The Petroleum Quality Institute of America

 

CONSUMER ALERT! - Issued March 9, 2011

 

Brand: Everclear 5W-30 Motor Oil, API SC/CC

 

 

Manufacturer: Everclear of Ohio, LTD, Youngstown, Ohio

Purchased in: Wickliffe Shell, Austintown, OH

Date of purchase: January 6, 2011 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: The label on this product states it is a 5W-30 motor oil that “Protects the vital parts of your engine,” and “Combats rust and corrosion,” and “Works throughout a wide range of operating temperatures.”

 

In fact, PQIA's test results show this product clearly is not a 5W-30, and does not meet any recognized specifications for motor oil.  The 100°C viscosity for this oil is nearly 30% below where it should be for a 5W-30, and the -30°C viscosity is 2.5 times the maximum allowed.  In addition, this oil lacks the critical additives needed to meet original equipment manufacturer’s requirements to protect automobiles currently on the road.  Further, the product tested contains high levels of copper and silicon.

 

The sample tested shows an oil that should not be used in an automobile engine as it could cause serious engine damage.

Click here for test results

 

 

CONSUMER ALERT! - Issued February 24, 2011

 

The following two brands of passenger car engine oil were purchased by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America in January 2011. The test results for the samples show they do not meet the product's labeled viscosity. In fact, the viscosity of both products is significantly below specifications. Whereas the Petroleum Quality Institute of America feels the viscosity of these samples alone is enough to issue a consumer alert, other test data for the samples tested indicate use of these products can cause damage to an engine.

 

Brand: Liberty Gold Plus SMO 5W-30 Motor Oil

Test Results on this sample indicate the product can cause damage to a passenger car engine.

 

Purchased at: Wickliffe Shell, Austintown, OH

Date purchased: January 6, 2011

Manufactured/marketed by: Pinnacle Brands, Chicago, IL

(NOTE: Not affiliated or associated with Pinnacle Oil, Indianapolis)

 

 

Issue: The label on this product states it is a 5W-30 motor oil that "provides excellent protection against engine wear, sludge and rust," and "superior cold weather starting."

 

In fact, PQIA's test results show this product clearly is not a 5W-30, and does not meet any recognized specifications for a motor oil. The viscosity for this oil is nearly 70% below where it should be for a 5W-30, and the level of additives is less than a quarter of that required by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to protect automobiles currently on the road. In addition, the volatility of this product is five times the maximum allowed by current industry specifications. Further, the product tested contains 99 parts per million of silicon. Silicon is typically associated with abrasive material that can be harmful to an engine.

 

Click here for test results

Brand: Bullseye Automotive Products High Mileage 10W-30 Motor Oil (SC/CC)

Test Results on this sample indicate the product can cause damage to passenger car engines.

 

Purchased at: Sturgis Petroleum, Sturgis, MI and Wickliffe Shell Austintown, OH

Date purchased: January 4, 2011/Feb 23, 2011

Manufactured/marketed by: Bullseye Automotive Products Inc.

 

Issue: The label on this product states it is an SAE 10W-30 "high mileage" motor that "helps keep engine clean, provides wear protection, helps prevent engine leaks, and fights rust and corrosion"

 

PQIA's test results show this product clearly is not a SAE 10W-30, and does not meet any recognized specifications for a motor oil. The viscosity for this oil is more than 75% below where it should be for a 10W-30, and lacks critical additives required by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to protect automobiles currently on the road. In addition, the volatility of this product is five times the maximum allowed by current industry specifications.

 

 

Click here for test results