API oil and engine warranty?

[elwaylite]

Can someone break it down simply for me?

*) Why, if catalytic convertor concerns are the issue with ZDDP, do they attach this to the engine warranty and not emissions?

*) Why can I not buy a great oil like Redline 5w-20 and put it in my cars without worrying if the dealer will void my engine warranty?

*) Is this all [censored] and the manufacturer does not have a leg to stand on.

Looking at the numbers, Mobil is fine, but I'd possibly like to try Redline. Have 52k miles left on one warranty and 30k+ on the other.

Advice welcome.....

 

[elwaylite]

Q: Will using Red Line products void my vehicle's factory warranty?
Using the appropriate Red Line product shouldn't invalidate your vehicle's warranty and question the mechanic or service manager that says so.

Thats what Redline says, still dont like "shouldn't"

This whole API thing is pretty stupid.

 

[AlanRebod]

Your owners manual likely tells you to use an API SM oil all the time, not just when its under its engine warranty, therefore they can come back and possibly deny you a cat replacement if the cat is found to be faulty and you weren't using the right oil (for example, an oil that exceeds the API SM limits on ZDDP). I doubt if they are telling you to use whatever you want outside of the engine warranty period.

Legally, the mfgr has to prove that your actions or inactions damaged the affected component, but the initial action will be to deny your warranty and its up to you to drag them into (court or mandatory binding arbitration) to state your case.

If you have a beater car, go buy whatever dino is on sale at wal-mart for it and keep those receipts as your warranty oil receipts.

 

[elwaylite]

Thats the PITA, is dragging them to court.

Are there any Group IV/V oils that are API?

 

[Johnny248]

I've never seen an engine warranty claim be denied by the brand oil in it. If it is not neglected, I don't see why any dealer would even think to challenge it. Chrysler used to ask that an oil sample be taken, but I've never seen them actually ask to have it submitted to them either.

 

[09rexwagon]

The WRX manual says to use API SM 5w30, but then it says in the severe conditions that you can use SAE 30, 5w40, ..... SM (or SL). They also say turbo engines are classified as severe conditions all the time so I'm going to run RTS 5w40 next time without worry about voiding a warranty. Does your manual have something like that. It would not be hard to convince a dealer that your car is under severe conditions if the oil reqs are less stringent for those conditions?

 

[ekpolk]

Oddly enough, the official Toyota publications now seem to have abandoned the API ratings, and speak only of "ILSAC multigrade engine oil", not even referring to GF-x standards. I take this to mean that Toyota has given up on the API standards (except vis...).

 

[elwaylite]

Well, my manual says that, then has a BIG API starburst

 

[elwaylite]

Originally Posted By: 09rexwagon
The WRX manual says to use API SM 5w30, but then it says in the severe conditions that you can use SAE 30, 5w40, ..... SM (or SL). They also say turbo engines are classified as severe conditions all the time so I'm going to run RTS 5w40 next time without worry about voiding a warranty. Does your manual have something like that. It would not be hard to convince a dealer that your car is under severe conditions if the oil reqs are less stringent for those conditions?


Nah, the Hyundai is 5w30 and 5w-20, and the Scion is 5w-20 and 0w-20(Both API). Guess 5w-20 is my number, and prob Mobil1 EP. Sucks that they stick you into these things, but I guess on the flip side, they have to guarantee the oil.