Read More »

Access to Safety Data Sheets

The Hazard Communication Standard “requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),  for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.” Whereas Safety Data Sheets for many lubricants are readily available from lubricant manufacturers and distributors, the Petroleum Quality Institute of

Read More »

A Look at Navi Guard, Peak, NAPA, and Gulf

Navi Guard Ultra Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 API SN/ILSAC GF-5/dexos1 Gen2  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. Read More> PEAK Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 5W-30

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Castrol GTX and Ford Motorcraft

Castrol GTX Diesel Motor OilSAE 15W-40, API CK-4 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. Read More> Ford Motorcraft Super Duty Formula Diesel Motor OilSAE 15W-40“Meets WSS-M2C171-F1, Cummins CES

Read More »

A Look at Delo, Delvac, and Rotella SAE 15W-40 Heavy-Duty

Chevron Delo 400 SDE Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil SAE 15W-40 API CK-4/SN, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS  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. Read More> Mobil Delvac 1300 Super

Read More »

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.

Read More »

A Look at Five SAE 0W-20s

Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor OilSAE 0W-20, API SN PLUS/ILSAC GF-5 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. Read More> Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor OilSAE 0W-20, API SN

Read More »

Citgo Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Class Action Settled for $18.83 Million

The settlement establishes a $18,825,000.00 “Class Settlement Fund” that will be paid to Settlement Class Members as: (1) cash awards of up to 100% of the purchase price paid for the 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Products and (2) reimbursement for the costs of any repairs, parts, and specific equipment damage that a Settlement Class Member

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.  

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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

Read More »

Test Results: truenorth, CITGO, SHEETZ, and Simply Done

Revised: September 10, 2020 Recent Samples Tested: The results of the tests conducted on the truenorth Premium, CITGO SUPERGARD, SHEETZ Premium, 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. Product: truenorthViscosity Grade: SAE 10W-30Labeled: API SN/ILSAC GF-5Distributed By: Lyden Oil Company, Youngstown,

Read More »

Dave Klinger, President of PPC Lubricants Joins PQIA Advisory Board

METUCHEN, NJ, August 21, 2020/ – – PQIA Announced Today that Dave Klinger, President of PPC Lubricants has Joined the PQIA Advisory Board The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce Dave Klinger as a new member on the PQIA Advisory Board. Mr. Klinger is the President of PPC Lubricants, a 4th-generation,

Read More »

Compliance – Properly Displaying Viscosity Grade

Viscosity is one of the most important properties of motor oil and generally the first piece of information a consumer looks for, beyond brand, when making a buying decision. For this reason, the viscosity grade is shown on the front label in plainly visible print. Further, many brands display it on the front label in

Read More »

Access to Safety Data Sheets

The Hazard Communication Standard “requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),  for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.” Whereas Safety Data Sheets for many lubricants are readily available from lubricant manufacturers and distributors, the Petroleum Quality Institute of

Read More »

A Look at Navi Guard, Peak, NAPA, and Gulf

Navi Guard Ultra Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 API SN/ILSAC GF-5/dexos1 Gen2  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. Read More> PEAK Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 5W-30

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Castrol GTX and Ford Motorcraft

Castrol GTX Diesel Motor OilSAE 15W-40, API CK-4 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. Read More> Ford Motorcraft Super Duty Formula Diesel Motor OilSAE 15W-40“Meets WSS-M2C171-F1, Cummins CES

Read More »

A Look at Delo, Delvac, and Rotella SAE 15W-40 Heavy-Duty

Chevron Delo 400 SDE Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil SAE 15W-40 API CK-4/SN, CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS  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. Read More> Mobil Delvac 1300 Super

Read More »

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.

Read More »

A Look at Five SAE 0W-20s

Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor OilSAE 0W-20, API SN PLUS/ILSAC GF-5 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. Read More> Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor OilSAE 0W-20, API SN

Read More »

Citgo Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Class Action Settled for $18.83 Million

The settlement establishes a $18,825,000.00 “Class Settlement Fund” that will be paid to Settlement Class Members as: (1) cash awards of up to 100% of the purchase price paid for the 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Products and (2) reimbursement for the costs of any repairs, parts, and specific equipment damage that a Settlement Class Member

Read More »

Featured Articles

Resources

AAA  –   American Automobile Association 

ACC –  American Chemistry Council

ACEA  –  European Automobile Manufacturers Association

AFPM  –  American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

American Trucking Association

AOCA  –  Automotive Oil Change Association 

API – American Petroleum Institute

ASA – The Automotive Service Association

ASTM International

ATIEL – Association Technique de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants (ATIEL)

Auto Alliance

Auto Care Association 

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 Institute of Materials

The World Refining Association

UEIL  –  Union Indépendante de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants

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. 

Additive Manufacturers

Afton Chemical

Infineum

Lubrizol

Oronite

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