Before I talk about classification motor oils according to ACEA, we will talk a little about the organization itself.
Association ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens de L'Automobile) European manufacturers cars) was organized back in 1991. The head office of the association is located in Brussels. In addition, in 1995 and 2004, ASEA opened additional offices in Tokyo and Beijing.
It is noteworthy that the board of directors of the association is represented by top managers of leading auto companies: BMW GROUP, PORSCHE AG, DAF TRUCKS NV, PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN, DAIMLER AG, RENAULT SA, FIAT S.p. A, SCANIA AB, FORD OF EUROPE GmbH, TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE, GENERAL MOTORS EUROPE AG, VOLKSWAGEN AG, JAGUAR LAND ROVER, AB VOLVO, MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE AG.
In total, these are 15 representatives of auto companies. Their main purpose is to study and improve performance cars, including through the use of high-quality Supplies such as motor oils.
Thus, in December 2008, ACEA introduced an updated and up-to-date classification of motor oils "ACEA 2008 European Oil Sequences for Service-Fill Oils". The classification was supplemented by more advanced classes C4 and E9. In addition, amendments were introduced to oils for oxidation stability and oil composition. All this was done in order to select oils with high environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Energy savings are achieved due to the lower viscosity of the oil at extreme temperatures.
Currently, the classification of oils according to "ACEA 2008" is drawn up as a document for 3 conventional types of engines: A, B and E. These groups respectively mean that oils are intended for gasoline, light diesel and heavy duty diesel engines.
Moreover, each class is further subdivided into categories of different levels of performance properties:
Four for gasoline and light diesel engines (A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, A5 / B5);
Four specially for gasoline and light diesel engines equipped with post-treatment catalytic systems (C1, C2, C3, C4);
Four for heavy duty diesel engines (E4, E6, E7, E9).
Engine oil class A / B according to ACEA: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines of cars, vans, vans
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A3 / B3 |
Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
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A3 / B4 |
Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
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A5 / B5 |
Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
Engine oil class C according to ACEA: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with exhaust gas recovery catalysts
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Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
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Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
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Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
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Oils resistant to degradation, intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines. |
Engine oil class E according to ACEA: engine oils for heavy duty diesel engines
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Recommended for high speed applications diesel engines meeting the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 for the emission of toxic substances and working in special difficult conditions exploitation. |
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Oils providing a high level of stability of lubricating properties depending on operating temperatures and service life. With minimal ash content. As a result, oils do not darken so much, do not pollute the atmosphere with emissions, do not lose low viscosity, do not pollute the engine cavity. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with / without diesel particulate filters (DPF), as well as for engines with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides NOx in the exhaust gases. E6 quality is directly recommended for engines with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in combination with low sulfur diesel fuel. |
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Oils providing a high level of stability of lubricating properties depending on operating temperatures and service life. With minimal ash content. As a result, oils do not darken so much, do not pollute the atmosphere with emissions, do not lose low viscosity, do not pollute the engine cavity. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines without particulate filters, as well as for some engines equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides NOx in the exhaust gases. |
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Oils providing a high level of stability of lubricating properties depending on operating temperatures and service life. With minimal ash content. As a result, oils do not darken so much, do not pollute the atmosphere with emissions, do not lose low viscosity, do not pollute the engine cavity. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines with / without Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and for most engines equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx levels in exhaust gases. E9 is specifically recommended for engines with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and is designed to operate in combination with low sulfur diesel fuel. |
Based on the results of the above table, it must be said that you cannot choose oil based only on your preferences and conjectures. Here you need to pay attention to your type of engine and the recommendations specifically for your car.
So the use of oil with a high ash content when using a catalytic converter can lead to its failure.
And this means that the recommended oil should be used, and not the first one "that came to your hand."
ACEA- an association created by the largest European manufacturers ( Alfa romeo, BMW, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Renault, Volkswagen, Daimler benz, British Leyland, Daf).
It was founded as a result of the merger of CCMC with ATIEL. The CCMC specifications, which have now been superseded by ACEA, classify products as G for gasoline, PD for light and D for heavy diesel engines.
ACEA specifications have been developed to improve quality, productivity and environmental friendliness.
Acceptance of ACEA specifications implies:
- Commissioning of new innovative materials, in comparison with currently used
- Analysis and certification of quality levels of each formula used
- Manufacturers' commitment not to change approved formulas
- Plant certification ISO 9001/2
- Compliance of manufacturers with ATIEL standards, the organization, together with the CCMC, defined the methods and parameters for the basis of ACEA certificates
The tests required by the ACEA specifications are added to the formulated CCMC and make them more stringent.
