Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is re-refined oil?

A: Re-refined base oil is the end product of a long process starting with 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 treated to remove any remaining chemicals. Finally, the blender combines the re-refined base oil with a fresh additive package.

Q: Is re-refined oil as good as virgin oil?

A: YES. Test after test has shown that an API certified re-refined oil is of equal or better quality than an oil product made from a virgin base stock. API licensed re-refined 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.

For thermal stability test results on SOR base oils, technical bulletins can be found in the Technical data area

Q: Does re-refined oil cost more?

A: There is no real price difference between re-refined and virgin oils. In fact, re-refined oil may sometimes be a few cents per litre cheaper. The final cost is dependent on factors such as blend, quantity and supplier.

Q: How many times can oil be re-refined?

A: Used oil can be re-refined repeatedly with no compromise in the quality of the lubricant. Remember: Oil never wears out it just gets dirty.

Q: Who uses re-refined oil and what are the types of products are created from re-refined base oils?

A: Around the world, thousands of different cars, trucks and fleets already use re-refined oil. In the United States, the Postal Service, National Park Service, Coca-Cola, United Parcel Service, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles and City of San Francisco use re-refined oil in their vehicle fleets. Re-refined lubricating oil is even used on the NASCAR stock car race circuit.

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