If you’ve ever wandered through the auto aisles at Walmart or AutoZone looking for the best motor oil, you know that the number of choices can be overwhelming.
Quaker State is a motor oil company that’s been in the business a long time–since 1931–but is Quaker State good oil?
Keep reading to learn more about what makes Quaker State high-quality motor oil and where you can find it in stores.
- Key Takeaway
- Is Quaker State Good Oil?
- The Best Of The Best: GM Dexos Requirements
- Quaker State’s Other Quality Certifications
- Types Of Quaker State Oils
- Quaker State: A Decorated History
- Where To Buy Quaker State Motor Oil
- FAQs
- Q: What are the benefits of using Quaker State oil?
- Q: Which Quaker State oil should I use for my vehicle?
- Q: Can I use Quaker State oil in a high-mileage vehicle?
- Q: Is Quaker State oil suitable for extreme temperatures?
- Q: Are Quaker State oils compatible with other brands?
- Q: Can I use Quaker State oil for my motorcycle?
- Q: How often should I change my oil when using Quaker State?
- Q: Where can I purchase Quaker State oil?
- Q: Does using Quaker State oil affect my vehicle’s warranty?
- Final Thoughts
Key Takeaway
- Quaker State is a well-respected brand in the motor oil industry, known for providing excellent engine protection. Its oils are designed to reduce friction, resist viscosity and thermal breakdown, and prevent deposits and sludge build-up, which helps to extend the life of your engine.
Is Quaker State Good Oil?
Yes, Quaker State is considered good oil due to its high-quality materials, engine performance enhancement, and ability to protect the engine effectively.
Using high-quality motor oil for your vehicle is essential for a long-lasting engine. Not only does the motor oil protects the engine from wear and corrosion, but it also helps the engine run at the correct temperature. With Quaker State motor oil, you don’t have to worry about dirt and deposits floating around your engine.
Regardless of whether your vehicle is relatively new, or you are trying to prolong the life of your current vehicle, Quaker State is the first line of defense against large repairs.
Of all the oil available on the market, the formulation that provides the greatest durability is synthetic. Pure synthetic motor oil like the Quaker State, provides a lot of benefits for your engine.
Today, most vehicles have smaller engines that are placed under greater demands including being supercharged and turbocharged. Having high-quality motor oil is very important.
The Quaker State oil is fully compatible with regular oil and you can switch to synthetic at any time. It also maintains viscosity better at a higher temperature than other motor oils on the market.
Why I personally like Quaker State because it prevents the formation of deposits which is very bad for the engine. Plus, it is less volatile and prevents oil consumption better than conventional oils.
The Best Of The Best: GM Dexos Requirements
The Dexos standard was created by General Motors to help consumers decipher between standard and truly exceptional motor oil products. According to the GM Dexos website, motor oils with the Dexos label have increased performance when compared with conventional oil types. Here are some benefits of using Dexos-certified products:
- It moderates friction levels
- Keeps engine temperatures within the appropriate range
- It provides excellent lubrication
- It improves fuel efficiency
- Reduces piston deposits
- It reduces the buildup of sludge
In addition to being high-quality oil, Dexos-licensed products are required in GM vehicles manufactured after 2011. In fact, not using Dexos-licensed motor oil in your GM vehicle can void the warranty.
Quaker State products meet or exceed all of the GM Dexos requirements–meaning their quality far surpasses that of conventional oil products. You can’t go wrong with using Dexos-licensed Quaker State motor oil.
Quaker State’s Other Quality Certifications
While GM Dexos is the most stringent of quality tests in the industry, two other standards are worth mentioning: the International Lubricants Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) standard and the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard. These standards help to define motor oils that meet or exceed industry standards.
Quaker State motor oils exceed the API and ILSAC requirements. When you’re searching for API-grade motor oil, look for the API service symbol “donut,” which certifies that the oil meets current API requirements. Motor oils that have the API certification mark “starburst” are even higher quality, surpassing the ILSAC requirements for reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency.
Types Of Quaker State Oils
Before buying motor oil for your vehicle, it’s important to know the different types that are offered and what they provide for your vehicle. Here are Quaker State’s products, along with a brief description of their qualifications.
Quaker State Motor Oil
This is the most basic Quaker State oil–but still incredibly high quality.
- Oil type: Synthetic blend
- Price for one quart: $4.79 on Amazon
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: Yes
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: No
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: No
- Meets European vehicle specifications: No
Quaker State High Mileage Motor Oil
This oil is similar to the Quaker State, but it is formulated for high-mileage vehicles.
- Oil type: Synthetic blend
- Price for one quart: $5.66 at Amazon
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: Yes
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: Yes
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: No
- Meets European vehicle specifications: No
Quaker State Full Synthetic Motor Oil
This is Quaker State’s base fully-synthetic oil.
- Oil type: Full synthetic
- Price for one quart: $5.96 at Walmart
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: Yes
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: No
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: Yes
- Meets European vehicle specifications: No
Quaker State High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil
This is Quaker State’s high-mileage synthetic oil, specially formulated for engines with more than 75,000 miles.
- Oil type: Full synthetic
- Price for one quart: $5.56 at Walmart
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: Yes
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: Yes
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: Yes
- Meets European vehicle specifications: No
Quaker State Euro Full Synthetic Motor Oil
This synthetic oil is specifically for European vehicles.
