Petroleum Quality Institute of America

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is an independent resource for information and insights on the quality and performance of lubricants in the marketplace.  Our mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace.

 

 

 

 

 

PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA TEST PROGRAM

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is an independent resource for information and insights on the quality of lubricants in the marketplace. Our mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by randomly sampling and independently testing lubricants taken from the field. Test results are posted along with the brand names on the PQIA website. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if engine oil meets an API Service Category, they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

 

CITGARD 500 SAE 15W-40, API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF/SL
CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE CITGARD 500 SAE 15W-40

CITGO Petroleum Corp. Houston, TX

 

Purchased at: Airport CITGO, Newburgh, NY

Date of purchase: 4-6-2013

 

 

The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the requirements of a SAE 15W-40 engine oil and are consistent with the requirements for an API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF/SL Service Classification.

 

PHYSICAL TESTS Standard/ranges-a CITGARD 500
 TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) 7.39 to 9.75 9.40
 Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445)  12.5 to <16.3 14.8
 Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 108  to 129 105
 Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) 130 to 146 146
 Viscosity @ -20ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) 7,000 Max 5,985
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-b      
Additives
    Calcium 1,184 to 2,603 2,522
    Magnesium 8 to 911 336
    Phosphorus,  ppm 877 to 1,312 1,120
    Zinc, ppm 1,012 to 1,490 1,243
    Molybdenum,  ppm 0 to 117 4
    Barium, ppm <1 <1
 
    Boron, ppm 1 to 679 6
    Silicon,  ppm-d 4 to 8 3
    Potassium, ppm 2 to 5 <1
    Manganese, ppm <1 <1
    Titanium, ppm <1 <1
    Copper, ppm <1 <1
    Sodium, ppm 1 to 6 <1
    Vanadium, ppm <1 <1
Contaminants
    Silver, ppm 1 <1
    Aluminum, ppm 1 to 2 <1 
    Chromium, ppm <1 <1
    Iron, ppm 1 to 2 <1
    Nickel, ppm <1 <1
    Lead, ppm <1 <1
    Antimony, ppm <1 <1
    Tin, ppm <1 <1

a- Standards, shown in black are established by API, SAE and others, ranges shown in green, represent the high and low data for the brands reported in the first two sample sets examined in 2013.

b-Test Method for metal analysis is ASTM ASTM D5185.

 

 

 
CITGARD 500 SAE 15W-40

The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet their performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API specifications they can be used to determine if it doesn't.

 

 
Viscometrics

The viscometrics for the sample tested meet the required targets for a 15W-40.

Viscosity @ 100șC, cSt, (ASTM D445)
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
 Viscosity @ -20șC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293)
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

Click here for more on chart and Viscosity@100șC,cSt             Click here for more on chart and Viscosity @ -30șC

 

   
 
   
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED