PQIA tests 11 ATFs, issues one Consumer Alert

[Tom NJ]

PQIA has now begun testing ATFs in addition to motor oils. This first set of analyses covered ATFs claiming compliance with Dexron III and Mercon. One product received a Consumer Alert, and two others tested as off specification but the results were within the test reproducibility of the specification.

Petroleum Quality Institute of America

Tom NJ

 

[Towncivilian]

Interesting info, thanks as always!

The table says "Advanced Auto PArts" under the label.

 

[UNC151]

Thanks Tom for the post and information!

Interestingly (or perhaps not so much), with the exception of the Brookfield Viscosity, the Pennzoil and Shell (yes, I know they are the same company) appear to be exactly the same oil just different bottles. I guess it makes sense and allows SOPUS to take a little more of the market share with the same oils...

 

[Capa]

Fantastic as usual, Tom. Keep up the good work.

 

[RedCorvette]

The product that received a consumer alert did not claim to be Dex III / Merc!

 

[earlyre]

Originally Posted By: RedCorvette
The product that received a consumer alert did not claim to be Dex III / Merc!

correct, but nor does it elaborate that the quoted spec was for cars built before 1966!

and really, are Most people buying ATF @ a gas station/truck stop going to know what Type "A" service means? i sure as heck wouldn't of unless i read that PQI report.
- course i also know to only put atf+4 in my neon, or to read the manual if not sure what type of fluid to get...

 

[INDYMAC]

The Tri-Star ATF looks like 5W-20 engine oil.

 

[RedCorvette]

Originally Posted By: earlyre
Originally Posted By: RedCorvette
The product that received a consumer alert did not claim to be Dex III / Merc!

correct, but nor does it elaborate that the quoted spec was for cars built before 1966!

and really, are Most people buying ATF @ a gas station/truck stop going to know what Type "A" service means? i sure as heck wouldn't of unless i read that PQI report.
- course i also know to only put atf+4 in my neon, or to read the manual if not sure what type of fluid to get...


If I was a consumer who didn't know that there were many many types of ATF, I'd most likely not be buying off the shelf.

Even then, if I was buying off the shelf, I'd see all the different types and then wonder which one I need. I'd figure it out some way, hopefully by reference to my car manual.

The PQIA website is hardly a website for the average consumer, so putting a caution on the basis they have does not seem to be fitting to me.

 

[Colt45ws]

Most people dont care about the intracacies of the different types of ATF.
ATF = ATF = ATF.....Right?

 

[RedCorvette]

Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Most people dont care about the intracacies of the different types of ATF.
ATF = ATF = ATF.....Right?


So if they pick up Type A when they need Dex III / Merc, they are hardly going to read the label where it says for 1966 and earlier.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: RedCorvette
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Most people dont care about the intracacies of the different types of ATF.
ATF = ATF = ATF.....Right?


So if they pick up Type A when they need Dex III / Merc, they are hardly going to read the label where it says for 1966 and earlier.


Often that is the case.

Have you ever seen the cheap oil that is sold at certain gas stations? Some of it is API SF, some is API SB, and some of it is API SA. I often see people using it if they have a worthless old car that leaks too much.

 

[RedCorvette]

That's why I question the practice of picking up a Type A ATF for a Dex III / Merc test and then issue a "consumer alert" that it is not in spec!

Don't get me wrong, I think everything they do is great.

 

[yonyon]

Tha AZ, AAP, and Castrol look a lot alike. Are they made by the same company?

 

[mongo161]

LOL....maybe it is Bulls eye, City Star or one of the other infamous brands of oils that are trying to be unloaded as AFT with a little red food coloring.


Originally Posted By: INDYMAC
The Tri-Star ATF looks like 5W-20 engine oil.

 

[Tom NJ]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
Tha AZ, AAP, and Castrol look a lot alike. Are they made by the same company?


No idea - the labels do not state the manufacturer.

Tom NJ