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>>
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.
UPDATE: Petromerica Motor Oils are API Licensed
The president of US Global Petroleum (USGP), Dean Mohammad contacted PQIA today to advise that its Petromerica brand of motor oils are currently API licensed. Whereas the brand did not appear on the API list of licensed products at the time PQIA reported on the labeling issue, they in fact now are, along with a
City of Madison Wisconsin Moves Forward – Orders Bad Oils Off the Retail Shelves
Following the 2017 Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA) Interim Conference presentation by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s President, Thomas Glenn, weights and measures inspectors in the City of Madison looked for motor oil and antifreeze sited by PQIA at all convenience stores in its jurisdiction. They found some and examined the products for
LABELING – RESPONSIBLE PARTY
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) and the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations requires each package of consumer commodities bear a label on which there is the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s uniform standards for packaging and labeling, contained in NIST
Preliminary Class Action Settlement Approved For Missouri Purchasers Of O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
On April 10, 2019, Federal District Court Judge Ortrie Smith issued his Order granting preliminary approval to a class action settlement on behalf of more than 10,000 purchasers of O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid in Missouri. In Miller, et al. v. O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., et al., the Plaintiffs alleged that the O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic
Six New Samples Tested – All Look Good
Samples of the following six brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR TEST DETAILS
Heads Up – Labeling Issue
UPDATE: Petromerica Motor Oils are Now API Licensed Petromerica Semi Synthetic passenger car motor oils display the API Certification mark, but are not API licensed products. The PQIA reported on a sample of Petomerica 5W-30 it tested in January of 2016. Although the tests results showed the product met the SAE J300 specifications for the
Six More Brands Tested
Samples of the following six brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS Havoline Kendall Sinclair amazonbasics Prime
PennStar Joins to Support PQIA
Whereas PennStar joined PQIA as a supporter on February 8, 2019, it was subsequently discovered that PennStar was not in compliance with Sections 1.a.iii, and viii of the PQIA Code of Ethical Business Conduct (CODE). As a result, PQIA terminated PennStar’s support on November 14, 2019. Specific to PennStar’s noncompliance to Section 1.a.iii of the PQIA
On Guard, Pure Guard, SASH, and S-OIL
Samples of the following four brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS On Guard Pure Guard SASH
Tractor Hydraulic Fluid – New Labeling Requirements on the Horizon
The National Conference on Weights and Measures held its 2019 interim meeting last month, and at that meeting its Laws and Regulations Committee made the decision to move forward voting on a number of revisions to Handbook 130 that would impact labeling of Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF). In what should be of particular interest to
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America Welcomes MOTUL USA as a New PQIA Supporter
MOTUL USA has joined PQIA’s growing list of supporters working to help assure the quality and integrity of motor oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants in the market. February 5, 2019, Metuchen, New Jersey – The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce MOTUL USA has joined PQIA’s growing list of supporters
Wolf’s Head, SMB, Kendall, and XADO
Samples of the following four brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. The test results for one sample (SMB), however, show a product
DOWNSIZING
DOWNSIZING It should be noted that the sample of SMB 10W-30 PQIA examined is sold in 16-ounce bottles, and labeled as such. This is the first instance in the US where PQIA has observed passenger car motor oil bottles on store shelves with a content other than the traditional 32-ounce (1 quart) bottles. This points
Five SAE 5W-20s Tested: No Issues
The following five brands of SAE 5W-20 motor oils were recently examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the products 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 the Petroleum Quality Institute of America observes a growing
A Thorn Might Be Small, But Not When It’s in Your Side
From time-to-time PQIA hears from folks that say they never see some of the “bad” oil we find on the shelves. To this, some add that if they did, you can be sure they would be smart enough not to buy them. While PQIA takes heart knowing that inferior motor oils and transmission fluids are
PQIA Issues Two More Consumer Alerts on Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid on Retail Shelves in Ohio
The PQIA finds more motor oil and transmission fluid on retail store shelves in the state of Ohio that can cause harm to nearly all cars currently on the road, and catastrophic destruction of some turbo charged and/or gasoline direct-injection (T/GDI) engines. The products, Q Motor Oil and ATF, do not meet any known specifications,
Three ATFs Examined
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America examined samples of three brands of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and the results of the tests conducted on these samples are consistent with DEXRON®-III/MERCON® fluids. NAPA DEX/MERC ATF SHEETZ Multi-Purpose DM ATF Wolf’s Head DX III-H/M ATF Click for other ATF sample examined by PQIA
Is Your Vehicle Prepared for the Upcoming Winter?
With snow making an early season appearance in Chicago today, it is a good reminder, if you haven’t already done so, to consult your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the recommended change interval and type of antifreeze/coolant to use in your vehicle. Although extended-life antifreeze/coolant can last up to 5 years, many recommend changing conventional
PQIA Takes a Look at Two Antifreeze Samples
The results of the tests conducted on samples of antifreeze/coolant shown below meet the products’ labeled freeze point claims and, based on the results of the other physical properties and ion chromatography tests performed, there are no issues with the products. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS ACE Extended Life AUTOGUARD
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.
