Brand Versus Non Brand Oils
Most drivers pay little attention to the oil that goes into their car’s engine. They simply walk into an auto parts store or service facility and take what the employee recommends. If they make a choice at all, it generally centers on price, with the cheapest oil carrying the day. Unfortunately, failing to understand and appreciate the differences in motor oil quality can be a costly mistake.
What’s the Difference?
Motor oil quality standards have been determined by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This organization develops oil specifications based on tests that assess quality, performance, and viscosity in both low and high temperatures. Name brand oils that have been approved by API will provide high quality performance and engine protection, while off brand, lower quality oils come with no guarantee and can cause poor engine performance and eventual severe damage.
In tests designed to compare name brand motor oil with non-specification, off brand alternatives, results indicated reduced performance over time. They also showed greater sludge deposits and valve wear, resulting in accelerated engine failure as the oil failed to protect parts from wear. Consumers should be aware that using the wrong type of motor oil can in many cases void the manufacturer’s warranty for their vehicle.
While it’s possible that some off brand oils could offer similar quality as name brands, the problem with most options is that they do not meet the specifications delineated by API. Without this assurance, the consumer has no way of knowing how the oil will perform in his engine. Some manufacturers even sell recycled or re-refined oil without providing any backing in the form of a warranty or guarantee.
Making the Choice
With the wide variety of motor oil available on the market today, consumers should do some homework before choosing what to put in their car’s engine. Substandard oil that does not meet API specification or that follows outdated specifications and no longer meets the needs of newer cars can still be sold in retail stores. For this reason, the API has established two labeling marks that indicate to consumers whether the product under consideration carries their approval.
Oils that meet API standards carry the API donut on their labels, indicating API specification approval, approval by the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the oil’s viscosity. They also carry the API starburst which verifies that the oil brand meets current specifications. Without these two identifying marks, a bottle of motor oil carries no guarantees. Many manufacturers of low quality, no-name oils make false claims on their labels, leading the consumer to believe that the oil will perform better than it will.
For most people, the family car is the second largest purchase they will make. With so much at stake, consumers can protect their wallets and save themselves a lot of trouble by learning to recognize and choose motor oil that will protect their engine for years to come.
Orange Line Oil Company is a bulk oil wholesaler and oil distributor serving all of Southern California.
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