The following letters classify the engine types:
[A] - gasoline engines
[B] - light diesel engines
[C] - engines with devices for reducing the amount of exhaust
[E] - heavy diesel engines
Digital categories indicate different ways applications associated with a certain class of engines indicated by the letters. The last update of the ACEA specifications took place in February 2002.
Responsibility for choice the desired category ACEA lies with the engine manufacturer.
Oils belonging to a certain category may also meet the requirements of another, but specific engines must be filled with oil of a certain category and class.
The reference to the year serves only for industrial purposes, giving information about the level and quality of the materials used. More recent revisions of the specifications mean that new tests have been performed or new requirements have been introduced into a category. At the same time, the editions retain backward compatibility, the new ones will always fully support the level of the old ones, except for the cases when a new category is introduced.
Petrol engines
A1 Gasoline engine oil with low viscosity, friction and high temperature. These oils are not suitable for use in some engines. For additional information need to watch service book car. Fuel economy oils are described.
A2 Canceled
A3 Stable oil for use in high performance engines with extended oil drain intervals, where manufacturers also recommend oils with low viscosity and wide temperature range
A4 Not used
A5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for engines with extended oil drain intervals requiring oil with low viscosity and high operating temperatures. May not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information see the car's service book.
Light diesel engines
B1 Oil for light vehicle diesel engines that require low viscosity and friction oils and high operating temperatures. This oil may not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information, see the car's service book.
B2 Canceled
B3 Stable oil for use in high performance diesel engines for light vehicles with extended oil change intervals, where the manufacturer also recommends oils with a low viscosity and a wide temperature range
B4 Same as B3 specification but for direct injection engines
B5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for diesel engines of light vehicles with extended oil intervals, which require oil with low viscosity and high application temperature. May not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information see the car's service book.
Diesel Engines with Emissions Reduction Devices
C1 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require a low viscosity, low ash and HTHS over 2.9 oil. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C2 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require an oil with a low ash content and an HTHS greater than 2.9. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C3 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C4 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with exhaust particulate filters, which also require an oil with a low ash content and HTHS above 3.5. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
Heavy diesel engines
E1 Deprecated.
E2 Oil for general use in diesel engines, including supercharged ones, designed to operate under normal and extreme conditions, with normal oil change intervals.
E3 This category of lubricants provides effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for engines meeting the emission requirements of EURO-I or EURO-II in severe operating conditions. Also suitable for extended oil drain intervals.
E4 Stable oils that provide effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for high-performance engines meeting the emission requirements of EURO-I, EURO-II and EURO-III in severe operating conditions, such as strongly extended oil change intervals.
E5 Stable oils for effective cleaning of pores. It also provides control of friction and the amount of deposits on the supercharger. The level of soot control and lubricant stability meets the E3 specifications. Recommended for high power motors
E6 Stable oil for excellent piston cleaning, sludge control and lubrication stability. Recommended for the highest efficiency engines meeting the EURO I-IV requirements harmful emissions and operating under the most severe conditions, such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. The E6 specifications are especially recommended for engines equipped with particle filters and are designed for use in combination with low sulfur diesel fuel. The recommendations may vary depending on the engine, therefore, if in doubt, refer to the service book.
E7 Stable oil providing excellent piston cleaning and cylinder polishing. Provides reduced wear, sludge control and lubricant stability. Recommended for the highest efficiency engines meeting EURO I-IV emission requirements and operating under the most severe conditions such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, therefore, if in doubt, refer to the service book.
The Association of European Automobile Manufacturers ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens de L "Automobile), represents the interests of 15 European manufacturers of passenger cars and trucks and buses at EU level. This classification establishes a new, more stringent in comparison with CCMC, European classification engine oils by performance properties.
The Board of Directors consists of top managers of automotive companies, members of the Association, such as BMW GROUP, PORSCHE AG, DAF TRUCKS NV, PSA PEUGEOT CITRO? N, DAIMLER AG, RENAULT SA, FIAT SpA, SCANIA AB, FORD OF EUROPE GmbH, TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE, GENERAL MOTORS EUROPE AG, VOLKSWAGEN AG, JAGUAR LAND ROVER, AB VOLVO, MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE AG.
In December 2008, ACEA introduced the updated and most relevant today classification of motor oils "ACEA 2008 European Oil Sequences for Service-Fill Oils", in which new classes C4 and E9 appeared, as well as amendments were made to the requirements for oils of antioxidant stability and elemental composition oils in connection with energy conservation and environmental policy.
The ACEA 2004 classification will operate in parallel with the ACEA 2008 until December 22, 2010.
The current classification "ACEA 2008" consists of three engine classes: A, B and E (respectively, gasoline, light diesel and heavy duty diesel engines).
Everyone class subdivided into categories various levels of performance properties:
Four for gasoline and light diesel engines (A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, A5 / B5);
Four specially for gasoline and light diesel engines equipped with post-treatment catalytic systems (C1, C2, C3, C4);
Four for heavy duty diesel engines (E4, E6, E7, E9).
ACEA 2008 European Oil Sequences for Service-Fill Oils |
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А / В: motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars, vans, minibuses |
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| A1 / B1 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils intended for use with extended drain intervals in gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, designed for the use of low viscosity oils, which reduce friction, with dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) 2.6 mPa s for SAE xW-20 and 2.9 to 3.5 mPa s for other viscosity grades. These oils may not be suitable for the lubrication of some engines. It is necessary to follow the instruction manual and reference books. |
| A3 / B3 | High performance oils resistant to mechanical degradation, intended for use in highly accelerated gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars and light trucks and / or for use with extended oil change intervals in accordance with the recommendations of engine manufacturers, and / or for all-season use of low-viscosity oils, and / or all-season use in especially severe operating conditions. |
| A3 / B4 | High performance oils resistant to mechanical degradation, intended for use in highly accelerated gasoline and diesel engines with direct injection fuels also suitable for use according to specification A3 / B3. |
| A5 / B5 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, designed for use with extended oil drain intervals in highly accelerated gasoline and diesel engines of light vehicles, where low viscosity, friction-reducing oils with a dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) from 2, 9 to 3.5 mPa s. These oils may not be suitable for the lubrication of some engines. It is necessary to follow the instruction manual and reference books. |
C: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with exhaust gas recovery catalysts |
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| C2 |
Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, compatible with exhaust gas catalysts, designed for use in high performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles, which require the use of low viscosity oils that reduce friction, with a low content of sulfur, phosphorus and low sulphated ash (Low SAPS) and a dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) of at least 2.9 mPa s. These oils extend the life of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) and provide fuel economy. Warning: These oils may not be suitable for lubricating some engines. It is necessary to be guided by the instruction manual and reference books. |
| C3 |
Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, compatible with exhaust gas catalysts, intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters (DPF) and three-way catalysts (TWC), which require the use of oils with dynamic viscosity at high temperatures and a high shear rate (HTHS) of at least 3.5 mPa s. These oils will extend the life of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC). Warning: These oils have the lowest sulphated ash and the lowest phosphorus and sulfur content and may not be suitable for lubricating some engines. It is necessary to be guided by the instruction manual and reference books. |
| C4 |
Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, compatible with exhaust gas catalysts, intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and three-way catalysts (TWC), which require the use of oils with a low sulfur, phosphorus content and low sulphated ash (Low SAPS) and dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) minimum 3.5 mPa s. These oils extend the life of the DPF and TWC. Warning: These oils have the lowest sulphated ash and the lowest phosphorus and sulfur content and may not be suitable for lubricating some engines. It is necessary to be guided by the instruction manual and reference books. |
E: engine oils for heavy duty diesel engines |
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| E4 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, reduced wear and soot formation and stable lubrication properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines without particulate filters, as well as for some engines equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides NOx in the exhaust gas. However, the recommendations may vary. different manufacturers engines, therefore you must follow the instruction manual and consult your dealer. |
| E6 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, reduced wear and soot formation and stable lubrication properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with / without diesel particulate filters (DPF), as well as for engines with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides NOx in the exhaust gases. E6 quality is directly recommended for engines with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in combination with low-sulfur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may vary from engine manufacturer to engine manufacturer, so please refer to the operating instructions and consult your dealer. |
| E7 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils providing excellent control over piston cleanliness and cylinder wall polishing. The oils also provide excellent protection against wear and soot formation and stable lubrication properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines without particulate filters, as well as for some engines equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides NOx in the exhaust gas. However, recommendations may vary from engine manufacturer to engine manufacturer, so please refer to the operating instructions and consult your dealer. |
| E9 | Resistant to mechanical degradation oils providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, reduced wear and soot formation and stable lubrication properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines meeting Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 emission requirements and operating under particularly severe operating conditions, for example, significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with with the recommendation of the car manufacturer. The oils are suitable for engines with / without Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and most engines equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx levels in exhaust gases. E9 is specifically recommended for engines with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and is designed to operate in combination with low sulfur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may vary from engine manufacturer to engine manufacturer, so please refer to the operating instructions and consult your dealer. |
ACEA (English European Automobile Manufacturers Association) is an association of European car manufacturers. This abbreviation stands for the European automotive community. It includes fifteen companies that produce motor oil in large volumes. Nine years ago, the community created a special standard that allows car oils to be divided into subgroups, reminiscent of GOST. SpecificationACEA classifies everything oil liquids by their properties and parameters.
