Sampling Data Finds 1 in 5 Bulk Motor Oils Fail to Meet API Performance Standards

American Petroleum Institute's Motor Oil Matters Program Provides Warning for Consumers

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Oct 21, 2013, 10:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Petroleum Institute (API) has evaluated results from its annual motor oil testing program and determined that almost 1 in 5 samples of bulk motor oil purchased from the marketplace in each of the last 5 years have failed to meet API motor oil performance standards—meaning consumers' vehicles could be at risk.

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"API is concerned about the high levels of failure we are finding in our audit results," said Kevin Ferrick, API's Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System manager. "API is sharing these audit findings with the public as part of its new 'Motor Oil Matters' program, which will help reduce the risk of consumers receiving oil that doesn't meet their cars' performance requirements."

API's Motor Oil Matters program or "MOM" is committed to providing information to consumers on the importance of using quality motor oils, ensuring these quality oils are installed in cars and trucks, and verifying the oils are properly identified on invoices and receipts. Oil-change locations and motor oil distributors that share MOM's commitment—and submit to independent, third party auditing—have the opportunity to be recognized by MOM through the Motor Oil Matters distributor and installer licensing programs. Motor oil distributors and installers that prove their commitment will be easy to find—they'll proudly display the API Motor Oil Matters Mark.

Consumers should start to look for the MOM symbol at approved locations. Consumers can also visit MotorOilMatters.org to find a MOM certified oil change location, read important information on oil quality, and download the MOM oil change checklist to take to their next oil change.

About Motor Oil Matters
Motor oil distributors and oil change locations can join Motor Oil Matters and become a part of this new symbol of quality and accountability in the industry and reap the benefits of becoming a symbol that oil change locations and consumers will trust. Visit www.MotorOilMatters.org to join Motor Oil Matters and to find information on the benefits of using high quality motor oil.

About API
API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America's technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.

SOURCE American Petroleum Institute