Hi Sayjac,
I agree with your comments, and I understand your feeling of comfort from staying with a major oil company brand. There may be a higher probability of corner cutting among small private companies since the profit often falls to the owner's pocket, and funds for testing may be limited. However, although not (yet) found in PQIA testing, even major oil companies have had troublesome oil formulations and quality control issues in the past, including recalls and engine failures. There are no absolute guarantees for the consumer.
Also, quality differences can swing both ways - some small private oil companies are principally driven by higher quality and performance than the cost conscience majors. In fact, performance breakthroughs sometimes come from the smaller companies in their quest to standout from the competition.
PQIA is still young and basically in the start-up stage, but already it has made some positive differences. Several companies whose oils tested out of specification have contacted PQIA to advise that they have bought additional testing equipment, made changes in their quality control systems, or worked with their suppliers to prevent a reoccurrence. They are taking this seriously and don’t want to find their mistakes publicized on the PQIA website again. Other companies who have not yet been tested are reviewing their quality systems to avoid future problems. Egregious offenders have been reported to the appropriate authorities and investigations are underway.
Now that PQIA has a prestigious Advisory Board in place, it can grow more rapidly and make an increasingly larger difference in the marketplace. Look for a lot more activity in the coming months.
Tom NJ
I agree with your comments, and I understand your feeling of comfort from staying with a major oil company brand. There may be a higher probability of corner cutting among small private companies since the profit often falls to the owner's pocket, and funds for testing may be limited. However, although not (yet) found in PQIA testing, even major oil companies have had troublesome oil formulations and quality control issues in the past, including recalls and engine failures. There are no absolute guarantees for the consumer.
Also, quality differences can swing both ways - some small private oil companies are principally driven by higher quality and performance than the cost conscience majors. In fact, performance breakthroughs sometimes come from the smaller companies in their quest to standout from the competition.
PQIA is still young and basically in the start-up stage, but already it has made some positive differences. Several companies whose oils tested out of specification have contacted PQIA to advise that they have bought additional testing equipment, made changes in their quality control systems, or worked with their suppliers to prevent a reoccurrence. They are taking this seriously and don’t want to find their mistakes publicized on the PQIA website again. Other companies who have not yet been tested are reviewing their quality systems to avoid future problems. Egregious offenders have been reported to the appropriate authorities and investigations are underway.
Now that PQIA has a prestigious Advisory Board in place, it can grow more rapidly and make an increasingly larger difference in the marketplace. Look for a lot more activity in the coming months.
Tom NJ
