Lubricants have been used since long before our era. And if earlier vegetable fats and fats of animal origin were used as them, then starting from the 60s of the last century they were replaced by oil products. After that, the active development and improvement of engine oils began, and about 70 years ago the first polymer viscosity modifiers appeared, thanks to which soon different classes and varieties appeared in engine oils that correspond to the temperature regime of a particular season, and all-season types appeared. lubricants.
Since then, the composition and technical qualities of oils have undergone many changes, but their main purpose has remained unchanged. Engine oil designed to cover moving parts with a thin, but at the same time durable, film, thereby protecting them from friction with each other.
Today, there are several oil classification systems that allow you to classify lubricants according to their performance, technical characteristics, as well as purpose. Among the main generally accepted systems, one of the most famous is the API classification of engine oils. It was introduced in the late 50s of our century by the American Petroleum Institute, and the fundamental principle in it is the classification into two categories - S and C, that is, for gasoline and diesel engines respectively.
S and C oil specifications
As noted above, the API system assumes division into two main categories, but there is also a third designation for the quality of lubricants. Of these, each species is independent:
All these standards are indicated by a two-letter index, for example, SN, SM, SH, SG, CF, CI, where the second value is an indicator for the level performance characteristics... Moreover, the closer to the end of the Latin alphabet is the letter in the designation, the higher the oil level according to API. For example, a product designation such as API SL, SM, or SN indicates superiority over API SF.
Gasoline engines: quality classes, their designations and decoding
| Group | Description |
|---|---|
| SN | SN lubricants differ from the previous SM specifications in that they contain much less phosphorus, which gives them additional energy saving qualities and makes SN compatible with the latest systems aimed at neutralizing exhaust gases... The SN class was approved in the fall of 2010 and is used in motors of the most modern cars... It should be noted that oils with API specification SN is close in characteristics to ACEA C2, C3, C4, therefore SN can successfully replace SM class grease. |
| SM | SM was first introduced at the end of 2004. This class is more common today than CN, because it is intended for modern gasoline engines, including multi-valve and turbocharged engines. Grease in this category was developed taking into account the improvement of engines, therefore, it is intended to increase them. environmental safety and be more durable. SM differs from the previous SL category in greater oxidation resistance and excellent protective properties from the formation of sediment and deposits, which certainly affects high quality lubricants. Two years after the release of SM, a category of oils was developed for diesel engines with the designation CJ4. SM specification products are designed for vehicles from 2004 onwards, and are designed specifically for them. |
| SL | The SL class was developed shortly before the release of SM and SN. It is designed for engines of cars manufactured since 2001, and absolutely meets all modern standards and requirements, including high environmental friendliness and energy saving. SL are intended for modern engines, including multivalve, turbocharged and lean-burn engines. The engines for which the SJ category products are intended can also operate on lubricants of the SL group. Due to properties such as reduced volatility, SLs are distinguished by a long retention of their qualities, due to which the engine oil change interval is noticeably increased. Today this category is valid and is widely used by modern car owners. |
| SJ | This class is also valid today. It was approved in November 1995, although the product was certified only a year later. Therefore, oils of category SJ are used for cars with a gasoline engine, since 1996. They are successfully used in engines of passenger cars and sports cars, as well as in engines of minibuses and small trucks. SJ shows good technical characteristics, including resistance to sludge and varnish formation, as well as the ability to maintain its properties at low temperatures. In terms of these properties, oils of category SJ are very close to products of class SH, therefore, they are quite suitable for use when the car manufacturer recommends the use of oils of category SH for the car. |
| SH | This category was created in 1992 and is considered conditionally valid. Oils belonging to this group are used in auto engines manufactured in 1996 and earlier. In terms of its qualities, this class is superior to oils of the SG category, because it was developed with the aim of replacing it. Therefore, SH class oils are successfully used for vehicles in which SG is recommended. |
| SG | Class SG are intended for motors manufactured in 1193 and earlier. Oils in this category are distinguished by excellent protection against carbon deposits and are resistant to oxidation and corrosion processes. SG oils meet all the requirements for engine oils intended for API CC diesel engines, which means that SG can be used for machines in which the manufacturer recommends the use of categories SF and SF / CC, as well as SE and SE / CC. |
Diesel Engine Oils Specification
Among modern engine oil specifications, the most popular are oils of the CI and CF grades. They are designed taking into account all the features of modern diesel engines and meet all standards.
