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If you’re a vehicle owner, you’re well aware of how important regular maintenance is for a smooth-running vehicle. Part of that maintenance is regular oil changes. Your engine contains moving parts that must be lubricated at all times to work properly. Without good quality, clean oil, your engine could develop problems and even seize up entirely.
I spent a few years working in one of those quick-lube oil change stations, and I’ll admit, when I first started, I truly believed oil was oil, and it didn’t matter what type of oil you used, as long as it was the same designation. I quickly learned that I was very wrong and that not all car engine oil brands are the same.
All car engine oils must follow specific guidelines and are regulated by the American Petroleum Institute (API). There are several API symbols. For today’s engines, it’s best to use something with an SP rating or higher.
It’s not just the designation that’s different (like 10W30 vs 5W20) that shows the oil’s viscosity at different temperatures. Things like base oil and additives can differ by brand. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the xx car engine oil brands you should avoid at all costs.
Liberty Motor Oil
Liberty motor oils don’t contain enough additives and have a low viscosity index. This means the oil will break down and become too thin in high-temperature conditions.
It also has a high volatility rate, which means it will quickly evaporate. These three factors mean that Liberty motor oils won’t keep your engine lubricated sufficiently and can actually harm it.
AB Lubes Supertech
Not one of AB Lubes Supertech oils meets the specifications set by any organization. It also has a lower viscosity than is needed, especially in warmer temperatures. This means the oil could break down and lose its effectiveness as your engine heats.
This oil doesn’t make any false statements about meeting any guidelines or specifications. It even says right on the bottle to use it with caution, so it’s definitely one you should avoid.
Xpress Lube Pro Motor Oil
Not one Xpress Lube Pro motor oil is approved by the API. That, and the fact that it’s not recommended by any professional, should raise red flags.
Xpress Lube Pro oil is of inferior quality and doesn’t contain adequate levels of necessary additives. When tested by the Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA), it was also found to contain abrasive materials that could damage an engine.
Cruz-In
Cruz-In is another motor oil brand that doesn’t meet any standards and will probably not lubricate your engine efficiently. Its viscosity is much lower than the recommended minimum.
This oil also contains a lot of silicone, which indicates that it contains abrasives that could harm your engine. The PQIA has also issued a consumer alert on almost all Cruz-In oils, so it is definitely one you should avoid.
Questron Motor Oil
The label on Questron motor oils clearly states that this oil is ‘premium quality.’ But the quality isn’t that great. The viscosity ratings aren’t backed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or the API, and these oils don’t do a good job of lubricating an engine.
Questron motor oils have a low viscosity, which can prevent the engine from being adequately lubricated and cause loud engine noises.
Lube 1 Oil
The Lube 1 oil package states that it’s not recommended for any modern engines, but the statement is written in a way that can easily confuse consumers. The label says it’s compatible with SJ motor oils, but SJ motor oils are not recommended for engines built after 2001.
Lube 1 oils have low viscosity and don’t meet industry standards. They also contain many contaminants, which may indicate that they are made from used oil and could damage your engine.
Bullseye Motor Oil
Bullseye is another motor oil that doesn’t meet the basic standards. PQIA tests on this brand found it doesn’t meet standards for additives, viscosity, and many other specifications. This means it likely won’t protect your engine as well as other brands would.
This engine oil’s viscosity is too low for adequate lubrication. The lack of additives could cause wear and tear on your engine and sludge buildup.
Q10-40 Motor Oil
Q10-40 motor oil is very similar to the other oils on our list. Because it lacks detergents or additives, it cannot provide sufficient protection for your engine. It has low viscosity, which means it will get dirty if exposed to high temperatures. This can cause engine corrosion and friction.
This is another motor oil for which the PQIA has issued a consumer alert because of the damage it can cause to an engine. The labeling on this motor oil uses industry-standard terms in large print, such as 10.40, which could be confused with the SAE viscosity grade 10W-40. So, make sure you check labels carefully.
Quaker State Q Motor Oil
Quaker State is a well-known brand of motor oil. However, Quaker State Q oil is a low-quality oil with a high-performance price.
It doesn’t contain enough additives and has a high volatility rate. Both factors mean it likely won’t be able to keep your engine running smoothly.
Petrola Motor Oil
The label on Petrola motor oils states it’s a premium, modern oil. However, if you turn the bottle over, you’ll notice the back says it’s not rated by the API and unsuitable for most gasoline engines produced after 1930.
This brand contains no additives to protect your engine. It also contains a lot of iron, which might damage your engine.
Mileage 365 Motor Oil
Mileage 365 motor oil is another brand that doesn’t meet industry standards. It doesn’t contain enough additives, so it can cause excessive wear on your engine. It also has a low viscosity at cold temperatures, so it doesn’t fully protect your engine.
Another concerning point about this motor oil is that it contains additives like aluminum, copper, and silicone, which make it unsuitable for your car’s engine.
Super Green Smokeless Motor Oil
The last oil on our list is Super Green Smokeless motor oil. Its label doesn’t include any real practical information and doesn’t claim to meet any industry standards, and it definitely doesn’t meet any of those standards.
As with many other oils on this list, it doesn’t have adequate viscosity at low temperatures, which can cause issues if you live in a cooler climate. It also contains a lot of phosphorus, which can damage your car’s catalytic converter and increase emissions.
Choosing the Best Motor Oil
When curating this list, I combined my years of experience working in an oil change facility with information from the Petroleum Quality Institute of America, an independent resource that tests the integrity and quality of motor oils and other lubricants.
41 Shocking Ways You’re Throwing Money Down the Drain
There are many ways to increase the money in your bank account. Many people start by looking at ways to make more money. And, of course, that is a great solution. But it isn’t always the easiest. A better, easier way may be to examine your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for:
14 Insanely Overpriced Fast Food Chains You Shouldn’t Bother With
Fast food is now a luxury. My family and I have completely limited our fast-food outings. Just ordering a basic meal can cost close to $15, and it’s easy to spend even more. Some fast food spots, though, are more expensive than others.
Being shocked by a food bill will surely leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. So when you plan an outing, consider the cost of where you will eat rather than just your favorite meals. At these prices, a sit-down restaurant with a more comfortable ambiance where you can better enjoy visiting with friends and family might be a more affordable choice.
So, to help you have the best experience, I chose 14 ridiculously expensive fast-food chains you should be aware of. Many of the restaurants on this list come from my own experience and occasionally wrecked budget. Here are 14 insanely overpriced fast-food chains you shouldn’t bother with.
15 Most Comfortable Cars for Tall Drivers
As someone of above-average height, I can tell you that driving a compact car is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also always the safest. It makes blind spots more common, making it hard to see streetlights without disjointing my neck. Car shopping has always been a hassle, and I wish I had this information before I started test-driving multiple cars. These are some of the best vehicles for those taller than their fellow drivers.
- Read More: 15 Most Comfortable Cars for Tall Drivers
