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.
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>>
Consumer Alert: Petrola Motor Oil and ATF
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America recently shopped a convenience store in Ohio and found a brand on the shelves that consumers are advised not to buy. The product is labeled as “Petrola” and the samples tested include: Petrola “Premium 5-30 Motor Oil” Petrola “Premium ATF” Use of these products in virtually any automobile currently
Four More ATFs Tested: Always Read the Labels
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands shown below are consistent with their labeled claims. CLICK BOTTLES FOR DETAILS It should be noted that whereas each of the products examined include language referencing use in applications where DEXRON®-III/MERCON® fluids are recommended, with the exception of the label on one
PQIA Issues Consumer Alert on Cruz-In Motor Oil
The results of the tests conducted on this sample DO NOT meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and ARE NOT consistent with API SC/CC Service Category claimed on the label. The Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C is 63% lower than the minimum viscosity specification for
Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Timeline
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) received a considerable amount of feedback when we reported in our November 17th issue that the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) removed “303” tractor hydraulic fluid (THF) from sale in the state. Nearly all who contacted PQIA expressed support of the MDA’s decision and many feel this action
Missouri Orders 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids Out of the State
The State ordered that effective immediately THF labeled only as “303” can no longer be sold in the state, and the reason why is clear.
Four More 10W-30s
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. It should be noted, however, that the Par Mar API SN product does not display the API certification mark
Hot off the Press – HDEO Timeline
In addition to the “Caring for Your Car – Engine Oil Timeline,” PQIA developed to help educate consumers about the American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Categories for passenger car motor oils, we now have a similar, and simple timeline designed to help educate consumers about the Service Categories for diesel engine oils. CLICK TO ENLARGE
Four More SAE 5W-30s
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. It should be noted, however, that the API SL Service Category is formulated for use in 2004 and older
Two More Bad Apples!
In the day following the PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit on September 14th, PQIA stopped by several convenience stores located within a few blocks of the hotel where the Summit reception was held. To our disappointment, we found two products on the shelves that immediately raised concern due to labeling issues. And now that the test
Tests in on Four More Samples
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below 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 RESULTS SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil The results of the tests conducted on
The First PQIA Regional Lubricant Quality Summit was a Success!
With nearly 100 in attendance, the first regional PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit on September 14th, in Wickliffe, Ohio, was deemed a success by attendees, speakers, supporters, and sponsors. The theme of the PQIA Summit was “Taking it to the Streets” and by all indications, it hit its mark by raising awareness about the quality and
More Samples Tested / Steigerwald Joins PQIA Summit Panel
Three Brands Tested: No Issues The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below 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 RESULTS Steigerwald to Represent ILMA on the Panel Discussion
Doug Rathbun (State of Illinois) to Speak at PQIA Summit
Doug Rathbun, Bureau Chief for the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Weights & Measures Joins with the States of Missouri and Michigan to Speak at the PQIA Summit The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Doug Rathbun will present at the upcoming PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit in Cleveland, Ohio and
Michigan W&M to Speak at PQIA Summit
Robert DeRubeis, Michigan W&M, Joins Other Distinguished Speakers at the PQIA Summit August 14, 2017 The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Robert DeRubeis, Program Manager, Weights and Measures Unit, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will speak at the 2017 PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit in Cleveland, OH on September
A Must-Attend Event for Lubricant Distributors, Manufacturers, Buyers and Others
Ron Hayes Joins Other Distinguished Speakers at the PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit Hayes will speak about the work the State of Missouri is doing to help protect consumers from obsolete and off-spec Tractor Hydraulic Fluids The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Ron Hayes, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Division of
PQIA is "Taking it to the Streets"
PQIA IS “TAKING IT TO THE STREETS” WITH THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF REGIONAL LUBRICANT QUALITY SUMMITS METUCHEN, NJ, August 1, 2017 — The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that the first in its series of regional lubricant quality summits will take place September 14, 2017. This summit will be
Results in on Three More Diesel Engine Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the with the labeled specifications. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR TEST RESULTS 10W-30 15W-40 Related: Other Diesel Engine Oils Recently Tested
Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice Joins PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce a new member to PQIA’s Advisory Board, Shane M. O’Kelly. Shane is the Chief Executive Officer of PetroChoice, the largest bulk lubricant distributor in the United States. Under Shane’s tenure, PetroChoice successfully completed 16 acquisitions and now has 51 locations serving 32 states. Shane holds an MBA
Dollar General Steps up to API SN/ILSAC GF-5
As widely reported by PQIA and many local and national news outlets, including an ABC News – Good Morning America segment, the discount chain Dollar General is facing multiple lawsuits for selling “Obsolete” motor oil. The most recent of these lawsuits was filed last month by New Mexico’s Attorney General, Hector Balderas. The lawsuit alleges
Results in on Four Samples of 5W-20
The results are in on four samples of 5W-20 motor oils. Although the results of 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, one of the brands (Zecol-MAX) got our attention. This is
Consumer Alert: Petrola Motor Oil and ATF
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America recently shopped a convenience store in Ohio and found a brand on the shelves that consumers are advised not to buy. The product is labeled as “Petrola” and the samples tested include: Petrola “Premium 5-30 Motor Oil” Petrola “Premium ATF” Use of these products in virtually any automobile currently
Four More ATFs Tested: Always Read the Labels
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands shown below are consistent with their labeled claims. CLICK BOTTLES FOR DETAILS It should be noted that whereas each of the products examined include language referencing use in applications where DEXRON®-III/MERCON® fluids are recommended, with the exception of the label on one
PQIA Issues Consumer Alert on Cruz-In Motor Oil
The results of the tests conducted on this sample DO NOT meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and ARE NOT consistent with API SC/CC Service Category claimed on the label. The Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C is 63% lower than the minimum viscosity specification for
Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Timeline
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) received a considerable amount of feedback when we reported in our November 17th issue that the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) removed “303” tractor hydraulic fluid (THF) from sale in the state. Nearly all who contacted PQIA expressed support of the MDA’s decision and many feel this action
Missouri Orders 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids Out of the State
The State ordered that effective immediately THF labeled only as “303” can no longer be sold in the state, and the reason why is clear.
