Negative experiences with Supertech/Kirkland Signature/Amazon Basics/Warren oils?

[tired]

I've always thought of Supertech et al. as barely scraping by with the minimum necessary to pass the spec (based on its price point, one would have to assume it's going to squeak by), but the reports here from people using it long term are good enough it's hard to ignore. Here and here, for example.

The only thing that makes it stand out a bit more than API SP spec oils is its Dexos 1 gen 3 certification.

Is D1G3 really that much better than API SP and ILSAC GF-7? It seems that GM might keep the tests proprietary. Doesn't seem like there is as much information about them compared to the VW tests, for example.

Doesn't seem as robust as MB 229.5 as shown here. But maybe it's good enough!

Personally, the extra it cost to get a (seemingly) much better oil is worth it. However I can see for others, Supertech might check enough boxes that they will use it and save the money.

Anyone have any bad experiences or remember anyone developing issues running any of the Warren oils?

 

[53' Stude]

I've always thought of Supertech et al. as barely scraping by with the minimum necessary to pass the spec (based on its price point, one would have to assume it's going to squeak by), but the reports here from people using it long term are good enough it's hard to ignore. Here and here, for example.

The only thing that makes it stand out a bit more than API SP spec oils is its Dexos 1 gen 3 certification.

Is D1G3 really that much better than API SP and ILSAC GF-7? It seems that GM might keep the tests proprietary. Doesn't seem like there is as much information about them compared to the VW tests, for example.

View attachment 294388

Doesn't seem as robust as MB 229.5 as shown here. But maybe it's good enough!

Personally, the extra it cost to get a (seemingly) much better oil is worth it. However I can see for others, Supertech might check enough boxes that they will use it and save the money.

Anyone have any bad experiences or remember anyone developing issues running any of the Warren oils?

Nope, it’s API SP. wonder why they now have synthetic 15w40 and even a 0w40


I see fear is a huge thing here. I’ve used Harvest King and Providence brand oils with NO issues. Can’t believe someone he scared to use Super Tech and buy into old wives tales. Lest I digress

 

[Bighorn2500]

Zero issues here, its a good bargain for me to use in relatives vehicles.

 

[Glenda W.]

Completely engine/conditions dependent. Works fine for most but not all. Dexos doesn’t set the bar very high IMO.

 

[Hall]

I've always thought of Supertech et al. as barely scraping by with the minimum necessary to pass the spec

Absolutely not. Odds are Walmart sells more Supertech engine oil than auto parts stores and other retailers sell of Valvoline, QS, Castrol, Mobil1, and so on so they get huge volume deals. Plus, if an oil meets a spec, it meets the spec. One could argue that add'l ingredients are a waste of money and result in a higher price for little gain.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Never had any issues with Super Tech 0W20 or 5W30 synthetic.

 

[PWMDMD]

I've used them and if I remember correctly they resulted in some of the lowest wear metals I've ever seen with the Tundra. I mean not a statistically significant difference, but certainly no worse than any other oil I've put in any of my vehicles.

 

[tblt44]

I think kirkland/supertech is fine, I have used it. I usually end up with quakerstate in my buggy because the full syn is like 2 bucks more for 5 qts

 

[tired]

Absolutely not. Odds are Walmart sells more Supertech engine oil than auto parts stores and other retailers sell of Valvoline, QS, Castrol, Mobil1, and so on so they get huge volume deals. Plus, if an oil meets a spec, it meets the spec. One could argue that add'l ingredients are a waste of money and result in a higher price for little gain.

The issue of cost isn't so much on Walmart's side. It's on Warren's. In order for them to turn a profit, they must be pinching the pennies until they scream. Walmart puts a lot of pressure on their suppliers for lower and lower prices.

The issue isn't with meeting vs not meeting the spec. The API spec is a low bar.

 

[53' Stude]

The issue of cost isn't so much on Walmart's side. It's on Warren's. In order for them to turn a profit, they must be pinching the pennies until they scream. Walmart puts a lot of pressure on their suppliers for lower and lower prices.

The issue isn't with meeting vs not meeting the spec. The API spec is a low bar.

What did you expect from Wal Mart? Seriously?!

Use Valvoline or Pennzoil if you dislike the API. I’m totally lost by your post and what you are asking. Be more clear please.

Thank You sir

 

[tired]

What did you expect from Wal Mart? Seriously?!

Use Valvoline or Pennzoil if you dislike the API. I’m totally lost by your post and what you are asking. Be more clear please.

Thank You sir

I wasn't asking any questions. I was clarifying an apparent misunderstanding.

Anyone have any bad experiences or remember anyone developing issues running any of the Warren oils?

I don't know how to be more clear than this.

 

[User_19876]

If I was ragging a twin turbo to redline all day long, I probably wouldn't use any of the oils listed. I will, however, confidently use Kirkland 5W-30 in my 4Runner's 1GR-FE that is driven gently and never tows more than 1500 pounds once ot twice a year.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Its API spec, how can it then be awful?

A better question - has anyone seen a lubrication related failure on an engine where the owner followed the spec and interval in the manual? Because I have not.

Not saying there aren't good oils and better oils. But often good enough is in fact - good enough.

People believe whatever they want to I guess, good or bad.

 

[53' Stude]

I wasn't asking any questions. I was clarifying an apparent misunderstanding.




I don't know how to be more clear than this.

Well, NO I haven’t had or HEARD of any bad experiences with their oils. API spec SP is ok I feel.

 

[53' Stude]

Its API spec, how can it then be awful?

A better question - has anyone seen a lubrication related failure on an engine where the owner followed the spec and interval in the manual? Because I have not.

Not saying there aren't good oils and better oils. But often good enough is in fact - good enough.

People believe whatever they want to I guess, good or bad.

I think OP already made up his mind on subject. Kinda sad really he think little of api spec.

 

[tired]

Its API spec, how can it then be awful?

A better question - has anyone seen a lubrication related failure on an engine where the owner followed the spec and interval in the manual? Because I have not.

Not saying there aren't good oils and better oils. But often good enough is in fact - good enough.

People believe whatever they want to I guess, good or bad.

They're reported here almost daily. For me, getting coked up oil control rings is a "lubrication related failure" when other, more superior oils do not have that problem. See: countless examples of Subarus burning oil when they don't on Euro spec'd oils or Amsoil.

 

[Nessism1]

Dexos 1 gen 3, API SP and ILSAC GF-7

Solid stuff. And not spending a bunch of money on advertising, keeps the cost down also.

 

[4WD]

When this is $28/jug - why settle for good nuff …

 

[53' Stude]

They're reported here almost daily. For me, getting coked up oil control rings is a "lubrication related failure" when other, more superior oils do not have that problem. See: countless examples of Subarus burning oil when they don't on Euro spec'd oils or Amsoil.

Show me and this forum results. If you can’t I don’t and will never believe words you say. Bye

 

[Nessism1]

We've been over this topic already. Recently. Just repeating the same old things.

In the mind of some, if an oil like Restore & Protect can clean carbon in rings, any oil that doesn't do the same, is inferior.