| CI | Category CI -4 approved in 2002. Designed for a variety of diesel engines, CI specification products are highly oxidation stable and contain dispersant additives. CI oils are quite environmentally friendly compared to previous grades of oils. It is worth noting that another class is distinguished from the general CI category - CI -4 PLUS. The improved class CI -4Plus was developed taking into account the stringent requirements for oil volatility, its oxidation at elevated temperatures and the formation of sludge. |
| CF | The CF specification was created for diesel engines with indirect injection. They have a high content of various additives that prevent piston deposits and also protect against wear and corrosion of internal parts containing copper, such as bearings. The CF class may have the designations CF-4 and CF-2, which means motor oils that are intended for use in four-stroke and two-stroke (respectively) diesel engines. At the same time, CF-4 are designed for engines operating in accelerated mode, and CF-2 are ideal for engines that are constantly subjected to increased loads. |
API Classifications Video
February 18, 2016
The purpose of automobile oils is reliable protection and cooling of the engine, removal of products of incomplete combustion of fuel, wear, and a decrease in the coefficient of friction. Their types, as well as their density, must correspond to the design features of the engine, thereby ensuring a stable and uninterrupted work... Therefore, it is necessary to carefully select such material that you will safely fill in the engine of your car. Now we will consider the technical indicators of automotive oils and find a suitable option for your vehicle according to the requirements of sae, api and acea.
Motor lubricants. Their types
According to their performance characteristics, automotive oil products are divided into the following types:
- Mineral based automotive is the end result processing of crude oil, which is pre-purified from all kinds of impurities. Has a thick consistency. The best way for motors, the car driving of which exceeds 100 thousand km. Among the disadvantages of such a mineral-based oil is a low operating temperature range. Differs in cheapness and ease of manufacture when compared with analogues on a synthetic or semi-synthetic basis.
- A semi-synthetic automobile analogue is made by dissolving special additives, making up 30-50% of the total volume. Due to its characteristics, the motor semi-synthetic oil much better than mineral and therefore it is the best option.
- Automotive synthetic is obtained after refining crude oil. This process allows you to obtain a material that will meet the required properties and quality. Good fluidity, the ability to use in various temperature ranges - that's distinctive features synthetic petroleum products. In addition, during operation, they do not lose their original composition, respectively, their service life is longer than that of mineral or semi-synthetic analogs.
Most drivers are sure that the leak appears due to the negative effect of synthetics on seals and seals. This is not true. It doesn't matter what material you use, but if any of the seals are worn out, leaks will soon manifest themselves. If we consider a specific option separately, then synthetics will begin to flow faster than mineral and semi-synthetic ones. Good fluidity is to blame for everything.
The density indicator depends on the temperature in which it should be used. The classification of petroleum products is closely related to this parameter. Viscosity indicators affect the start of the motor, reliably protecting its parts from overheating. Therefore, they are all divided into summer, winter and all-season.
The summer engine should be thick enough to ensure the safety of the engine of the machine during operation at elevated temperatures. It is undesirable to use such an automobile oil if the engine is operated in winter time, in the frost. Various mineral and synthetic lubricants correspond to this mode.
Winter is characterized by fluidity due to a decrease in the density index. This oil easily moves through the channels, providing the necessary lubrication and engine start in winter. However, the winter version is categorically not recommended for use in a hot period, at high ambient temperatures, since the lubricant simply cannot perform its intended functions. Synthetics is the described category.
The range of use of all-season automobile petroleum products is wide. This includes semi-synthetic and synthetic based materials. Depending on the temperature differences in the environment, the viscosity index also changes. Over time, all-season counterparts can replace the summer and winter options, because there will be no need to change them every season.
Qualification
Today there are several oil qualification systems. They are labeled in their own way. The most common qualifications will be described below.
SAE qualification
The division according to the requirements of the automotive engineering community (sae) is the most common and is closely related to the viscosity index. This is the most important parameter. It is on the density that the normal start of the motor depends, as well as reliable protection of all parts and mechanisms.
Today, the SAE J 300 APR classification of 1997 is in effect. It determines the value of the maximum viscosity for winter species oils at low temperatures... And the minimum is taken for 100 degrees. For summer lubricants, the viscosity limits are taken for 100 ° C, and the minimum values are for 150 ° C.
