Generally, re-refined engine oils can be used without warrantyThe representations, either expressed or implied, that a certain fact regarding the subject matter of a contract is presently true or will be true. Not to be confused with "guarantee," which means a contract or promise by one person to answer for the performance of another person. concerns in vehicles made by Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Caterpillar, and Detroit Diesel. These manufacturers have issued written statements declaring that vehicle warranties will be honored as long as the re-refined engine oil meets requirements. Warranty requirements are based on performance criteria and not on the origin of the base oil.
Letters from Auto and Equipment Manufacturers on Use of Re-refined Oil.
Because Minnesota law restricts the disposal of used motor oil, the only options for legal disposal are recycling and other oil recovery programs. By purchasing re-refined oil, you help provide a market for used oil collected through these programs.
Nationally, the U.S. Postal Service has been using re-refined oil for over a decade in its fleet of almost 73,000 vehicles. State and local governments depend on the product, too. The State of Minnesota's Central Motor Pool now exclusively uses re-refined oil in its vehicles, while the State of Vermont has over seven years of satisfactory experience. Since 1992 the City of Chicago has purchased only re-refined motor oil, buying about 107,500 gallons per year for its entire city fleet - including police and fire department vehicles.
As shown by extensive laboratory testing and field experience, re-refined oil provides a high-quality base stock that is virtually indistinguishable and equivalent in appearance and quality to virgin oil. In addition, the American Petroleum Institute (API), which sets the standards for most auto and equipment manufacturer warranties, has certified re-refined oils that pass the same cold-start, pumpability, rust corrosion, engine wear, and high-temperature viscosity tests as virgin oils do, thus ensuring consistent performance standards for all engine oils. To find product meeting these requirements, look for the API starburst on the oil container or on the document accompanying an order for lubricants.
Re-refined oil purchased through the state contract costs the same as virgin oil. When using the state contract or state motor pool, the cost of an oil change is the same whether using re-refined or virgin oil.
Other Vendors
The cost of re-refined motor
oil purchased in bulk can be significantly less than comparable
virgin oil. In August 2002, for example, Yocum Oil priced America's
Choice 5W-30 re-refined oil (purchased in bulk by the gallon) at 36%
less than a comparable virgin oil of the same weight and viscosity.
When bought by the case, the cost of re-refined oil is 28% lower;
when bought by the 55 gallon drum, it is 26% lower.
Importantly, any motor oil purchased must meet the vehicle warranty requirements for viscosity grade and be licensed by the API to display its certification symbol. Since API is unable to identify re-refined oil from virgin, vendors must confirm the percentage of re-refined content. To help verify the response, the solicitation could include a requirement for bidders to identify the source of re-refined base stock, thus allowing you to contact the manufacturer directly.
Above all, it is critically important to have the manufacturer of the re-refined oil ensure that all batches consistently meet the API requirements as well as those specified by your vehicle manufacturers. Vendors should furnish a certification, signed by an officer or other authorized person, stating that the oil proposed to be supplied meets these requirements.
State contracts are available for the purchase of re-refined oil as well as for oil change services that include the option of using re-refined oil. Re-refined motor oil available through these state contracts contains a minimum of 25% re-refined base oil, along with the required additives to provide optimal engine performance. See Cooperative Purchasing Venture for information on accessing these contracts.
- L-245 (5) Lubricating Oils & Greases.
- O-69 (5) Oil & Re-refined Oil Changes & Lubrication Services. Users need to specify that they want re-refined oil used in their vehicle.
Manufacturer
Yocum Oil Company
Maplewood, MN
651/739-9141 or 800/848-9126
Product: America's Choice re-refined oil. Yocum Oil Company serves all of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Other Vendors
Check your local phone
directory under "Auto Oil & Lubrication" and
"Auto Repair & Service" for a list of auto service centers.
Before making an appointment, ensure that the
company offers re-refined oil. Generally, it is helpful to ask for
the product by brand name, such as America's
Choice.
Motor Oil from Renewable Resources
Watch
for plant-based motor oils and other lubricants in the near future.
Agro Management Group, Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colorado, has
developed a plant-based motor oil called AMG 2000, which is derived
from canola and soybean oils. In late-1999, AMG began mass-producing
this product in Michigan, where most of the product testing is taking
place. Independent testing, similar to American Petroleum Institute
(API) tests, have shown that AMG 2000 can reduce engine operating
temperatures, oil consumption, emissions, and engine wear over
conventional petroleum-based oils.
The U.S. Postal Service has been using AMG 2000 in 25 delivery vans in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for one year. Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Agriculture are also testing the oil in some of their vehicles, and the State of Michigan passed a resolution encouraging its use in more state vehicles. After normal use, this oil can be utilized as chain saw or two-cycle engine oil, or can be further refined into hydraulic oil.
Agro
Management
Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Jim Lambert
719/520-9931
For information on plant-based lubricants and other plant-based products, contact the Institute for Local Self-Reliance at 612/379-3815.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised April 18, 2008 - 10:42am