Originally Posted By: nepadriver
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
I received a reply from Valvoline:
"Thank you very much for contacting Valvoline pertaining to your concern with the information provided by PQIA. Valvoline is extremely committed to the quality of our products and has become aware that PQIA has published an advisory on our Valvoline NextGen SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil. Based on multiple data points generated at the time of manufacture, the sample in question met all the requirements for an SAE 5W-20 API SN/Resource Conserving, ILSAC GF-5 engine oil. The varied testing results bring to light the industry concern with the ASTM test (D5800) used to measure lubricant volatility and it's inherent variability. It is this variability that we feel may explain the differences in the test results. We very much appreciate PQIA's service to our industry and are working with them to resolve the matter to their satisfaction.
Once again, we greatly appreciate you taking the time to contact us and if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you and have a great day!!
Valvoline Product Support
Thank you,
Valvoline Product Support"
Sounds a lot like "the test is unfair, wah!". How come only this one oil was so far over 15%, twice? I hope PQIA buys another sample, not accept one from them.
Actually, Valvoline is reasonable. If there is a high variability in the testing method, the only real way to ensure reliable results is to do a lot of test. While it is not good for Valvoline, the sample is too small to really get worrisome. If PQIA did hundreds... or at least 70 test from different locations, it would be a lot better.
Spot checking is good but not definitive.