Today, all-season motor lubricants... Winter and summer counterparts are much less common. Probably, every driver had to meet with such designations: 5W – 40, 5W – 30. What does this marking mean? This is how all-season oil products are labeled according to sae. The letter W, from the word Winter (winter), means the low temperature viscosity index (viscosity at -40). It shows how fast the oil product moves through the channels at minimum temperatures, and the lower this indicator, the better:
- 20W - oil is used at temperatures up to -15 -10 degrees;
- 15W - up to -20 -15 degrees;
- 10W - up to -25 -20 degrees;
- 5W - up to -30 -25 degrees;
- 0W - up to -35 -30 degrees.
These are all winter classes. And the summer, according to SAE, there are five - 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. It is them that are denoted by the second number after the dash in the marking of multigrade oil. A high sae value indicates the ability of a vehicle motor to operate at extreme temperatures and remain protected by this particular lubricant.
The maximum value of the viscosity index is 60. Therefore, the sae 5W – 40 marking means that all-weather grease can be used in summer at ambient temperatures up to +35 +40 degrees, and in winter - up to -30 -25 degrees.
Looking at the SAE qualification table for automotive oils, which is given below, it is easier to choose the one that will suit your climatic conditions.
Attention should be paid to the opinion prevailing among the majority of motorists that a synthetic oil product has a viscosity of 5W – 40, a semisynthetic product has a viscosity of 10W – 40, and a mineral oil has a viscosity of 15W – 40. This is not true, since manufacturers produce synthetics of the following classes: 20W – 60, 10W – 40 and 15W – 50. In this case, the quality will be 100%. So, the viscosity does not affect its composition.
It is worth noting that, guided by SAE classification, it is worth choosing the same oils that are offered by the automaker. Many brands indicate all the necessary information on this matter in the operating instructions and service books. And when servicing, it is worth requiring that only oil is poured into your car that meets the company's recommendations for SAE and other indicators.
API qualification
The api classification is divided into two categories: S and C. The first category contains all lubricants used by gasoline engines in passenger cars, vans and light trucks. The second includes lubricants used by diesel engines of heavy trucks, buses and special equipment.
It should be noted that the api category has not been defined for diesel engines in passenger cars. These lubricants are often designated C / S and can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines. At the same time, which letter is in the numerator and which in the denominator matters: the first is considered the main one, the second speaks of the possibility of using the material for motors and other types - for example, API SM / CF. Still, categories like api S / C are recommended for use in gasoline engines, and C / S - in diesel.
There is also a division by quality classes suitable for cars of different model years. For example, gasoline engines can use the following API graded oils:
- SN, suitable for cars manufactured later than 2010;
- SM is a standard approved in 2004 and recommended for modern power units;
- SL, suitable for motors since 2000;
- API SJ - product for engines not older than 20 years;
- SH - for use in motors since 1994;
- SG used for even older vehicles from the 1980s. It is the latest API still available.
For power units running on diesel fuel - its own classification:
- One of newest classes API СJ-4, suitable for engines with high load of cars manufactured after 2007;
- CI-4, class with increased quality requirements (especially soot content and high temperature oxidation). Designed for modern diesel units;
- CH-4, used in high-speed four-stroke engines;
- API CG-4, recommended for trucks and buses;
- CF-2 - lubricants for two-stroke engines;
- API CF-4, for motors manufactured since 1990.
ACEA classification of oils
ACEA is an association of European car manufacturers with special requirements for the environmentally friendly use of oils. It includes such well-known companies as BMW, Daimler, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Volkswagen, Toyota and Ford. Therefore, when buying one of the cars of this brand, you may be faced with the requirement to use a specific type of lubricant.
The current classification of motor oils was created by ACEA back in 2004. It combines lubricants for all petrol or diesel light vehicles into one category. However, especially for old cars, which may not be suitable for new materials, their manufacturers sometimes additionally put the old classes according to ACEA, 2002. And having at your disposal old car, it is worth paying attention to both markings.
ACEA class designations are used to determine which engine they are best suited to. Today there are only three such categories:
- А / В - for diesel and gasoline units light vehicles (A - for engines running on gasoline, B - for diesel fuel);
- WITH - new class ACEA for vehicles designed to meet the latest Euro 4 and later emission standards;
- E - oils for heavy vehicles.
- ACEA A1 / B1, for vehicles with the ability to use lubricants that reduce friction and oil viscosity at high speeds shear and temperatures. Not suitable for all cars;
- A3 / B3 - a series that is resistant to mechanical damage and is used in forced motors, as well as in conventional engines when the oil change interval is exceeded or when operating in difficult conditions (for example, constant travel);
- ACEA A3 / B4, for high power engines with direct injection system;
- A5 / B5 is a product for high performance powertrains where viscosity-lowering oils are permitted.
