PQIA Issues Consumer Alert on Everclear Motor Oil

METUCHEN, NJ, March 15, 2011: The Petroleum Quality Institute of America issued a Consumer Alert on Everclear 5W-30 Motor Oil. The product tested was purchased in Ohio and can cause harm to an automobile engine and void warranties.

The test results for the sample show Everclear 5W-30 Motor Oil falls far short of the product's labeled viscosity. Whereas the Petroleum Quality Institute of America feels the low viscosity of this sample alone is enough to issue a consumer alert, other test data indicate use of this product can cause damage to an automobile engine.

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." But according to Thomas F. Glenn, President of the Petroleum Quality Institute of America, "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 degrees Celsius viscosity for this oil is nearly 30% below where it should be for a 5W-30, and the -30 degrees Celsius viscosity is 2.5 times the maximum allowed.  In addition, this oil lacks the 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." Because of this, the sample tested shows an oil that should not be used in an automobile engine as it could cause serious engine damage. See the Petroleum Quality Institute of America's website for details on this and other consumer alerts on motor oils: www.pqiamerica.com

"The off-grade oils exposed to date by PQIA are just examples of a much wider national problem with motor oil quality" says Glenn.  "In fact, obsolete and potentially damaging motor oils can be found on retail shelves across the USA, and hundreds of millions of gallons are purchased each year by unassuming car owners."  Glenn goes on to say "The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is working hard to inform both the public and governmental agencies of these perils in its fight to protect consumers from predatory marketing practices by unscrupulous oil companies."  In an effort to help consumers sort out the right from the wrong oils for their cars, PQIA offers some easy to understand advice on "Knowing What Motor Oils Not to Use."

About PQIA: The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is an independent research company whose mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by testing and reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace.

SOURCE Petroleum Quality Institute of America

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