Foreign classification of oil products sae api. Classification of automotive engine oils according to SAE, API and ACEA

30.09.2019

Salon

The normal operation of each internal combustion engine is directly related to how engine oils of their brand and characteristics are selected for a particular unit. A competent choice of oil is a guarantee of durability, reliability and reliability of the motor, which is why it is necessary to figure out what the classification of motor oils is and how to use it correctly.

Today, the car oil market offers a huge amount of goods. It is rather difficult for an uninitiated user to understand the abundance of manufacturers, a large number of product parameters, its types, classes and other technical characteristics that are understandable to a professional. Nevertheless, in order not to be mistaken and not to harm, one must at least study the labeling of oils.

After reading the description from the label, you can get a lot of information about the product: who is the manufacturer, in what power plants it can be used, product composition, operating temperature, etc. Knowing what engine oils are, will reduce the risks associated with buying fakes, and damage from improper use in the power plant.

Lubricant labeling

When buying oil, the first thing the user needs to ask about is what purpose it is intended for. After that, you can proceed to the choice of manufacturer and product specifications. It is advisable to compare all the data indicated on the product on the label with the data in the official technical documentation. Marking of engine oil, decoding of its characteristics, all this data is available on the official website, or from a certified representative.

As a rule, the oil label should contain information:

Manufacturer information;
The official name of the oil;
On what basis is the lubricant made;
API, SAE, ACEA and other classification data;
Party and its number;
Oil production date.

Currently, there are a large number of oil producers, ranging from eminent, well-known companies to small workshops that produce products without any permits. In order to protect yourself from buying such products, you do not have to chase a low price, it is better to purchase lubricant in the office from a legal supplier, having learned in advance about its location on the official website.

As a rule, when buying, questions about the name of the product and the manufacturer are the least likely to arise. A worthy manufacturer of products is on everyone's lips, the main problem is how not to get a fake. With the batch number and date of manufacture, everything is also simple. Oil, a long-term product, but it is not worth using material with an expired date.

The main questions appear when you start to decipher the designation of digital information and letters printed on the label. To correctly decipher and understand how suitable the oil is for the engine, and which of the products is of the highest quality - this is the main task of the motorist.

Lubrication base

There are the following types of automotive oils:

Mineral.

Produced by processing natural natural material, oil. Lubricants are characterized by high viscosity, low lubricating properties, and are unstable to sudden temperature changes. The main advantage is that these types of engine oil are cheaper. The disadvantage, increased consumption and rapid loss of properties and characteristics, as a result, require frequent replacement during operation.

Semi-synthetic.

These types of motor oils are produced by adding various synthetic additives to the mineral oil base. The product is obtained with improved properties taken from synthetic and mineral oils, it is a universal lubricant for any type of engine.

Synthetic.

This is an artificial product, with a stable chemical structure, obtained by organic synthesis of oil. Production is expensive, but the product has a great advantage over other types of lubricants: long shelf life and operation, lower volatility, medium viscosity, stable operation over a wide temperature range, good cleaning properties. The oil can be used for any type of engines (both diesel and gasoline), including highly accelerated ones.

Lubricant viscosity

When choosing oil for your power plant, the main characteristic that you need to pay attention to first of all is viscosity. At the moment, the main system, the specification of motor oils of which is carried out by viscosity, is SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Oils are standardized in viscosity for use in a variety of conditions. The degree of viscosity, according to standardization, is characterized by four parameters:

Kinematic parameter, determined at 40-100°C, taking into account the ability of oil to flow through holes of a certain section for a specified period of time;
Starting parameter, characterized by oil resistance when starting the unit in cold weather at certain temperatures;
The parameter at which little can move around the system without freezing at sub-zero temperatures. Measured at -15°C to -40°C. Simulates the movement of oil when starting the engine.
Dynamic parameter. Describes the viscosity of an oil at high temperatures. Reading temperature 150°C. It simulates work in hot weather with engine overheating.

According to the SAE classification, it is necessary to graduate the oil in accordance with the seasonality of its use. Under the influence of the environment, or rather as a result of a change in its parameters, the properties and characteristics of the lubricant change. So, in the summer, the viscosity of the oil is lower, in the winter it can increase many times, so the oils are divided into:

Summer;
Winter;
All season.

Summer Lube

The product has a high viscosity, due to which it is possible to ensure good lubrication of rubbing parts and bring the friction process to a minimum. The disadvantage is that when the ambient temperature decreases, the temperature of the engine oil also decreases, and it thickens. This complicates the start of the power plant.

The numerical designation of summer lubricants from 20 to 60 units indicates the viscosity class, taking into account temperature in increments of 10. Motor oil classification (SAE) has the following marking examples: SAE 20 ... ..SAE 60, the digital designation indicates min and max viscosity at operating temperature engine from 100°С to 150°С.

Winter Lubrication

Winter oil is marked with numbers from 0 to 25 in increments of 5. After the number, the letter “W” is placed, indicating the season of use - winter (“winter”). To determine the minimum oil use temperature, subtract 40 from the numerical value. Example: 5W indicates -35°C, 10W indicates -30°C. This is the minimum temperature when it is possible to pump fluid through the engine system.

Another important indicator for winter engine oil is the minimum temperature at which it is possible to crank the engine for its factory.

To determine this temperature, subtract 35 from the number indicated on the label. For example, for 10W oil, the lower temperature limit is −25 ° С.

All-weather lubrication

This type of lubricant is the most popular because it gives the owner more convenience and eliminates the need to change the oil depending on the season.

According to the marking, all-weather lubricants have two numbers separated by the letter "W". As an example, 10 W 40. The 1st digit indicates the minimum engine start temperature in winter, the 2nd digit indicates the maximum operating temperature in summer.

Grease classification (API)

The API (American Petroleum Institute) engine oil classification is an opportunity to determine by index for which type of power plant lubrication is provided. The classifier is international, the index has two letters, the first characterizes the type of engine: gasoline ("S"), diesel ("C"), the second letter characterizes the condition and features.

API standard for gasoline internal combustion engines:

SC, SD, SE - power plants until 1972 of release.

SF - units produced from 1973 to 1988.
SG - severe operating conditions, engines manufactured in 1989 - 1994.
SH - severe operating conditions, units manufactured in 1995-96.
SJ - motors 1997-2000 Same as SH, but improved economic indicators of oil and gasoline quality.
SL - modern cars until 2004 Be careful with fuel.
SM - for brands produced since 2004. When writing SL+, they are more resistant to oxidation.

API standard for diesel internal combustion engines:

CB - engines until 1961, the fuel contains a lot of sulfur.
CC - until 1983, for work in harsh conditions.
CD - vehicles 1983 - 1990 of release.
CE - until 1990, turbines installed.
CF, CG-4 - engines with turbines, 1990 - 1998 of release.
CH-4 - narrow focus, motors since 1998, US standards.
CI-4 - modern units with a turbine and an EGR valve.
CI-4 + - modern engines with a turbine and an EGR valve, US standards.

Lubricant classification (ACEA)

Engine oil classification, which passes the standard of the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) takes into account wear resistance. This happens due to the fact that the European market is dominated by power plants with different designs and operating conditions.

According to the ACEA classification, there are 12 classes and the systematization of motor oils into three categories:

"A/B" - gasoline / diesel power plants of passenger cars (A1 / B2-12, A2 / B4-12, etc.);
"C" - diesel / gasoline units with a catalyst, (C1-12, C4-12, etc.);
"E" - diesel engines of trucks and heavy equipment (E4-12, E9-12).

The higher the number after the letter, the better and more modern the properties of the oils. Markings A1, B1 A5, B5 - saving energy. A2, B2, A3, B3, B4 - for use on conventional cars.

Classification of lubricants according to GOST

In our region, all motor oils are classified in accordance with the requirements of GOST 17479.1-85, according to this classification, all lubricants can be divided into:

Kinematic viscosity grades;
- The summer season is marked with numbers from 6 to 24 in increments of 2;
- The winter season is marked with the numbers 6, 5, 4, 3;
- All-season class: 3/8, 4/6, 4/8, 4/10 (the first digit is for winter, the second is for summer).

It can be seen what the numbers mean - they talk about viscosity, the higher the number, the thicker the lubricant, measured in units of mm 2 / s.

To indicate that there is a special thickener additive in engine oil, the letter “z” is sometimes used in the marking. Example: 4z/10.

Classes by purpose, based on their scope.

According to the use of lubricants, they are divided into 6 groups from "A" to "E".

Index "1" indicates gasoline engines, "2" - diesel, in the absence of an index, the oil will be deciphered as universal.

If there is a need to replace imported lubricants with ours and vice versa, you can use special tables that will help you choose analogues of SAE / GOST oils. As an example, the classification of oil 5W30 will correspond to oil according to GOST 4/12, 15W50 - 6z10.

Lubricant classification (ILSAC)

A joint organization founded by Japan and America ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) is engaged in the standardization and testing of motor oils. There are 5 standards: from ILSAC GF-1 to GF-5. The standards are fully compliant with API, the only difference is that all oils are multigrade and meet high energy saving characteristics.

ILSAC Compliance with API and SAE:

Especially for Japanese cars with installed turbines, a separate JASO DX-1 class has been allocated for power plants, it meets the highest environmental requirements.

Lubrication classification by car brand

Due to the fact that the designs of power plants from different manufacturers are fundamentally different from each other, some major concerns that produce cars have come up with a personal system that classifies engine oil by car brand. Major manufacturers such as VW, BMW, GM and others use their own approvals.

Automobile oils, the classification of which was developed by a certain concern, must have instructions with a special mark. In addition, their numbers are applied to the label, and next to them indicate the class of engine oil and its property.

Consider examples:

VAG approvals

The German automobile concern Volkswagen has its own marking of motor oils.

VW 500.00: oil with increased energy efficiency (5W-30, 10W-30, etc.);
VW 501.01: for all seasons, engines up to 2000;
VW 502.00: all-weather, for engines manufactured before 2000 with a turbine;
VW 503.00: gasoline, extended mileage up to 30,000 km, SAE 0W-30;
VW 504.00: gasoline, with 3-way converter;
VW 505.00: TDI engines up to 2000;
VW 506.00: V6 TDI and 4-cylinder TDI engines since 2002;

Mercedes approvals

The characteristics of Mercedes-Benz car engine oils also have their own marking.

MB 229.1: diesel and petrol engines since 1997 release;
MB 229.31: SAE (0W, 5W) compliant with sulfur and phosphorus limits;
MB 229.5: Extended life energy savings for diesel and petrol engines.

BMW approvals

BMW Longlife-98: vehicles since 1998 release, analog of ACEA A3/B3;
BMW Longlife-01: for vehicles from 2001 release;
BMW Longlife-01 FE: for vehicles in difficult operating conditions;
BMW Longlife-04: for modern engines.

When choosing oil for your power plant, you must adhere to several important criteria:

Perform oil changes on time.

Selection of oil by chemical composition: synthetics, mineral water, semi-synthetics;
Based on the API and ACEA classification, select the necessary parameters: viscosity, additives;
According to the label, determine the brand of car for which the lubricant is suitable;
Take into account additional designations, for example: oil can be marked with the mark "Long Life" - machines with an extended oil change interval;
Pay attention to compatibility with engines that have a turbine, an intercooler, timing control, etc.
When changing the oil, also change the oil filter.

Classification of motor oils API(American Petroleum Institute) is widely recognized as setting minimum performance standards and quality levels for gasoline and diesel engine oils. This classification has been significantly improved as the requirements for the quality of lubricants have increased, which, in turn, was caused by a significant improvement in engine technology, which also entailed an increase in the power of engines of these sizes, an improvement in the quality of the metal from which engine parts are made and an increase in mechanical strength, as well as, of course, an increase in operational loads.

Engine oils for gasoline engines are designated in this classification by the letter S (service station), and the categories range from (light duty oils with little or no additives) to the most recent category (oils for today's powerful, multi-valve engines, often turbo and supercharged). Oils for diesel engines differ in a similar range of categories, where the name of the category begins with the letter C (commercial). This includes categories from to . These are oils designed to work in the latest diesel engines and under modern operating conditions.

Below is a brief description of each category in their evolutionary development in terms of the American Petroleum Institute's engine oil service classifications. In cases where there is an "obsolete category" mark, this means that this category has been replaced by a new category.

Performance standards API are specified using the abbreviations API SJ and API CE:
. the first letter indicates the type of engine (S = petrol and C = diesel)
. the second letter indicates the performance level, and the lower the performance level, the higher the letter in the alphabet.

PETROL ENGINES

API SG
Oils for use in gasoline engines in 1989. For use in gasoline engines of modern passenger cars, vans and light trucks maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Oils designed for this application provide improved protection against engine deposits, oil oxidation and engine wear over previous categories, as well as protection against rust and corrosion. Oils of category SG meet the requirements for operation in diesel engines and can be used where categories , , SF / CC or SE / CC are recommended.

API SH
Oils for use in gasoline engines in 1994. The category was adopted in 1992 to define the characteristics of motor oils recommended since 1993. For normal use in gasoline engines of today's fleet of cars, vans and light trucks, serviced according to the recommendations and instructions of the manufacturers. This category exceeds the requirements of the category and was developed to replace it to improve anti-carbon, antioxidant, anti-wear qualities of oils and protect against rust and corrosion. Oils in this category that meet API SH requirements have been tested in accordance with the requirements of the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA). The product is approved by the Code of Practice and can be used according to API recommendations for base oil interchangeability and viscosity grade performance testing. Oils in this category may be used where the category and earlier categories are recommended.

API SJ
Oils for use in gasoline engines in 1996. The API SJ performance category characterizes engine oils sold on the market since 1996. SJ includes the same minimum ratings as SH, which it must replace, as well as additional requirements for control of carbon formation and operation at low temperatures during bench tests. Oils in this category are designed for general use in gasoline engines of modern and older cars, sports cars, vehicles, vans and light trucks, serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. Oils meeting the requirements of API SJ may be used where the category and earlier categories are recommended.

API SL
Oils for engines of vehicles manufactured after 2000. For multi-valve, turbocharged, lean-burn, with increased requirements for energy saving and environmental friendliness. Oils meeting the requirements of API SL, SM may be used where the category and earlier categories are recommended.

API SM
The category was approved on November 30, 2004. In addition to the SL category, the anti-oxidation and anti-wear properties are improved. Improved low temperature properties. Possibility of certification under the category of energy saving ILSAC.

API SN
The category was approved on October 1, 2010. Designed for oils used in the most modern gasoline engines of passenger cars, sports cars and small vans. Oils in this category have improved antioxidant and detergent properties, provide high protection against wear and corrosion. Enhanced high temperature properties for use in turbocharged engines. Can be used where SM and SL oils are recommended. Some oils in this category may meet the ILSAC GF-5 specification and qualify as energy efficient.

EU API
Energy Efficiency Classifications for Gasoline - EU 1995. There are two grades that define the category of gasoline engine oil designed to improve fuel economy. TESU stands for oils that improve fuel economy in standard tests by at least 1.5% compared to conventional oils, and TEC-IIY by at least 2.5%

DIESEL ENGINES

API CE
Oils for use in diesel engines 1983 (obsolete category). For use in certain heavy duty turbocharged, post-compressed engines manufactured since 1983 operating under heavy loads at both low and high speeds. They can also be used in conditions for which category oils are recommended.

