Bought a jug of Castrol "Edge"...5W-30. Afterward, I noticed that there was a "U.S." after the grade. Is this something that distinguishes it from, say, a European grade/quality? Or is it just that I've simply never noticed it before (which I'm sort of doubting)?
Europe use a totally different set of testing and standards put out by ACEA.
I understand that much (I reckon the Germans tend to be a bit hard on their oil). Perhaps "differentiates" was the word I should have used as opposed to "distinguishes".
What I'm curious about/wondering is: is Castrol saying this oil is only suitable for the U.S. market?
The reason I'm curious is, they state on the back of the jug:
"Castrol Edge "Exceeds" the world's toughest industry standards.
* ACEA: A1/B1, A5/B5
* ILSAC GF-4
* API Service SM/SL/CF
* GM4718M
* GM6094M
* FORD WSS M2C929-A ..." yet it's labeled (front and back) of the jug: "SAE 5W-30 U.S". I'm just really curious about why they specified this "U.S." labeling?
PS - upon further inspection, I'm seeing that they also state; "Not for sale outside The Americas."
I understand that much (I reckon the Germans tend to be a bit hard on their oil). Perhaps "differentiates" was the word I should have used as opposed to "distinguishes".
What I'm curious about/wondering is: is Castrol saying this oil is only suitable for the U.S. market?
The reason I'm curious is, they state on the back of the jug:
"Castrol Edge "Exceeds" the world's toughest industry standards.
* ACEA: A1/B1, A5/B5
* ILSAC GF-4
* API Service SM/SL/CF
* GM4718M
* GM6094M
* FORD WSS M2C929-A ..." yet it's labeled (front and back) of the jug: "SAE 5W-30 U.S". I'm just really curious about why they specified this "U.S." labeling?
PS - upon further inspection, I'm seeing that they also state; "Not for sale outside The Americas."
As you can see, the top drawer oil specification is now C3-08 or C4-08.
Therefore, Castrol does not meet the current "top drawer" oil specifications.
Furthermore, ACEA tests are far more rigorous.
I do not have the details yet, but generally, tests are run longer, harder, and more critically judged.
API labeling is also something that is done on a "voluntary compliance" basis --- the oil marketer basically does the tests, says it meets the standard, and slaps the label on.
There is no policing, auditing, or verification.
AECA is different --- it is run by mostly the engine makers, who do check.
As for why it is marked "for US sale only", most likely it is to combat grey marketing where oil from the US sold at deep discounts (e.g. at Walmart) is being shipped to countries where prices are higher.
Castrol does not make any oil. They are just a marketing company owned by BP, who presumably, makes all their oils for them.
As you can see, the top drawer oil specification is now C3-08 or C4-08.
Therefore, Castrol does not meet the current "top drawer" oil specifications.
Furthermore, ACEA tests are far more rigorous.
I do not have the details yet, but generally, tests are run longer, harder, and more critically judged.
API labeling is also something that is done on a "voluntary compliance" basis --- the oil marketer basically does the tests, says it meets the standard, and slaps the label on.
There is no policing, auditing, or verification.
AECA is different --- it is run by mostly the engine makers, who do check.
BTW, I am so frustrated that I am on the verge of getting someone to import European spec oil for me (or buy it from a VW/Mercedes dealer).
They are about 10 years ahead of the US, with oil that are better quality, better speced, and policed standards, and they are doing extended oil drain intervals that the US cannot even dream of.
Mind you, they also have 10ppm ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, when the best in USA is 15ppm.
As for why it is marked "for US sale only", most likely it is to combat grey marketing where oil from the US sold at deep discounts (e.g. at Walmart) is being shipped to countries where prices are higher.
Castrol does not make any oil. They are just a marketing company owned by BP, who presumably, makes all their oils for them.
Again thanks.
If I'm not mistaken, I think Castrol was just acquired (bought) by BP in recent (5-10?) years though. I believe they used to make their own oil, correct? (and I believe they made a very good oil indeed). They seemed to sort of 'specialize' in higher revving applications such as motorcycles and other types of racing (or at least they seemed to have cornered the market with all the advertising at those events).
Could it be that they still do make it, and that BP just sort of 'oversees' things?
You are getting into details as to how BP runs Castrol (which was acquired decades ago - 1966 to be exact).
I don't know... but as a BP subsidiary, they are not likely to game anything to upset the parent.
Now, there was an ongoing dispute between Mobile 1 and Castrol when Mobile 1 found out that their "synthetic" oil was made from a dino oil stock rather than 100% synthesized.
Ugly lawsuit, which Castrol won, one rumor is Mobile 1 then threw in the towel and started doing the same thing...
Someone else that has more facts.. chime in please.
US and Japanese auto makers tend to require much more frequent oil changes than the Europeans, so the oil specs are different. That bottle of Castrol Syntec is not BMW Long Life, VW 505.x, or Mercedes 229.x approved. Those cars typically go 10-15,000 miles between recommended oil changes to keep the warranty intact. If you want the "good stuff" go to Autozone and pick up a bottle of "Made in Germany" 0W-30 and look at the specs.
BP is a huge integrated oil company that does blend and bottle at plants all over the world, but also uses contract blenders for a few specialty products. Castrol Aviator brand of piston engine aircraft oils is made by American Refining of Bradford PA.
The fact that BP owns Castrol is no different than Shell owning Pennzoil or Chevron owning Havoline. Thats the nature of business, brand names have value and are bought and sold.
The old argument over what is really "synthetic" is kind of silly. Shell Helix Ultra, which is factory fill for Italian exotics, uses a Group III base stock. PAO is good at some things and not so good at others, which is the real reason Mobil One is no longer 100% PAO, but contains esters and Alkylated Napthalene (sort of dino-based). Its the performance that counts.
The old argument over what is really "synthetic" is kind of silly. Shell Helix Ultra, which is factory fill for Italian exotics, uses a Group III base stock. PAO is good at some things and not so good at others, which is the real reason Mobil One is no longer 100% PAO, but contains esters and Alkylated Napthalene (sort of dino-based). Its the performance that counts.
Jim
Do you have links to the science and technical data between Group III base stock vs. PAO?
An undergraduate class in organic chemistry would help in understanding this report, but not entirely necessary.
What is missing is much discussion of finished lubricants. The polar nature of esters in the blend helps the oil "cling" to metal surfaces, a disadvantage that non-polar PAO, or even Group III has. Castrol has always blended esters with Group III to make Syntec. Solvency and seal compatibility are also PAO negatives that can be corrected with esters and other additives.
Chevron makes a strong convincing argument for their three step, all severely hydroprocessed Group-3 base oils being called "synthetic".
Also of note is that in the paper it's noted that it's the "finished" product that really counts, as the blender has many options to formulate a finished product that can fit it's intended use like a glove & an all PAO finished product isn't an ideal, nor all purpose lube!!!!
__________________
99 Ranger 4dr 4x2 4.0L 5spd auto 3.55L/S Payload pkg2 tow pkg
Details are trifles but trifles make perfection & perfection is no trifle
(Ben Franklin)
Our signature is a sign of a job completed autograph your work with excellence
This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. FordŽ is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
5W-30 "U.S.". Is this new?
