FTC Charges Quaker State - Slick 50 Inc. with False Advertising

07/18/96

The Federal Trade Commission charged Quaker State Slick 50 Inc with making false and unsubstantiated claims for their product. The FTC has objected specifically to claims that Slick 50 improves engine performance and reduces engine wear.

"Slick 50's ads claim that compared to motor oil alone, it reduces engine wear, lengthens engine life, and provides a host of other benefits. The claims sound good, but the evidence doesn't back them up," said Jodie Bernstein, director of the FTC's consumer protection bureau.

"We believe the ads exaggerate the lack of protection motor oils provide modern engines at start-up, as well as the risk of premature engine failure," Bernstein said Tuesday.

Quaker State claims that Slick 50 has cornered about 60% of the car engine treatment market. The FTC's claim against Quaker State - Slick 50 is part of a series of FTC actions against allegedly deceptive ad claims for oil additives or high octane fuel. The FTC voted 5-to-0 to issue the complaint.

The FTC's charge against the company seeks an order that would prohibit misrepresentations about the benefits of using Slick 50 and require that ad claims be backed by competent and reliable evidence.

If FTC's allegations are proven true, the commission said it may also require corrective advertising or other affirmative disclosures. The commission may also apply to a federal court to obtain restitution for consumers.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel