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There are many misconceptions about
rerefined oil.
(See
also the
Facts
About
Rerefined
Oil.)
Here are a few of them:
Myth #1:
Rerefined oil is not of equal or sufficient quality compared to virgin oil.
Reality: Rerefined oil is the same quality as virgin oil. Oil does not break down; it simply gets dirty, additives become deleted and chemicals break down. The
rerefining process cleans up the used oil and adds additives.
Rerefined oils now carry the American Petroleum Institute (API) seal of certification.
Myth #2: Rerefined oil will void the warranty on new cars.
Reality: New-car and new-engine manufacturers require that an API-certified oil be used to keep a warranty intact. Since
rerefined oils earn API certification, the warranty will not be voided.
Myth #3: Some buyers for large fleets specify brand names rather than
oil performance criteria.
Reality: Brand names may simplify purchasing but they do not guarantee high-quality oil. If specification-based purchasing is utilized, buyers may be guaranteed specific oil qualities and
rerefined oil will not be excluded.
Myth #4: Jurisdictions may have long-term lubrication contracts, and are unable to switch easily.
Reality: Long-term contracts generally have exemptions allowing for pilot projects and minor contract amendments. This flexibility can be used to set up an initial conversion of part of the fleet to
rerefined oil.
Myth #5: Jurisdictions must accept service from the lowest bidder on a contract, potentially excluding
rerefined oil.
Reality: Managers can solve this by using a procurement ordinance or price preference. There is an alternative
strategy--have a major-brand oil distributor purchase
rerefined oil from a local blender, then package the product under the major-brand name.
Myth #6: Rerefined oil may be more expensive than virgin oil.
Reality: Since rerefined oil is part of an emerging industry, some products may have higher prices than products from the
more established virgin-oil industry.
This is not always the case though, as local market considerations may affect prices. Some of the lowest bids have come in response to public-sector requests specifying exclusively
rerefined oil.
Myth #7: There are gaps in the geographic availability of
rerefined oil.
Reality: As the market grows for
rerefined oil, so will the availability. As in any growing market, assured demand will encourage vendors to make increased supply available.
Myth #8: Fleet lessors do not have control over the type of oil used in their vehicles.
Reality: Fleet lessors do have some control. They can take their business elsewhere if certain requirements are not met. Fleet lessors can contact the lease agents and express their willingness to work with other agents if vehicles do not use
rerefined oil.
Myth #9: Major oil companies are opposed to
rerefining because of their enormous capital investment in virgin oil.
Reality: Major oil companies, including Unocal, Chevron, ARCO, and Texaco, have all become involved in the
rerefining market, often by purchasing independently
rerefined base stock and manufacturing their own brand name of
rerefined oil.
Frequently-Asked
Questions
What Is Rerefined Oil?
Rerefined base oil is the end product of a long process involving used oils. These oils are first cleansed of their contaminants--such as dirt, water, fuel, and used additives--through vacuum distillation. The oil is then hydrotreated to remove any remaining chemicals. This process is very similar to what traditional oil refineries do to remove base oil from crude. Finally, the
rerefined base oil is combined with a fresh additive package by the blender.
(See also the process of rerefining.)
Is Rerefined Oil Good As Virgin?
YES. Test after test has shown that an API certified
rerefined oil is of equal or better quality than an oil made from a virgin base stock. API licensed
rerefined oils must pass the same cold start and pumpability tests, rust corrosion tests, engine wear tests, high temperature oil thickening tests, deposit tests, and phosphorous tests that virgin oils do.
Will Rerefined Oil Affect My
Warranty or Hurt My Engine?
NO AND NO. Vehicle and engine manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Chrysler and Mercedes Benz have all gone on record to state that using API-certified
rerefined oil does not affect
warranty coverage. In fact, Mercedes-Benz uses
rerefined oil to fill new cars at their factories!
(See auto
industry positions on
rerefined oil.)
Does Rerefined Oil Cost More?
There is no real price difference between
rerefined and virgin oils. In fact,
rerefined oil may sometimes be a few cents per quart cheaper. The final cost is dependent on factors such as blend, quantity and supplier.
How Many Times Can Oil Be
Rerefined?
Used oil can be rerefined over and over with no compromise in the quality of the lubricant. Remember: oil never wears out, it just gets dirty.
Rerefined
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