Properties     Endorsements     Guidelines 

What Is Re-Refined Oil?
Oil is a nonrenewable resource. However, lubricating oil does not wear out, it simply becomes dirty as it does its job. Re-refined oil is used motor oil that has undergone extensive re-refining to remove all contaminants. Laboratory tests on the finished lubricant cannot determine any difference between the highly re-refined base oil and virgin crude base oil.


Why Use Re-Refined Oil?
The main difference between re-refined and virgin oil products is that re-refining represents the responsible choice. Users enjoy the same quality and performance as virgin oil products while reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and helping the environment by eliminating waste material and lessening the amount of nonrenewable resources taken from the environment. Conserve Our Valuable Resources ask your supplier or local retailer for America's Choice Re-Refined Motor Oil.


How Does It Compare?
Re-refined oil is equivalent in every respect to oil produced directly from crude oil. It must undergo the same comprehensive testing and meet the same quality standards as virgin lubricants in order to receive certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The API certification mark ensures you that the re-refined oil you are buying has been proven to meet auto manufacturers' specifications for optimum engine performance.
 

Why is oil quality important?
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine, keeping it clean and protecting it from premature wear. The quality of the oil you use is critical to your car's performance.

Regardless of the technical specifications, the motor oil you've been buying — even brand names — may not have met the minimum standards set by the manufacturer to maintain your vehicle's performance. Several studies and tests have documented the fact that sub-standard motor oils have made their way onto retailer's shelves and into your car's engine. One reason for this is that no auditing system has been in place to help ensure consistency in meeting the minimum standards.


Why isn't somebody doing something about it?
Somebody is. The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA), in cooperation with the American Petroleum Institute (API), has created a new certification and licensing system that allows you to identify the quality of the oils recommended for use in your car or light truck. To help verify the consistent quality of certified motor oil products, this new system also provides for an off-the-shelf audit program.

When an engine fails, it's the vehicle manufacturer's reputation on the line, not the oil company's. That's why AAMA has a special interest in the quality of the products you purchase to properly maintain your vehicle. Since regular oil and filter changes are at the heart of proper vehicle maintenance, AAMA is concerned about the oils you purchase for your car or light truck. It's not enough to look just for performance claims, such as API "SJ" or "SH." Viscosity grade, fuel efficiency and performance are all important and are covered by one mark — the API "Starburst" certification mark. The starburst symbol shown below is a direct result of AAMA's efforts in this area.

As the trade association for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, AAMA is committed to total driver satisfaction throughout the ownership experience.


What does the API Starburst Certification Mark tell you?
The new API Starburst certification mark allows you to easily identify those motor oils that have passed a comprehensive series of performance tests and product quality audits. Tests that measure everything from engine wear — which affects engine durability, emissions and fuel economy — to the ability of the oil to prevent engine deposits and corrosion from occurring. Other tests evaluate the oil's performance during and after exposure to extreme temperatures.

This is the most extensive battery of tests ever undertaken as a way to rate the quality of motor oils. Until recently, there has been no comprehensive system of off-the-shelf audits to help ensure that your car is consistently receiving the high quality motor oil that it demands.

Additionally, the API certification mark helps ensure that the motor oil you buy meets the most current auto manufacturer specifications for optimum engine performance.


What are the benefits?
Using API-certified oils help maintain your vehicle's compliance with emissions standards. They can help lessen the likelihood of engine failure and extend the life of your engine. API certified oils have been proven to meet auto manufacturer's standards for car and light truck gasoline engines.

Regardless of what brand of oil you've always used, look for the API certification mark on the front of the next bottle of motor oil you buy. It's the best way to be sure that the oil you're putting into your car's engine . . . belongs there.