The American Petroleum Institute (API) posted oils displaying the API engine oil certification marks without authorization on its website.
The marketer and oil brand name, viscosities, and sales region for each unauthorized oil are posted, along with a photo of each product label. These oils have not been approved by API as meeting any API engine oil standard. As such, these oils are not eligible to display the API engine oil certification marks.
API encourages consumers to remember that these oils are not authorized by API to display the API certification marks. Most engine manufacturers recommend oils that display one or both API engine oil marks. The API page will be updated as additional oils are identified through API’s Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP), a program that annually tests packaged and bulk engine oils purchased by API in the marketplace.
For consumers, API always recommends that they check their owner’s manual to be sure they are using the proper oil. The current standard for gasoline engine oils is API SN and it is backward compatible for most engines; this identification can be found on the back of most labels. If the API Donut has an older designation such as SM or SL, it is designated for older engines. API recommends that the consumer verify that the oil is licensed by checking the online EOLCS Directory of Licensees.
API samples and tests packaged and bulk engine oils annually as part of its Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System. An individual representing API will be buying samples of packaged and bulk oils in the Greater Detroit area Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1.
API has been sampling and testing engine oils purchased in the marketplace for decades, all to ensure that oils licensed by API meet API’s engine oil performance standards. However, this year, for the first time, API is specifically inviting auto and truck dealers, repair shops, and quick lube operators dispensing API-licensed bulk engine oils to volunteer their participation in the sampling effort. The sample collector will purchase one or more gallons of oil drawn from a location’s bulk tanks; API will then test the samples to ensure they meet API requirements.
The collection representative will leave behind information on API’s chain-of-custody standard and the Motor Oil Matters (MOM) Program. MOM recognizes oil distributors and oil change locations that manage their bulk oils appropriately and identify their products to customers and consumers in accordance with API requirements. MOM’s goal is to ensure distributors, oil change locations, and consumers are receiving the quality oil they expect.
All MOM-certified locations are listed on the Motor Oil Matters website. The site also provides information to consumers about the MOM program and its importance, including motor oil’s role in an engine and the importance of oil changes, the importance of following owner’s manual recommendations, and the critical role proper handling of bulk oil plays in ensuring oil quality.
Those interested in participating should contact [email protected] for more information.