UPDATE: Petromerica Motor Oils are API Licensed
The president of US Global Petroleum (USGP), Dean Mohammad contacted PQIA today to advise that its Petromerica brand of motor oils are currently API licensed. Whereas the brand did not appear on the API list of licensed products at the time PQIA reported on the labeling issue, they in fact now are, along with a
City of Madison Wisconsin Moves Forward – Orders Bad Oils Off the Retail Shelves
Following the 2017 Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA) Interim Conference presentation by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America’s President, Thomas Glenn, weights and measures inspectors in the City of Madison looked for motor oil and antifreeze sited by PQIA at all convenience stores in its jurisdiction. They found some and examined the products for
LABELING – RESPONSIBLE PARTY
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) and the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations requires each package of consumer commodities bear a label on which there is the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s uniform standards for packaging and labeling, contained in NIST
Preliminary Class Action Settlement Approved For Missouri Purchasers Of O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid
On April 10, 2019, Federal District Court Judge Ortrie Smith issued his Order granting preliminary approval to a class action settlement on behalf of more than 10,000 purchasers of O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid in Missouri. In Miller, et al. v. O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., et al., the Plaintiffs alleged that the O’Reilly 303 Tractor Hydraulic
Six New Samples Tested – All Look Good
Samples of the following six brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR TEST DETAILS
Heads Up – Labeling Issue
UPDATE: Petromerica Motor Oils are Now API Licensed Petromerica Semi Synthetic passenger car motor oils display the API Certification mark, but are not API licensed products. The PQIA reported on a sample of Petomerica 5W-30 it tested in January of 2016. Although the tests results showed the product met the SAE J300 specifications for the
Six More Brands Tested
Samples of the following six brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS Havoline Kendall Sinclair amazonbasics Prime
PennStar Joins to Support PQIA
Whereas PennStar joined PQIA as a supporter on February 8, 2019, it was subsequently discovered that PennStar was not in compliance with Sections 1.a.iii, and viii of the PQIA Code of Ethical Business Conduct (CODE). As a result, PQIA terminated PennStar’s support on November 14, 2019. Specific to PennStar’s noncompliance to Section 1.a.iii of the PQIA
On Guard, Pure Guard, SASH, and S-OIL
Samples of the following four brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS On Guard Pure Guard SASH
Tractor Hydraulic Fluid – New Labeling Requirements on the Horizon
The National Conference on Weights and Measures held its 2019 interim meeting last month, and at that meeting its Laws and Regulations Committee made the decision to move forward voting on a number of revisions to Handbook 130 that would impact labeling of Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF). In what should be of particular interest to
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America Welcomes MOTUL USA as a New PQIA Supporter
MOTUL USA has joined PQIA’s growing list of supporters working to help assure the quality and integrity of motor oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants in the market. February 5, 2019, Metuchen, New Jersey – The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is pleased to announce MOTUL USA has joined PQIA’s growing list of supporters
Wolf’s Head, SMB, Kendall, and XADO
Samples of the following four brands are the most recent examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. The test results for one sample (SMB), however, show a product
DOWNSIZING
DOWNSIZING It should be noted that the sample of SMB 10W-30 PQIA examined is sold in 16-ounce bottles, and labeled as such. This is the first instance in the US where PQIA has observed passenger car motor oil bottles on store shelves with a content other than the traditional 32-ounce (1 quart) bottles. This points
Five SAE 5W-20s Tested: No Issues
The following five brands of SAE 5W-20 motor oils were recently examined by PQIA and the tests conducted on the products 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 the Petroleum Quality Institute of America observes a growing
A Thorn Might Be Small, But Not When It’s in Your Side
From time-to-time PQIA hears from folks that say they never see some of the “bad” oil we find on the shelves. To this, some add that if they did, you can be sure they would be smart enough not to buy them. While PQIA takes heart knowing that inferior motor oils and transmission fluids are
PQIA Issues Two More Consumer Alerts on Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid on Retail Shelves in Ohio
The PQIA finds more motor oil and transmission fluid on retail store shelves in the state of Ohio that can cause harm to nearly all cars currently on the road, and catastrophic destruction of some turbo charged and/or gasoline direct-injection (T/GDI) engines. The products, Q Motor Oil and ATF, do not meet any known specifications,
Three ATFs Examined
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America examined samples of three brands of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and the results of the tests conducted on these samples are consistent with DEXRON®-III/MERCON® fluids. NAPA DEX/MERC ATF SHEETZ Multi-Purpose DM ATF Wolf’s Head DX III-H/M ATF Click for other ATF sample examined by PQIA
Is Your Vehicle Prepared for the Upcoming Winter?
With snow making an early season appearance in Chicago today, it is a good reminder, if you haven’t already done so, to consult your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the recommended change interval and type of antifreeze/coolant to use in your vehicle. Although extended-life antifreeze/coolant can last up to 5 years, many recommend changing conventional
PQIA Takes a Look at Two Antifreeze Samples
The results of the tests conducted on samples of antifreeze/coolant shown below meet the products’ labeled freeze point claims and, based on the results of the other physical properties and ion chromatography tests performed, there are no issues with the products. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR ASSESSMENT DETAILS ACE Extended Life AUTOGUARD
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
406 Main Street
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-201-4033