- ACEA C1 shatter resistant and used in machines with three-way catalysts and particulate filters... They have a reduced ash and phosphorus content, which increases the service life of the filters and saves fuel;
- C2, a product with the same characteristics as C1, but suitable for motor vehicles where a friction-reducing lubricant can be used;
- ACEA C3, for environmentally friendly engines equipped with particulate filters and neutralization units;
- C4 - oils for power units that meet the increased Euro emission requirements and require a lower concentration of phosphorus, ash and sulfur.
Before choosing the right engine oil, you must familiarize yourself with technical characteristics vehicle. What should you pay attention to when choosing a quality material?
Do not judge the quality of an automobile petroleum product by its consistency. The color may vary depending on the additives included in it. By the way, the addition of additives affects the properties of the described oil product. It is possible to improve some properties, but at the same time worsen others. It already contains a set of additives necessary for normal work motor.
Darkening of the material indicates excellent detergency. At the same time, it perfectly retains the products of incomplete combustion of fuel.
Only instructions for the regime are indicated on the package temperature use rather than instruction.
You cannot mix automotive petroleum products on different bases.
If you need to change the oil, flush the engine.
Today, a large number of domestic and foreign motor petroleum products are manufactured. Beware of counterfeiting! Purchase material from the manufacturer or its authorized representatives.
Let's say if independent choice the described material for vehicles is impossible, then you can use special services that specialize in its selection by car brand. There are a huge number of such services on the Internet.
Also remember that modern motors are very sensitive to petroleum products, so their selection should be taken with full responsibility.
The API (American Petroleum Institute) engine oil classification system dates back to 1969. Its main purpose is to separate engine oils by quality and used technology.
In accordance with these categories, the appropriate designations are used in the titles of the respective standards. For example, oils standardized in this way are usually called API SE. Now we will take a closer look at what these letters mean.
For each new class, an additional letter is assigned alphabetically. Universal oils for gasoline and diesel engines, they are indicated by two symbols of the respective categories: the first symbol is the main one (indicates which engine the oil is for), and the second one indicates the possibility of use from the year of the engine's creation, and whether it has a turbine or not.
S (Service) - consists of quality categories of engine oils for gasoline engines in chronological order.
C (Commercial) - consists of the categories of quality and purpose of oils for diesel engines, in chronological order.
If the oil passes several standards, for example, API SJ / CF, then it is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines of this category. The figure below shows all the major oil standards in the API category.
Based on these two tables, let's talk about the most popular categories today.
Gasoline oils
The category was approved on 11/06/1995, licenses were issued from 10/15/1996. Automotive oils in this category are designed for all currently used gasoline engines and completely replace oils of all previously existing categories in older engine models. Maximum level of performance properties. Possibility of certification in the energy efficiency category API SJ / EC.
Introduced in July 2001 for multi-valve turbocharged engines equipped with exhaust control and neutralization systems. API SL implies the following improvements in engine oils:
- reduced exhaust toxicity
- protection of exhaust control and neutralization systems
- increased wear protection
- enhanced protection against high temperature deposits
- extended drain interval
Commissioned in November 2004. API SM includes motor oils for gasoline engines manufactured after 2004. Compliant engine oils provide reliable lubrication for turbocharged and multivalve engines. An engine oil certified according to the API SM classification may have an additional ILSAC GF-4 specification, which indicates the high energy-saving properties of the engine oil.
(not in the table) - entered into force in October 2010. Today, these are the latest (and therefore the most stringent) requirements that apply to manufacturers of motor oils for gasoline engines. Certified oils are suitable for use in all modern generation gasoline engines (production after 2010).
Important in the appearance of the API SN class of the API classification is the introduction of the following requirements
- Can be used in engines using biofuels;
- All oils of the standard are energy saving;
- Increased requirements for engine wear resistance;
- API SN engine oils are supposed to provide "long and happy life" to emission control systems and "green" exhaust.
Diesel oils
CF - introduced in 1994. Oils for off-road equipment, split injection engines, including those operating on fuels with a sulfur content of 0.5% by weight and above. Replaces CD oils.
CF-2- introduced in 1994. Improved performance, used instead of CD-II for two-stroke engines. The highest oil for two-stroke engines.
CF-4 - introduced in 1990. For high-speed four-stroke diesel engines with and without turbocharging. Can be used instead of CD and CE oils. Higher for four-stroke engines.
СG-4 - introduced in 1995. For engines of high-speed diesel vehicles operating on fuels with a sulfur content of less than 0.5%. CG-4 oils for engines meeting the exhaust gas emission requirements introduced in the USA since 1994. Replaces CD, CE and CF-4 oils. Higher for models since 1995.
CH-4 - introduced in 1998. For high-speed four-stroke engines meeting US exhaust emission requirements since 1998. CH-4 oils allow the use of fuels with a sulfur content of up to 0.5% by weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4 and CG-4 oils.
СI-4 - introduced in 2002. For high-speed four-stroke engines designed to meet the 2002 exhaust emission regulations. CI-4 oils allow the use of fuels with a sulfur content of up to 0.5% by weight, and are also used in engines with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Replaces CD, CE, CF-4, CG 4 and CH-4 oils. In 2004, an additional category API CI-4 PLUS was introduced. Requirements for soot formation, deposits, viscosity indicators have been tightened.
CJ-4 - Introduced 2006. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2007 highway emissions regulations. CJ-4 oils allow the use of fuels with a sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, handling fuels with a sulfur content exceeding 15 ppm (0.0015% w / w) can affect the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment systems and / or oil change intervals. CJ-4 oils are recommended for engines equipped with diesel particulate filters and other exhaust gas treatment systems.
By purchasing lubricants,
pay attention to the stated specifications and
container tolerances.
Example
SAE 5W-20
ACEA A5 / B5
API SN / SM, SL / CF, CF-2
ILSAC GF-5 / C-3
GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025
VW 502.00 / 505.00, MB 229.31
BMW Longlife-04
Viscosity classification bySAE
SAE- American Society of Automotive Engineers, which assigns oils a viscosity grade according to the scale developed by it. The most common multi-grade dual-index oils such as SAE0 W-30, 0 W-40, 5 W-30, 5 W-40 other. The smaller the value to the left with the abbreviation W , the higher the oil flow property at low temperatures. The larger the value to the right without abbreviation W, the higher the viscosity of the oil at high temperatures. An oil change is made taking into account not only its type specified by the vehicle manufacturer, but also the ambient temperature, conditions of its use and other factors. For example: 5 W-30 (engine oil), 85W-90 (transmission oil).
ViscositySAEand the ambient temperature required at the time of starting the engine
Engine oil Transmission oil 
When choosing the degree of viscosity of engine oil, you should be guided by the manufacturer's recommendations specific engine... These recommendations are based on the design features of the engine - the degree of oil stress, hydrodynamic resistance oil system, performance oil pump, maximum oil temperatures in different zones of the engine depending on the ambient temperature, engine equipment catalytic filter Diesel particulate matter (CDPF)
Purpose and quality
Oil quality is a complex of properties that is necessary for the oil to perform as intended. Some properties, such as viscosity, are basic for all oils, regardless of their purpose, while others are necessary only under certain conditions of use and in each case are characterized by separate quality indicators.
To facilitate the selection of oil of the required quality for a particular type of engine and operating conditions, classification systems have been created. In each system, engine oils are divided into ranks and categories based on quality level and purpose. These ranks and categories were created at the initiative of international organizations of oil refineries and car manufacturers, taking into account design features different types engines and their operating conditions. Purpose and quality levels are the basis of the range of oils. Due to differences in designs and operating conditions, there are currently several classification systems for engine oils at the same time - API/ ILSAC , JASO, ACEAand GOST (for the CIS countries).
The U.S. military and major car manufacturers are nominating Additional requirements to the quality of engine oils. Thus, along with generally accepted classification systems, there are also requirements (specifications) of car manufacturers.
Classification systemAPI
API- The American Petroleum Institute, which assigns quality classes to oils according to the tests they carry out. The quality class is indicated on the label with two letters for gasoline engines ( SM, SN), letters and numbers for diesel engines ( CI-4 Plus, CJ-4 ). The higher the alphabetical order of the second letter in the designation, the higher the oil grade. Besides, API assigns to oils with viscosity 0 W-30, 5 W-30, 5 W-20 energy saving index, for example ILSACCF-5.
●
APIS
consists of the quality categories of motor oils for gasoline engines, in chronological order. For each new generation, an additional letter is assigned alphabetically : APISA,
APISB,
APISC,
APISD,
APISE,
APISF,
APISG,
APISH,
APISJ, APISM
and APISN.
Categories API
SA
,
API
SB,
APISC,
APISD,
APISE,
APISF,
APISG, APISJ
today they are recognized as invalid, as obsolete, but in some countries oils of these categories are still produced, category APISH is "conditionally effective" and can only be used as an additional, for example APICG-4/
SH;
| API STANDARD FOR ENGINE OIL FOR PETROL ENGINES | ||
| CATEGORY | STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
| SN | EXISTING | Introduced October 2010 for 2011 and older vehicles. Engine oil in this category provides better protection from high temperature piston deposits, reduced low temperature deposits (gums) and enhanced compatibility with sealing parts... The API SN Resource Conserving category combines API SN performance with improved fuel efficiency, protection of turbocharger parts, emission control compatibility, and additional protection the engine when using fuels containing ethanol up to E85. Thus, this category can be equated to ILSAC GF-5. |
| SM | EXISTING | For cars manufactured in 2010 and older. |
| SL | EXISTING | For cars made in 2004 and older. |
| SJ | EXISTING | For cars manufactured in 2001 and older. |
| SH | DEPRECATED | |
| SG | DEPRECATED | |
| SF | DEPRECATED | |
| SE | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in gasoline engines of vehicles manufactured after 1979. |
| SD | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in gasoline engines of vehicles manufactured after 1971. Use in more modern engines may result in poor performance or breakdown. |
| SC | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in gasoline engines of vehicles manufactured after 1967. Use in more modern engines may result in performance degradation or breakdown. |
| SB | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in gasoline engines of vehicles manufactured after 1951. Use in more modern engines may result in performance degradation or breakdown. |
| SA | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Does not contain additives. Should not be used in gasoline engines of vehicles built after 1930. Use in more modern engines may result in performance degradation or breakdown. |
●
APIWITH
consists of the categories of quality and purpose of oils for diesel engines, going in chronological order. For each new generation, an additional letter is assigned alphabetically : APICA,
APICB,
APICC,
APICD,
APICE,
APISF,
APICF-2,
APICF-4,
APICG-4,
APICI-4
and APICJ-4.
Categories APICA,
APICB,
APICC,
APICD
today they are recognized as invalid, as obsolete, however, in some countries, oils of these categories are still produced; 
| API STANDARD FOR DIESEL ENGINE OIL | ||
| CATEGORY | STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
| CJ-4 | EXISTING | For high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines from MY 2010, meeting the emission standards for road vehicles and Tier 4 for off-road vehicles, as well as for previous diesel engines. Oils of this category are designed for use in engines designed to use diesel fuel with a sulfur content of up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, using fuels with a sulfur content greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% w / w) may reduce the life of the exhaust aftertreatment system and shorten the oil change interval. CJ-4 oils are particularly effective in maintaining the durability of the emission control system of diesel engines that use particulate filters and other advanced aftertreatment systems. Provides optimum protection against catalyst fouling, particulate filter plugging, engine wear, piston deposits, particulate and oxidative thickening, shear and foaming viscosity loss, and low and high temperature stability. API CJ-4 oil exceeds the performance properties of API CI-4 oils (including CI-4 PLUS), CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4, and can serve as a full-fledged replacement for them. When using CJ-4 oil in combination with fuels with a sulfur content greater than 15 ppm, check with the engine manufacturer for oil change intervals. |
| CI-4 | EXISTING | Introduced in 2002. For high-speed four-stroke engines meeting the 2002 exhaust emission standards. CI-4 oil is designed to maintain the durability of engines with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and is intended for use with diesel fuel, in which the sulfur content does not exceed 0.5% by weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4 oils. Due to their performance properties, some CI-4 oils can qualify for the CI-4 PLUS category. |
| CH-4 | EXISTING | Introduced in 1998. For high-speed four-stroke engines meeting 1998 emission standards. Oil of category CH-4 is intended for use with diesel fuel in which the sulfur content does not exceed 0.5% by weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4 and CG-4 oils. |
| CG-4 | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1995. For highly loaded, high-speed four-stroke engines operating on fuels with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.5% by weight. CG-4 is required for engines that meet the 1994 exhaust emission standards. Can be used in place of CD, CE and CF-4 oils. |
| CF-4 | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1990. For high-speed, naturally aspirated and supercharged four-stroke engines. Can be used in place of CD and CE oils. |
| CF-2 | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1994. For heavily loaded two-stroke engines. Can be used in place of CD-II oils. |
| CF | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1994. For diesel engines with two-chamber combustion chambers (indirect injection) and others installed on off-road equipment, including engines that run on fuels with a sulfur content of more than 0.5% by mass. Can be used in place of CD oils. |
| CE | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1985. For high-speed, naturally aspirated and supercharged four-stroke engines. Can be used instead of CC and CD. |
| CD-II | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1985. For two-stroke engines. |
| CD | DEPRECATED | Introduced in 1955. For some naturally aspirated and supercharged engines. |
| CC | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in diesel engines manufactured after 1990. |
| CB | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in diesel engines manufactured after 1961. |
| CA | DEPRECATED | ATTENTION! Should not be used in diesel engines manufactured after 1959. |
● APIEWITH (ILSAC) - energy saving oils (Resource Conserving). A new range of high quality oils, consisting of low viscosity, low flow oils that reduce fuel consumption in gasoline engine tests.
