The Truth is Out There

Little in the automotive aftermarket is more hotly debated than oil. What type? Which viscosity? What change interval? Additives? Despite the OEM recommendations and extensive consumer advertising by major lubricant suppliers, obsolete and potentially damaging engine oils are not only available, but are prominently featured by some retail and wholesale auto parts vendors. SSGM went shopping at a major Canadian auto parts retailer, a “big box” superstore, and a jobber that promotes D.I.Y. sales and asked for low-priced oil. The products we purchased represent typical off-the-shelf products that a consumer might use for an oil change or a top-up and in every case, there are potential dangers to modern engines. The picture at the left shows a typical multi-grade lineup from (left to right) an independent jobber, Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire. All three are popular top-up viscosities in typical passenger car service.

With significant warranty costs to contain, it’s not surprising that an alliance of North American, European and Japanese OEM’s want inferior oils out of their engines, but what about the service aftermarket? All the products pictured above were readily available and were the lowest cost products among a large selection of quality oils, both house brand and major label. If a consumer delays a gasket repair by topping off with a 1930’s era oil, the consumer may associate the damage with the last shop to change the oil. If it’s yours, the sticker shock associated with major engine repairs may generate hostility as well as disappointment. How can you control your customer’s engine wear and service expectations? Start with quality products in the bays and consider posting a notice declaring that your bulk supply meets or exceeds all modern OEM standards. Can’t convince your customer to buy gasket or seal service now? Consider selling a take-home bottle or two of a quality product for top-up use. And always remind them that oil is not all the same, and that the price of OEM-approved products is very little more than oils that kill. All three of the retail stores where SSGM purchased product had numerous options in quality engine lubes, some at prices that were the same as off-brand inferior oils. Given the sensitivity of modern emission control systems, it’s surprising that SA and SB motor oils are not prohibited for engine use. And what will SSGM editor Jim Anderton do with the sample oils? The SA and SB products will go onto latches and hinges, while the quality straight-grade oil will lubricate an engine from Briggs & Stratton. Your customers won’t read labels, nor their owners manual…you’ll have to do it for them.