API CF
Used in diesel engines with indirect injection - CF 1994. Typical use for diesel engines with indirect injection, as well as other types of diesel engines using various types of fuel, including those with a high sulfur content (for example, more than 0.5% by weight ). CF oils are effective in preventing piston deposits, wear and corrosion of bearings containing copper, which are of great importance in these types of engines, and can be drawn in in the usual way, supplied by a turbocharger or supercharger. Oils in this technical category may be used instead of oils.

API CF-4
1990 Diesel Engine Oils For typical 4-stroke diesel applications operating at high speeds where requirements exceed category capability and require use in place of CE category oils. Provides improved oil consumption and protection against piston deposits. In particular, they are effective in diesel engines of powerful tractors and vehicles on the highway. In combination with the appropriate category, they can be used in gasoline engines if recommended by the manufacturer.

API CF-2
Used in Heavy Duty 2-Stroke Diesel Engines - CF-2 1994. Typical use for 2-stroke engines requiring highly effective prevention of cylinder and ring wear and deposits. has improved performance and can be used instead of other materials if necessary.

API CG-4
The category was introduced in 1995. Oils are designed for heavy-duty, high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines of main-line type trucks using fuel with a sulfur content of less than 0.05% by weight and non-main-line type (sulfur content can reach 0.5% by weight). Effectively suppress the formation of high-temperature soot on pistons, wear, foaming, oxidation, soot formation (these properties are necessary for engines of new mainline tractors and buses). The category was created to meet the requirements of the US Emissions Standards (Revision 1994). Replaces oils of categories , and . The main disadvantage that limits the use of oils of this category in the world is the relatively large dependence of the oil resource on the quality of the fuel used.

API CH-4
The category was introduced on December 1, 1998. Oils in this category are designed for high-speed, four-stroke engines that meet the stringent 1998 emission standards. They meet the highest requirements of not only American, but also European manufacturers of diesel engines. Specially formulated for use in engines using fuels with sulfur content up to 0.5% by weight. Unlike the category, the use of diesel fuel with a sulfur content of more than 0.5% is allowed, which is an important advantage in countries where high-sulfur fuels are common (South America, Asia, Africa). Oils meet the increased requirements for reducing valve wear and reducing carbon deposits. Replace oils of categories , , and .

API CI-4
Category introduced since 2002 . The oil corresponding to this level has higher dispersing properties (the amount of detergent-dispersant additives), has an increased resistance to thermal oxidation compared to the class , provides a reduction in oil consumption for waste due to a decrease in volatility and a decrease in evaporation losses under the influence of gases at an operating temperature of 370 °C Improved cold pumpability, extended life of engine seals due to improved oil compatibility with seals. The class was introduced taking into account the tightening of requirements for the environmental performance of engines produced from October 1, 2002.

API CI-4PLUS
Service category for diesel engines with more stringent soot requirements. Upon receipt of this classification, engine oil is tested in 17 engine tests.

API GL-3
Oils for gears operating under moderate conditions. Contains up to 2.7% anti-wear additives. Designed for lubrication of conical and other gears of trucks. Not designed for hypoid gears.

API GL-4
Oils for gears operating in conditions of varying severity - from light to heavy. Contains 4.0% effective extreme pressure additives. Designed for bevel and hypoid gears with small axle displacement, for gearboxes of trucks, for drive axle units. API GL-4 oils are designed for non-synchronized transmissions of North American trucks, tractors and buses (commercial vehicles), for final drives and other gears of all motor vehicles. Currently, these oils are also the main oils for synchronized gears, especially in Europe. In this case, the label or data sheet of the oil must contain inscriptions about this purpose and confirmation of compliance with the requirements of the machine manufacturers.

API GL-5
Oils for the busiest gears operating in harsh conditions. Contains up to 6.5% effective extreme pressure and other multifunctional additives. The main purpose is for hypoid gears with a significant axle offset. They are used as universal oils for all other mechanical transmission units (except for the gearbox). For a synchronized manual transmission, only oils that have a special confirmation of compliance with the requirements of machine manufacturers are used. