Petroleum institute questions motor oil quality

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has evaluated results from its annual motor oil testing program and determined that almost one in five samples of bulk motor oil purchased from the marketplace in each of the last five years have failed to meet API motor oil performance standards.

“API has launched a new phase in its Motor Oil Matters program that will provide the information necessary to consumers to ensure they receive the high quality motor oils that they expect for their vehicles,” said Kevin Ferrick, API’s engine oil licensing and certification system manager.

API purchased and tested more than 1,800 motor oils dispensed from bulk tanks over the last five years and nearly 20 percent of the bulk oil samples tested failed to meet API standards. API compared the test results against thousands of licensed oil formulations to determine the identity of the oils and to verify that the oils met the performance level claimed.

“The Motor Oil Matters program reminds consumers about the importance of using quality motor oils in their cars and trucks,” added Ferrick. “The Motor Oil Matters program also calls on certified oil change locations to go the extra step to verify the quality of the oil on invoices and receipts.”

API recommends that consumers visit www.MotorOilMatters.org to find a Motor Oil Matters (MOM) certified oil change location, look for the MOM symbol at approved locations, read important information on oil quality, and download the MOM oil change checklist to take to their next oil change. Oil-change locations and motor oil distributors that share MOM’s commitment to provide high quality motor oils—and submit to independent, third party auditing—have the opportunity to be recognized by MOM through the Motor Oil Matters distributor and installer licensing programs.