Tell Them What You Sell Them!   

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) published a story on July 2, 2013, titled "Yesterday Was Good Day for Car Owners." The story advised consumers that effective July, 1, 2013, twenty of the 50 states in the US now require that fast lubes, new car dealers, and others that change motor oil for a fee (installers) let you (the consumer) know the brand, SAE viscosity grade, and API service classification of the oil they use to service your car. This information is now required to be printed on the oil change invoices in 20 states. In addition, the installers must include this information on their bulk lubricant storage tanks and other containers.  

The PQIA received a good deal of attention, and we fielded many phone calls and emails about this story. Although most of the callers expressed praise that 20 states adopted the changes to NIST Handbook 130, not surprisingly, others called with questions  about the 30 States that did not.   

The following map provides additional insight about the status of the "other" states. 

As shown on the map below, the states in green adopted the NCWM changes effective July 1, 2013. However, it is important to note that the states shown in yellow typically adopt and enforce NIST's most recent standards over time. Further, whereas the states shown in red have law or regulations in force, they are not based on NCWM standards.  

Although you may not be in a green state today, it's likely coming to your state soon. Moreover, these changes are in the best interest of the motoring public.   

CLICK MAP FOR LARGER IMAGE

For more details on the states, see page 9-13, of NIST Handbook 130. The laws and regulations addressing lubricant labeling are included in the Uniform Engine Fuel Law, and Method of Sale Regulation.

Interestingly, the Petroleum Quality Institute of America received a few calls about last week's story It's a Good Day for Car Owners) that were different from most. To paraphrase their comments, Consumers have no idea what motor oil specifications mean and providing such information on an oil change receipt, or labeling bulk tanks with this information is "worthless."    

Just One More Thing...

Whereas PQIA's research supports the claim that most consumers have no idea what motor oil specifications are, PQIA believes this is all the more reason why consumers should be made aware of specifications when they have their oil changed.  Doing so helps educate and protect them. 

Much like nutritional facts on food labels and octane ratings for gasoline (each of which consumers had little familiarity with when they first appeared), visibility of these metrics in the marketplace increases awareness, as well as educates and helps consumers make informed buying decisions. Further, visibility (and state-enforced compliance) increases the probability that suppliers and installers will provide the appropriate lubricants for consumers' vehicles.   

PQIA firmly believes it is in the consumer's best interest to be informed of the SAE viscosity grade, API service classification, and brand of engine oil used to service their vehicle. Moreover, consumers have a fundamental right to know what oil they purchase, so that they are able to make intelligent and informed buying decisions. 

In addition to a consumer's right to know the quality of the motor oil going into their car, the consumer also has the right to the documentation required to maintain the warranty coverage.  All car manufacturers specify oil quality in the owner's manual, and they may deny warranty repairs if the car owner cannot verify that the proper quality of oil was used.  

For these reasons and more, PQIA applauds the 20 states that adopted changes to NIST Handbook 130, effective July 1, 2013. We look forward to hearing that other states have followed. 

Report Concerns About Lubricant Quality to PQIA.  Information provided is Treated as Confidential and Callers can remain anonymous. Or email PQIA at:  [email protected] 

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America's mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by testing and reporting on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace. It is expected that this improved visibility of quality will lead to wider conformance by lubricant manufacturers to specification and performance claims. 

We

can't do it alone.  

In order to sustain or efforts and impact - we need your support!

To find out how you can help support PQIA's efforts, contact us at 732-910-0017