The Petroleum Quality Institute Of America Issues Consumer Alert On MaxiGuard Motor Oil

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America issued a consumer alert on MaxiGuard MG Super Premium 10W-40 motor oil. The product that was tested was purchased in New Jersey, but is also available in New York, Connecticut, and other states and may cause harm to an automobile engine and void warranties.

MaxiGuard Super Premium motor oil claims to be "SAE 10W-40" engine oil that is "a superior all-weather motor oil made from the highest grade petroleum base stocks and designed to provide the finest performance," and claims to be suitable "for all foreign and domestic cars." The Petroleum Quality Institute of America's analysis does not support these claims.

The viscosity results show this product is an SAE 10W-20, not a 10W-40. Further, the volatility result does not support the use of "high grade petroleum base stocks." In addition, the metal results show the oil lacks the appropriate levels of anti-wear and detergent additives required for modern engines. The analysis also shows high levels of iron, aluminum, and silicon which indicates this product may contain used oil.

Additionally, there are concerning labeling issues. The label claims "API service SA, SC." These are obsolete Service Categories that the American Petroleum Institute (API) cautions can cause harm to engines built after 1967. The label does not warn consumers of this limited use.

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