At last, a class action law suit has been filed against a retail outlet for selling obsolete motor oils on shelves alongside quality oils. I sure hope this catches on and other law firms follow suit against the hundreds of stores across the country that practice this deception.
This has been a pet peeve of mine for over 30 years, ever since I learned what an SA oil was in 1981. Calling these products "Motor Oils" when no manufacturers recommend them for their motors, and positioning them on shelves with modern motor oils is downright deceptive to consumers. Back label small print caveats such as "Read your owner's manual" or "for use in older cars" is insufficient. Even the clear and specific warnings on the Dollar General back labels in my opinion do not excuse the clear attempt at deception from the front labels, especially since most people never read the back labels. Worse yet, these products appear to be aimed at lower income folks who tend to buy by price.
Interesting that PQIA wrote an article on the Dollar General oils just two months ago back in October, making all of the same points mentioned in the law suit. Perhaps the lawyers are reading PQIA's site.
The API states clearly that oils rated SG and earlier are obsolete and not suitable for engines built in the last 22 years, which is probably over 99% of the cars on the road. Indeed SA is for engines built before 1930! I realize there are some valid uses for such oils, but automobile engines are not among them, so why call them motor oils and sell them mixed in with legitimate modern automotive motor oils?
The answer is clear to me.
Dollar General law suit
PQIA article on Dollar General oils
Tom NJ
This has been a pet peeve of mine for over 30 years, ever since I learned what an SA oil was in 1981. Calling these products "Motor Oils" when no manufacturers recommend them for their motors, and positioning them on shelves with modern motor oils is downright deceptive to consumers. Back label small print caveats such as "Read your owner's manual" or "for use in older cars" is insufficient. Even the clear and specific warnings on the Dollar General back labels in my opinion do not excuse the clear attempt at deception from the front labels, especially since most people never read the back labels. Worse yet, these products appear to be aimed at lower income folks who tend to buy by price.
Interesting that PQIA wrote an article on the Dollar General oils just two months ago back in October, making all of the same points mentioned in the law suit. Perhaps the lawyers are reading PQIA's site.
The API states clearly that oils rated SG and earlier are obsolete and not suitable for engines built in the last 22 years, which is probably over 99% of the cars on the road. Indeed SA is for engines built before 1930! I realize there are some valid uses for such oils, but automobile engines are not among them, so why call them motor oils and sell them mixed in with legitimate modern automotive motor oils?
The answer is clear to me.
Dollar General law suit
PQIA article on Dollar General oils
Tom NJ