Four More 10W-30s
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. It should be noted, however, that the Par Mar API SN product does not display the API certification mark
Hot off the Press – HDEO Timeline
In addition to the “Caring for Your Car – Engine Oil Timeline,” PQIA developed to help educate consumers about the American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Categories for passenger car motor oils, we now have a similar, and simple timeline designed to help educate consumers about the Service Categories for diesel engine oils. CLICK TO ENLARGE
Four More SAE 5W-30s
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product label, and are consistent with the listed API Service Categories. It should be noted, however, that the API SL Service Category is formulated for use in 2004 and older
Two More Bad Apples!
In the day following the PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit on September 14th, PQIA stopped by several convenience stores located within a few blocks of the hotel where the Summit reception was held. To our disappointment, we found two products on the shelves that immediately raised concern due to labeling issues. And now that the test
Tests in on Four More Samples
The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below 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 RESULTS SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil The results of the tests conducted on
The First PQIA Regional Lubricant Quality Summit was a Success!
With nearly 100 in attendance, the first regional PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit on September 14th, in Wickliffe, Ohio, was deemed a success by attendees, speakers, supporters, and sponsors. The theme of the PQIA Summit was “Taking it to the Streets” and by all indications, it hit its mark by raising awareness about the quality and
More Samples Tested / Steigerwald Joins PQIA Summit Panel
Three Brands Tested: No Issues The results of the tests conducted on samples of the brands below 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 RESULTS Steigerwald to Represent ILMA on the Panel Discussion
Doug Rathbun (State of Illinois) to Speak at PQIA Summit
Doug Rathbun, Bureau Chief for the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Weights & Measures Joins with the States of Missouri and Michigan to Speak at the PQIA Summit The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Doug Rathbun will present at the upcoming PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit in Cleveland, Ohio and
Michigan W&M to Speak at PQIA Summit
Robert DeRubeis, Michigan W&M, Joins Other Distinguished Speakers at the PQIA Summit August 14, 2017 The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Robert DeRubeis, Program Manager, Weights and Measures Unit, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will speak at the 2017 PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit in Cleveland, OH on September
A Must-Attend Event for Lubricant Distributors, Manufacturers, Buyers and Others
Ron Hayes Joins Other Distinguished Speakers at the PQIA Lubricant Quality Summit Hayes will speak about the work the State of Missouri is doing to help protect consumers from obsolete and off-spec Tractor Hydraulic Fluids The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that Ron Hayes, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Division of
PQIA is "Taking it to the Streets"
PQIA IS “TAKING IT TO THE STREETS” WITH THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF REGIONAL LUBRICANT QUALITY SUMMITS METUCHEN, NJ, August 1, 2017 — The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce that the first in its series of regional lubricant quality summits will take place September 14, 2017. This summit will be
Results in on Three More Diesel Engine Oils
The results of the tests conducted on the samples meet the SAE J300 specifications for the SAE Viscosity Grade listed on the product labels, and are consistent with the with the labeled specifications. CLICK BOTTLES BELOW FOR TEST RESULTS 10W-30 15W-40 Related: Other Diesel Engine Oils Recently Tested
Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice Joins PQIA Advisory Board
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is pleased to announce a new member to PQIA’s Advisory Board, Shane M. O’Kelly. Shane is the Chief Executive Officer of PetroChoice, the largest bulk lubricant distributor in the United States. Under Shane’s tenure, PetroChoice successfully completed 16 acquisitions and now has 51 locations serving 32 states. Shane holds an MBA
Dollar General Steps up to API SN/ILSAC GF-5
As widely reported by PQIA and many local and national news outlets, including an ABC News – Good Morning America segment, the discount chain Dollar General is facing multiple lawsuits for selling “Obsolete” motor oil. The most recent of these lawsuits was filed last month by New Mexico’s Attorney General, Hector Balderas. The lawsuit alleges
Results in on Four Samples of 5W-20
The results are in on four samples of 5W-20 motor oils. Although the results of 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, one of the brands (Zecol-MAX) got our attention. This is
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