Information about the oil classification (API, ACEA, ILSAC)

API for Gasoline Engines

API SP — As of May 1, 2020, standardization of motor oils for passenger vehicles (gasoline engines) began according to the new API SP classifications. Oils of the new API SP category surpass the properties of API SN and API SN PLUS motor oils in the following areas: Protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI); Timing chain wear protection; Protection against high-temperature piston deposits; Protection against high-temperature deposits in the turbocharger; Higher requirements for sludge and varnish formation.

API SN — Developed in 2010. The main difference from previous classifications is the limitation of phosphorus content for compatibility with modern exhaust aftertreatment systems, as well as comprehensive energy conservation.

API SM — Developed in 2004. Motor oils for modern gasoline (multi-valve, turbocharged) engines. Motor oils of this class must have higher levels of protection against oxidation and premature engine component wear. In addition, standards for oil performance at low temperatures have been increased.

API SL — Developed in 2000. Motor oils of this class are used in engines running on lean fuel mixtures, meeting increased environmental and energy conservation requirements.

API SJ — Developed in 1996. Motor oils of this class are intended for use in gasoline engines of passenger cars, minibuses, and light trucks, maintained in accordance with vehicle manufacturer requirements. SJ provides the same minimum standards as SH, with additional requirements for deposit formation and low-temperature performance.

API for Diesel Engines

API CK-4 — The API CK-4 service category describes oils intended for use in high-speed four-stroke diesel engines meeting 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road emission standards, as well as previous model year diesel engines. These oils are designed for use in all diesel engines with fuel sulfur content up to 500 mg/kg (0.05% wt.). However, use of these oils with fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg (0.0015% wt.) may affect exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or oil drain intervals. These oils are particularly effective in supporting exhaust aftertreatment system durability where diesel particulate filters and other advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems are used. API CK-4 oils provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear and oil aeration, as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, diesel particulate filter clogging, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low-temperature and high-temperature properties, and viscosity increase due to soot. API CK-4 oils outperform API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils and serve as effective lubricants for engines requiring these API service categories. When using CK-4 oil with fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval recommendations.

API FA-4 — The API FA-4 service category identifies certain XW-30 oils specifically designed for use in certain high-speed four-stroke diesel engines meeting 2017 model year greenhouse gas emission standards. These oils are designed for use in on-highway diesel engines with fuel sulfur content up to 15 mg/kg (0.0015% wt.). For individual compatibility recommendations with API FA-4 oils, consult the engine manufacturer. These oils are designed for a high-temperature high-shear viscosity range of 2.9–3.2 cP to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These oils are particularly effective in supporting exhaust aftertreatment system durability where diesel particulate filters and other advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems are used. API FA-4 oils provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear and oil aeration, as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, diesel particulate filter clogging, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low-temperature and high-temperature properties, and viscosity increase due to soot. API FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. To determine whether API FA-4 oils are suitable for use, consult the engine manufacturer's recommendations. API FA-4 oils are not recommended for use with fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg. For recommendations regarding fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg, consult the engine manufacturer.

API CJ-4 — Describes oils intended for use in high-speed four-stroke diesel engines meeting 2010 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road emission standards, as well as previous model year diesel engines. These oils are designed for use in all diesel engines with fuel sulfur content up to 500 mg/kg (0.05% wt.). However, use of these oils with fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg (0.0015% wt.) may affect exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or oil drain intervals. API CJ-4 oils outperform API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, and CF-4 oils and serve as effective lubricants for engines requiring these API service categories. When using CJ-4 oil with fuel sulfur content exceeding 15 mg/kg, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval recommendations.

API CI-4 — Introduced in 2002. Intended for high-speed four-stroke diesel engines meeting 2004 exhaust emission standards, introduced in 2002. CI-4 oils support the durability of engines in which exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used, and are designed for use with diesel fuel with sulfur content up to 0.5% wt. Can be used as a replacement for CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also meet the CI-4 PLUS category.

API CH-4 — Introduced in 1998. Intended for high-speed four-stroke diesel engines meeting 1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically designed for use with diesel fuel with sulfur content up to 0.5% wt. Can be used as a replacement for CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.