A decrease in oil viscosity can provide fuel savings in a warm engine of 0.6-5.5% (with a decrease in high-temperature viscosity), and in a cold one - 1.0-6.5% (with a decrease in low-temperature viscosity). With an optimal combination of motor and transmission oil fuel savings of 2.7-10.9% can be achieved. Newest Categories API certified oils, in case of compliance with ILSAC requirements, are designated with the API Certification Mark, the so-called Starburst mark. This mark can only be assigned to energy-efficient, highly volatile oils of the highest quality level, with SAE viscosity 0W - .., 5W- .. and 10W -... 
The system of requirements for oils of the ILSAC GF series is part of American Oils Quality Assurance API Systems (EOLCS). ILSAC Class GF-3, fuel economy tested, meets API Class SM classification; ILSAC class GF-4 conforms to API class SM classification. For example: API SN Pass Fuel Economy Test = ILSAC GF-5.
| ILSAC STANDARD FOR PASSENGER CAR ENGINE OIL | ||
| EDITION | STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
| GF-5 | OPERATING | Introduced October 2010 for 2011 and older vehicles. GF-5 engine oil provides better protection against high temperature deposits on engine pistons and turbocharger parts, reduced low temperature deposits (tar), reduced fuel consumption, improved compatibility with the emission control system, enhanced compatibility with sealing parts, and additional engine protection when using fuels containing ethanol up to E85. |
| GF-4 | DEPRECATED | Valid until September 30, 2011. Use GF-5 oil instead of GF-4. |
| GF-3 | DEPRECATED | Use GF-5 oil instead of GF-3. |
| GF-2 | DEPRECATED | Use GF-5 oil instead of GF-2. |
| GF-1 | DEPRECATED | Use GF-5 oil instead of GF-1. |
Universal oils for gasoline and diesel engines are indicated by two symbols of the respective categories: the first is the main one, and the second indicates the possibility of using this oil for other types of engines. For example: API CG-4 / SH oil optimized for use in diesel engines, but it can also be used in gasoline engines for which an oil of API SH category or lower is prescribed (SG, SF, SE, etc.).
Attention: each of the following quality standards surpasses the previous one, therefore latest standards superior in quality to all previous ones. For example, SN oils can be used in place of all classes for gasoline engines.
SignsAPI
Oils that meet the requirements of the current quality categories and have passed official API-SAE tests have a graphic round donut mark on their labels - "API service symbol" ( API Service Symbol), which specifies the SAE viscosity grade, API grade and purpose, and potential energy savings.
ACEA- European Association of Automobile Manufacturers. If these letters are present on the label, then the oil is suitable for use in engines. European cars... Classes ACEA also divided into diesel and gasoline.
AUTOMAKER APPROVALS - some car companies, such as Porshe, Mercedes- Benz, Bmw, VW, Ford, impose additional requirements on oils for engine protection, fuel saving, extended service life, etc. You can find information about the required tolerance and the required oil change intervals in service book your car.
API (American Petroleum Institute) is a system for classifying motor oils by fields of application and performance. The specification divides all engine oils into two categories: S for gasoline and C for diesel engines. Each class is assigned an alphabetical letter starting with A: API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ... It is the same with category C. What you need to remember when choosing an oil, taking into account the API classification - the higher the class, the more modern and suitable the oil is for your engine. For example, if the manual states SJ class, then your car will definitely fit the class SM adopted later, but at the same time it is impossible to use oil corresponding to the class SH your class previously adopted SM.