ACEA oils are classified in three categories:
- The first includes oils designed for cars, vans, minibuses.
- The second category includes lubricants that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst.
- Oils from the third category are used in highly loaded diesel engines.
Class 1
Any class included in the ACEA specification includes four groups of oils. Their markings consist of letters and numbers. Class 1 includes greases A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, A5 / B5. These oils can be used for gasoline engines, lightly loaded diesel engines, minibuses.
Designation of tolerance on the canister A1 / B1 have a long service life. Such consumables are low-viscosity, fluid. You can get acquainted with their characteristics in detail by looking in the operating manual that comes with the car.
A3 / B3 are designed to be loaded into high-powered engines. These motor oils can be used all year round. Automakers say they don't need to be changed frequently.
ACEA A3 / B4 are suitable for filling in highly accelerated internal combustion engines containing the system direct injection fuel.
The A5 / B5 can be used in high performance engines for extended drain intervals. Such lubricants are fluid enough that they cannot be poured into certain engines.
Class 2
For high performance engines that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst, there is a special category in the ACEA engine oil classification. The oils that it contains are used in gasoline / diesel internal combustion engines. Lubricants prolong the operating life of soot filters and three-way catalysts.
C1 contain the minimum amount of sulfur and phosphorus compounds, and have a small ash content of sulphates. Low-viscosity oils are designed to reduce fuel consumption.
ACEA C3 is similar in its characteristics to C2, but more viscous.
C4 are similar to C1, but more viscous. The content of sulfur, phosphorus elements, ash content of sulfates are minimal.
It should be remembered that the ACEA quality tolerances describe fairly specialized lubricants that are intended for use in certain motors. However, this does not mean that one should ignore the recommendations of the automaker. The manufacturer knows best what kind of petroleum product needs to be poured into his machine.
Class 3
Automobile oils belonging to this class are marked with the letter E and are poured into highly loaded diesel engines. They cannot be used in petrol / gas engines. In addition to ensuring lubrication of parts, these consumables clean the piston assemblies. Usually they are poured into internal combustion engines certified according to "Euro-1/2/3/4/5". Also, these greases extend drain intervals.
E4 offer the ability to reduce wear on motor parts. The additives they contain help to reduce the formation of soot deposits. In view of this, the motor oil can be used in power units that are not equipped with a soot filter, but are equipped with EGR, SCR. In this case, the lubrication will reduce the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases.
The E6 are similar to the E4 but are intended for use in powertrains that include soot filters.
E7 polish engine parts internal combustion... They ensure the smoothness of the piston cylinders. Lubricants are poured into engines that are not equipped with soot filters. The presence / absence of ERG / SCR is irrelevant.
E8 is used in powertrains equipped with soot filters. In terms of their characteristics, these oils are close to E7.
Selection of car oil
When choosing a fresh consumable for a car, you must first of all take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer. Before filling the car with a car oil that differs from the recommended one, be sure to consult with an employee of the service center. Remember that by pouring an unsuitable oil product into the engine, you give the automaker the right to refuse you warranty repairs.
In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to understand how the oil markings are deciphered. It is not enough to be able to decipher the markings; it is necessary to understand what the characteristics of this or that oil product are. It is possible to get acquainted with the parameters of lubricants by looking at special tables.
The ACEA specification can only be considered as a source of additional information about the type and characteristics of the motor oil. This standard is intended to make it easier for drivers to choose lubricating fluids... For example, if a lubricant recommended by your car manufacturer is not available in stores, you can choose another one that belongs to the same ACEA class.
Motor oils, by definition, cannot meet a single standard. Various engines and types of gearboxes, operating conditions - all these factors force the production of technical fluids with different parameters.
So that consumers (car factories and car owners) do not get confused about the compatibility of consumables with units, it was decided to create a system of quality standards.
Initially, oils were classified only by viscosity (SAE). Then the system was created API quality(American Petroleum Institute), which was used in North America.
Immediately after its implementation, the Association of European Engineers developed a similar classification of ACEA oils for the European market. Both standards exist in parallel without conflicting with each other.
What the standard says
The ACEA engine oil classification was developed to lobby the interests of European car manufacturers. In addition, the "support group" includes several concerns from the United States with branches in Europe.
Here is a partial list of the founders of the standard: BMW, Volkswagen AG, Porshe, Daimler, Land rover, Jaguar, Fiat, PSA, Renault, Ford-Europe, GM-Europe, Crysler-Europe, Toyota, MAN, Volvo, SAAB-Scania, DAF. How is it deciphered (more precisely, what information does the standard carry)?
What to look for when buying engine oil - video consultation
If the abbreviation SAE speaks only of viscosity, then ACEA contains data on compatibility with specific engines... Moreover, the lists of compatible units are coordinated with automobile concerns - participants in the certification program.
The classification according to the ACEA standard contains the minimum basic requirements for the quality of oils. That is, their observance (in contrast to the selection according to SAE) guarantees the trouble-free operation of the engine or gearbox. In addition, this classification provides information about following parameters and properties:
- basic framework;
- a set of additional additives;
- chemical composition;
- physical properties;
- purpose (type of fuel, engine load, operating conditions of the unit).
Markings and their meanings
The ACEA engine oil classification can be applied to the packaging along with other standards such as API, ILSAC and GOST.
Important! From the point of view of the consumer, it is this certificate that guarantees high quality... The testing conditions for oils to obtain the ACEA specification are significantly higher in comparison with other standards. European requirements are tougher than North American, Asian and Russian ones.
Despite the compactness of the classifier (for example, ACEA A1 / B1), the abbreviation contains rather voluminous information. During the existence of the standard (since 1996), the layout of symbols has changed several times.
The first certification options involved separate labeling for gasoline and diesel engines (ACEA A or ACEA B). Since 2004, all oils submitted for approval are simultaneously tested for all fuels.
It makes no sense to memorize abbreviations with mono tolerance, such consumables are no longer produced.
Modern oils, certified for all types of fuel at once, are marked with the indication of the class using a fraction: for example, ACEA A1 / B1.
Basic classification of oils according to ACEA standard (including obsolete)
- Class A - certified for compatibility with petrol-only propulsion systems. Sulfur and sulphated ash content above current standards environmental safety Euro.
- Class B - approval suitable for heavy fuel oil engines. Diesel load class power unit: "Light Duty", that is, light and medium. The percentage of sulphated ash has been reduced to modern standards, the sulfur content is quite high.
- Class C - the standard is designed for a fairly large line of motors. Works with gasoline engines equipped with catalytic converter, as well as with diesels equipped with particulate filter... It is characterized by a medium and low content of sulphated ash and sulfur, the oil meets high environmental safety requirements.
- Class E - A fairly narrow standard designed for heavy duty diesel engines.
Detailed classification according to ACEA
After 2012, ACEA introduced many additional subclasses:
- For passenger cars equipped with diesel and gasoline engines... Assumes light to medium load. 4 categories of ACEA engine oil: A3 / B4, A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A5 / B5;
- For commercial diesel vehicles and heavy duty trucks from C1 to C4, the engine must comply with Euro 4 environmental standards;
- For engines running on any fuel, if there are purification systems in the design exhaust gases(catalyst, DPF) - 4 more categories: E4, E6, E7, E9.
The last digit denotes a consistent increase in the quality and compatibility class. If in power plant prescribed to use ACEA oil A3 / B3, then ACEA A5 / B5 can be poured into it. There is no backward compatibility.
Details about ACEA classes- video
The most demanded categories with decoding:
- A1 / B1 - Resistant to oil separation, designed for extended drain intervals. Low friction loss. The main application is gasoline and diesel engines operating at low loads. The classifier is not universal - you should study the tolerances of the car manufacturer.
- A3 / B3 - Designed for gasoline engines with a high degree of boost, including turbocharged ones. When operating with diesel fuel, on the contrary, they are used on lightly loaded internal combustion engines. Versatile weather performance, extended drain intervals.
- A3 / B4 - Development of the previous specification: operation on turbocharged diesel engines with high boost is allowed. Backward compatible with A3 / B3.
- A5 / B5 is a relatively fresh standard that has incorporated the advantages (more precisely, the requirements) of the previous classifications. In addition to environmental tolerances, the oil is classified as highly economical. In addition, the lubricant is practically not consumed "for waste". Backward compatible with previous classes. The only exception is the lack of compatibility with specific engines (indicated in the instructions for routine maintenance).
Important! If there are several quality standards on the packaging with engine oil, it is better to focus on ACEA.
