Inferior oil

[Michael M]

We all like a bargain, but buyer beware!

This may have implications for motorists outside of NJ as well.

WOODBRIDGE – Following an investigation by the state attorney general's office, officials moved today to ban the sale of 19 motor oil products for deceptive labeling.

A Stop-Use and Removal Order issued today requires New Jersey retailers and automotive professionals to stop selling and using the 19 motor oil products, and to remove them from their stores. Retailers that do not comply could face a $100 civil fine per package or container of each motor oil.

"The products we’re banning here today were found to have widely and unacceptably at variance with industry standards," said Steve Lee, acting consumer affairs director at state attorney general's office. "These products therefore bear misleading labels that provide the consumers with no way to know whether they are appropriate for specific vehicles."

Officials says the 19 now-banned motor oil products were tested by an independent lab contracted by the state, which found that each failed to live up to the viscosity measurements specified on their own labels.

Motor oils are graded by viscosity. Using a motor oil with a viscosity grade that does not meet the requirements of a particular car engine or other product can lead to a decrease in gas efficiency and engine wear and tear.

Many of the products were made to appeal to thrifty consumers, with sale prices ranging from $3 to $5, Lee said. Many were sold at grocery stores, gas stations and discount retailers as alternatives to more expensive motor oils.

Lee said retailers may not have been aware of the products' labeling issues. But each are being notified as to the stop-sale order. Those that do not comply could face penalties.

"Our point is not to punish the retailers, we know it's not their fault," Lee said. "But we're going to make clear to them that these items can no longer be sold. After we make that clear, we'll consider what other steps we need to take if retailers are not abiding by this order.

New Jersey is the sixth state to ban all or some of the 19 motor oils from sale. None of the 19 motor oils are manufactured in New Jersey, Lee said.

A full list of the 19 banned products is included below:

Auto Club Motor Oil SAE 5W-30
Auto Club Motor Oil SAE 10W-30
Auto Club Motor Oil SAE 10W-40
Auto Club Motor Oil SAE 20W-50
Black Knight Motor Oil 5-30
Black Knight Motor Oil 10-40
LubeState Motor Oil SAE 10W-30
MaxiGuard MG 10-30
MaxiGuard MG 10-40
MaxiGuard MG 20-50
MaxiGuard MG SAE30
Orbit Motor Oil 5-20
Orbit Motor Oil 10-40
TruStar Motor Oil 10-30
U.S. Economy Motor Oil 5-30
U.S. Economy Motor Oil 10-40
U.S. Economy Motor Oil SAE 10W-40
U.S. Spirit Motor Oil SAE 10W-30
U.S. Spirit Motor Oil SAE 10W-40

MORE MIDDLESEX COUNTY NEWS

Vernal Coleman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @vernalcoleman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

[BlueSunoco]

Never heard of any of them................

[ronn]

the mobs at it again..................... somebody didnt pay somebody off............

[C26Pinelake]

I have never seen of heard of them in Michigan or Ontario.
Wayne

[Rowdy]

I tend to use Valvoline. Thanks for the warning anyway. Rod

[bikejunk]

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what chain in New Jersey sells these brands , the Dollar store ?

[Marcus]

Michael M: Thank you for posting this.......I noticed some Black Knight in my local BP station; never heard of it and don't buy oil there anyway, However I did wonder about it.

[Patrick L.]

I'm wondering if these are recycled. Maybe I'll look into it tomorrow.
Auto manufacturers have been oil testing and denying warranty claims when it doesn't meet their specs.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

They said it's dollar store oil. you'll probably start seeing it at the flea markets.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Do these oils have the API classification on them? I doubt it.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

Do these oils have the API classification on them? I doubt it.

Wouldn't be the first rolex watch sold for $10. Using computers ANY graphics can be duplicated.

Remember made in "Usa" (Japan)

Trade Marks & certification don't keep the dishonest manufacturers out...

Joe K

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Joe K

Wouldn't be the first rolex watch sold for $10. Using computers ANY graphics can be duplicated.

Remember made in "Usa" (Japan)

Trade Marks & certification don't keep the dishonest manufacturers out...

Joe K

You're right Joe and today there is no such thing as copyrights or patents to speak of. The fellows across the Pacific rim are reverse engineering everything from F-150's to Harleys to C-130 Hercules aircraft. Nothing is sacred everything is up for grabs. And so called trade agreements------ I don't know just where it's all leading but it ain't lookin' good. BUT American and European goods are still coveted by the Russians and the Chinese I just saw that on the news last night!