Motor Oil Matters (MOM) is maintaining standards for the American Petroleum Institute (API).
While lubes makers are aware that oil viscosity grades need to be appropriate for a vehicle's engine, not all of them are apparently scrupulous in their tech claims or labelling, prompting the API to establish MOM to protect its standards.
MOM licenses oil manufacturers, distributors and oil change locations and includes an auditing process along with random product tests to ensure standards are met before the MOM seal can be issued to industry members.
MOM has been established against a backdrop of nearly 20% of bulk oils purchased and tested by API failing to meet their strict standards.
OEMS are also ever-more aware of the issues surrounding the use of inferior or wrongly-labelled products and are already beginning to require their dealerships to participate in the MOM program, according to program provider Universal Lubricants.
Meanwhile, API has also launched a new online application system for Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS). The website is aimed at speeding up the process of licence applications for new formulations and products which previously required a significant amount of paperwork and form-filling.
According to the Institute: "Gone are the days when licensees had to complete long and complicated forms. Now, current and prospective licensees can request licensing, manage their products and formulations and renew their license online. This system is long overdue. API hopes all licensees find the online system useful and efficient."