API CG-4 — Developed in 1995. Motor oils must more effectively prevent wear of internal engine components, carbon deposit formation on internal surfaces and pistons, oxidation, foaming, and soot formation.

ILSAC

GF-6 — ILSAC GF-5 is being replaced by two new categories: ILSAC GF-6A and ILSAC GF-6B. Details on these categories:

ILSAC GF-6A — As noted above, corresponds to the “API SP Resource Conserving” category, providing all its benefits, but applies to multigrade oils of SAE viscosity grades: 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30.

ILSAC GF-6B — Has the same requirements and benefits as ILSAC GF-6A but applies only to motor oils of SAE viscosity grade 0W-16 and is not backward compatible with previous API and ILSAC category oils. To use ILSAC GF-6B oil, the consumer must have appropriate recommendations in their vehicle's service manual; otherwise, it may lead to negative consequences.

GF-5 — Category introduced in October 2010 and designed to provide improved protection against high-temperature deposits on pistons and turbochargers, stricter oxidation control, improved fuel economy, enhanced compatibility with exhaust aftertreatment systems, compatibility with seals, and protection for engines operating on oils with ethanol content up to E85.

ACEA

ACEA A3/B3 — Motor oils A3/B3 are suitable for extended oil change intervals, if specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use or for severe operating conditions as defined by the equipment manufacturer. Oils of specification A3/B3 are suitable for most engines of older design and without modern exhaust aftertreatment systems. It is likely that the A3/B3 category will be removed in the ACEA 2020 edition.

ACEA A3/B4 — Again, motor oils of ACEA A3/B4 specification are suitable for use in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines. It is important to note that these oils are also suitable for use where ACEA A3/B3 is required. Today, in the Russian Federation, ACEA A3/B4 is the most widespread and in-demand motor oil specification on the market. Suitable for a vast number of European vehicles, as well as older Asian-made vehicles.

ACEA A5/B5 — Motor oils of ACEA A5/B5 class (replaces A1/B1) are suitable for use with extended oil change intervals in gasoline and diesel engines designed for use of low-viscosity oils with HTHS (High-Temperature High-Shear viscosity) from 2.9 to 3.5 mPa·s. These oils are not suitable for use in certain engines, so always consult the manufacturer's owner's manual.

ACEA C1 — ACEA C1 oils are top-tier lubricants with low SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulfur). They are suitable for use in high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines where advanced aftertreatment systems are used, such as diesel particulate filters (DPF/GPF) and three-way catalysts (SCR). ACEA C1 specification is typically combined with JASO DL-1. ACEA C1 oils must have reduced HTHS¹ viscosity (≤ 3.5 mPa·s). SAE viscosity 5W-30.

ACEA C2 — ACEA C2 oils are top-tier lubricants with low SAPS². They are suitable for use in high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines where advanced aftertreatment systems are used, such as particulate filters (DPF/GPF) and three-way catalysts (SCR). ACEA C2 oils must have reduced HTHS¹ viscosity (≤ 3.5 mPa·s). SAE viscosity 5W-30.

ACEA C3 — ACEA C3 oils are top-tier lubricants with low SAPS². They are suitable for use in high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines where advanced aftertreatment systems are used, such as diesel particulate filters (DPF/GPF) and three-way catalysts (SCR). ACEA C3 oils are typically SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40. ACEA C3 oils must have HTHS¹ viscosity ≥ 3.5 mPa·s.

ACEA C4 — ACEA C4 oils are top-tier lubricants with low SAPS². They are suitable for use in high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines where advanced aftertreatment systems are used, such as particulate filters (DPF/GPF) and three-way catalysts (SCR). ACEA C4 oils are typically SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40. ACEA C4 oils must have HTHS¹ viscosity ≥ 3.5 mPa·s.

ACEA C5 — ACEA C5 specification oils are a new addition to the ACEA 2016 oils. ACEA C5 oils are top-tier lubricants with low SAPS². They are suitable for use in high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines where advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems are used, such as diesel and gasoline particulate filters (DPF/GPF) and three-way catalysts (SCR). ACEA C5 oils have reduced HTHS¹ viscosity ≥ 2.6 and ≤ 2.9 mPa·s. Oil viscosity SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20.

ACEA E — Classification of motor oils for use in commercial transport diesel engines.