Disclaimer - Read Me First!
Everyone utilizing this service should have already read all of the disclaimers in the Terms of Service when they signed up for the service. However, I know that, often, people skip those because they just want to get their account setup. Therefore, because this information is so important (and because I'd like to avoid being sued by some large oil company), I'd appreciate it if you'd read the following:
Accuracy of Specs and Scoring Calculations
The motor oil quality "scores" and "ranking values" that are found within our data tables are based upon my own quality scoring algorithm. Others may feel a completely different scoring algorithm is more appropriate, and they are welcome to their opinion. This is mine, and I make no warranty as to its accuracy - only to the fact that I have, to the best of my ability, designed what I believe to be a fair scoring calculation which provides some basis for comparing the quality of available motor oils.
The default values used within the listings (when a manufacturer does not provide the data) are my best estimates of "sub-average" values that would be seen for oils within this category. If max/min values are available for the specification in question (as laid out by SAE or API classification requirements), those have been used. If a manufacturer does not like the default values I've entered into the database, they are welcome to supply me with the appropriate data, and I will gladly modify their listings in the database.
Lastly, I have "weighted" each specification within the scoring algorithm based on what I believe to be the relative significance and relevance of each specification in relation to overall oil quality within each viscosity category. Specifications that can be easily skewed or propped up with cheap additives are given less weight than those that cannot. If you don't like the way I've weighted the scoring, use the built-in customization feature to set your own weighting values.
The quality scoring and ranking provided in these specification charts is MY OPINION ONLY. Do not take it as the gospel truth. I am offering an opinion of quality based upon my experience working in the lubricants field. Nothing more, nothing less. Take it for what it is, an opinion.
For more detail regarding the level of emphasis you should place on a "#1 Ranking", see the following help article.