| API class | Application area of engine oil |
| Category S (Service) for gasoline engines | |
| SN | October 2010. For gasoline cars 2011 and up. Engine oil with limited phosphorus content for compatibility with modern exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, as well as comprehensive energy savings. Oils, category SN, will approximately correspond to ACEA C2, C3, C4, without correction for high-temperature viscosity. |
| SM | Introduced in November 2004. Category addition SJ-> improved antioxidant, antiwear, low temperature properties. |
| SL | For gasoline engines from 2001 to 2004. Distinctive characteristics: improved antioxidant, antiwear, detergent and energy saving properties. |
| SJ | For motors manufactured from 1997 to 2001. Fully meets the requirements of all previously existing classes of category S. High level of performance. Meets high demands in terms of oil consumption, energy saving properties and ability to withstand high temperatures without the formation of deposits. API SJ / EC energy efficiency certification available. |
| SH | For 1996 and older gasoline engines... Today the category is conditionally valid and can only be certified as additional to the API C categories (API CF-4 / SH). According to the basic requirements, it corresponds to the ILSAC GF-1 category, but without mandatory energy saving. Energy-saving oils were assigned the API SH / EC and API SH / ECII categories depending on the degree of fuel economy. |
| for petrol engines of 1993 and older models. Meets the requirements of API CC and API CD categories of automotive oils for diesel engines. They have higher thermal and antioxidant stability, improved antiwear properties, reduced tendency to form deposits and sludge. Replacement of API SG categories SF, SE, SF / CC and SE / CC. |
|
| for engines of 1988 and older models. Fuel - leaded gasoline. They are more effective than the previous categories, antioxidant, antiwear, anti-corrosion properties and have a lower tendency to form high and low temperature deposits and slag. Replacement of API SF categories SC, SD and SE. |
|
| for motors | |
| Category C (Commercial) for diesel engines | |
| CJ-4 | Introduced in 2006. For high-speed four-stroke engines designed to meet 2007 highway emission standards. CJ-4 oils allow the use of fuels with a sulfur content of up to 0.05% by weight. However, handling fuels with a sulfur content greater than 0.0015 wt% may affect the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment systems and / or oil change intervals. CJ-4 oils are recommended for engines equipped with diesel particulate filters and other exhaust gas treatment systems. For CJ-4 oils, limits are introduced for some indicators: ash content less than 1.0%, sulfur 0.4%, phosphorus 0.12%. CJ-4 oils exceed performance properties and replaces CH-4, CG-4, CI-4 Plus, CF-4 oils. |
| СI-4 | Introduced in 2002. For high-speed four-stroke diesel engines trucks and road vehicles designed to meet emission standards and equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Completely replaces oils of all previously valid CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 specifications. An additional category was introduced in 2004 API CI-4 PLUS... Requirements for the formation of soot, deposits, viscosity indicators, limiting the TBN value have been tightened. |
| CH-4 | Introduced in 1998. For high-speed four-stroke engines meeting US exhaust emission requirements since 1998. CH-4 oils allow the use of fuels with a sulfur content of up to 0.5% by weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4 and CG-4 oils. |
| CG-4 | Introduced in 1995. For engines of high-speed diesel vehicles operating on fuels with a sulfur content of less than 0.5%. CG-4 oils for engines meeting the exhaust gas emission requirements introduced in the USA since 1994. Replaces CD, CE and CF-4 oils. |
| CF-4 | Introduced in 1990. For high-speed four-stroke diesel engines with and without turbocharging. Can be used instead of CD and CE oils. |
| CF-2 | For two-stroke diesel engines. Replaces CD-II class oils for two-stroke engines. Improved detergent and antiwear properties. |
| CF | For off-road vehicles, split injection engines, including those operating on fuels with a high sulfur content - 0.5% or more. Replaces oils by class CD. |
| CE | Highly accelerated promising high turbocharged diesel engines operating in difficult conditions, can be used in place of CC and CD oils |
| CD | For high-speed turbocharged diesel engines with high power density, operating at high speeds and at high pressures and requiring enhanced anti-ionic properties and prevention of carbon deposits |
| CC | High performance engines (including moderately supercharged) operating in severe conditions |
| СB | Naturally aspirated medium-boost engines operating at high loads on sour fuel |
| CA | |
Multipurpose oils for gasoline and diesel engines are designated for both categories, for example API SG / CD, SJ / CF.
Classes diesel oils are subdivided additionally for two-stroke (CD-2, CF-2) and four-stroke diesel engines (CF-4, CG-4, CH-4).
API Categories: SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF- obsolete today, but in some countries oils of these categories are still produced, the API SH category is "conditionally valid" and can only be used as an additional one, for example, API CG-4 / SH.
ASTM D 4485"Standard Performance Specification for Performance of Engine Oils"
SAE J183 APR96 Engine Oil Performance and Engine Service Classifications (Other than "Energy Conserving").
