Several DOE facilities have reported difficulty in purchasing re-refined oils as a result of the GSA Fleet Management Division's policy. Last December, the Federal Environmental Executive brought together a panel of industry experts to dispel the myths of using re-refined oil. API's certification program identifies virgin or re-refined motor oils meeting minimum standards established by automobile manufacturers to maintain vehicle performance. The API starburst enables the consumer to easily identify products that have passed a comprehensive series of performance tests and product quality audits. These tests measure everything from engine wear to the ability of the oil to prevent deposits and corrosion in the engine.
Additional tests evaluate the oil's performance under a range of extreme temperatures.
Both Evergreen and Safety-Kleen produce API certified oils. GM and Chrysler recently revised their positions on the use of re-refined engine oils. Engine oils meeting these requirements can be made with either virgin or re-refined base oils. The U.S. Postal Service has been using re-refined oil for several years. In 1994, the Postal Service used 500,000 gallons of re-refined oil in over 72,000 vehicles nationwide.