- Oil type: Full synthetic
- Price for one quart: $5.56 at Walmart
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: Yes
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: No
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: Yes
- Meets European vehicle specifications: Yes
Quaker State All Mileage Motor Oil
This oil is formulated to work with all vehicles, regardless of mileage.
- Oil type: Synthetic blend
- Price for one quart: $4.98 at Amazon
- Combats engine sludge: Yes
- Reduces wear: Yes
- Decreases oil breakdown: No
- Conditions seals to reduce the number of leaks: Yes
- Prevents damage from temperature fluctuations: No
- Meets European vehicle specifications: No
Quaker State: A Decorated History
Quaker State originated in Oil City, Pennsylvania in 1931. Its home state is where the company name came from: Pennsylvania is called the Quaker State. Quaker State was headquartered in Pennsylvania until 1995 when the company made the move to the Lone Star state. The company cited a shift in its operations to the southwestern United States as its reasoning for leaving Pennsylvania.
After experiencing rapid growth in the 1970s and 1980s, Quaker State experienced setbacks in the early 1990s. After being named the second most popular motor oil company in the United States, sales plummeted and profits became nearly extinct.
In 1998, Quaker State was purchased by its rival, Pennzoil. The companies merged to become Pennzoil-Quaker State Company. In 2002, Pennzoil-Quaker State Company was purchased by Shell Oil Company, which now sells the products separately as Pennzoil and Quaker State says CarTalk.
Roadblocks To Success
Combined with leadership issues in the mid-to-late 1900s, Quaker State developed a reputation for causing sludge buildup in engines, especially in the 1970s. Unfortunately, this rumor has held strong in the minds of many even into the 21st century.
Thankfully, the motor oil industry has improved significantly since the 1970s–Quaker State included. Advancements in technology have allowed for motor oil to prevent sludge instead of causing it, keeping engines running sometimes even up to 300,000 miles.
Changes in manufacturing and leadership have also positively affected the quality of Quaker State motor oil. Shell is regarded as one of the highest-quality motor oil companies; both brands manufactured by Shell, Quaker State, and Pennzoil, exceed the strictest industry quality requirements.
Where To Buy Quaker State Motor Oil
Now that you know Quaker State is one of the highest-quality motor oils on the market, you may be wondering where you can purchase it. Another perk of Quaker State motor oil is that it is readily available at most retailers.
If you’re purchasing online, here are the companies who offer Quaker State products:
- Advance Auto Parts
- Walmart
- Pep Boys
- Amazon
- Autozone
If you’re searching for Quaker State in person, you can try any of the above options. Other retailers often carry limited quantities of Quaker State as well.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of using Quaker State oil?
A: Using Quaker State oil offers several benefits. It provides excellent engine protection, reduces engine wear, extends the engine’s life, and helps maintain fuel efficiency. Quaker State oils also have good resistance to oxidation, which helps prevent sludge formation.
Q: Which Quaker State oil should I use for my vehicle?
A: The specific Quaker State oil suitable for your vehicle depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Quaker State offers a range of oils that meet different vehicle requirements, including conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic oils.
Q: Can I use Quaker State oil in a high-mileage vehicle?
A: Yes, Quaker State offers high-mileage oils specially formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. These oils contain additives that help condition seals, reduce oil burn-off, and minimize engine oil leaks commonly associated with higher mileage engines.
Q: Is Quaker State oil suitable for extreme temperatures?
A: Yes, Quaker State oils are designed to perform well in extreme temperatures. They provide good cold start protection in cold climates and have high-temperature stability in hot conditions. This ensures that the engine is protected and properly lubricated in different weather conditions.
Q: Are Quaker State oils compatible with other brands?
A: Quaker State oils are compatible with most other brands of engine oils. However, it is generally recommended to stick with one brand and type of oil to ensure consistent performance and protection. Mixing different oils may affect the oil’s overall performance.
Q: Can I use Quaker State oil for my motorcycle?
A: Quaker State offers motorcycle oils specifically formulated for the unique requirements of motorcycles. These oils provide excellent engine protection, prevent clutch slippage, and deliver optimal performance for both air-cooled and liquid-cooled motorcycle engines.
Q: How often should I change my oil when using Quaker State?
A: The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors, such as the type of oil used, driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, it is recommended to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oils and every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oils. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the specific oil change interval.
Q: Where can I purchase Quaker State oil?
A: Quaker State oil is widely available and can be purchased at automotive supply stores, retail outlets, and online retailers. You can also check the Quaker State website for a list of authorized dealers.
Q: Does using Quaker State oil affect my vehicle’s warranty?
A: No, using Quaker State oil does not void your vehicle’s warranty. As long as the oil meets the manufacturer’s specifications, using Quaker State oil will not have any negative impact on your warranty coverage. It is always recommended to follow the oil recommendations stated in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter whether you drive a 1995 Ford pickup or a 2020 Audi because Quaker State has quality motor oil options for you.
Quaker State has been a leader in the motor oil industry for nearly 100 years. In recent decades, the quality of their product has improved even more; you can’t go wrong with putting Quaker State motor oil in your vehicle.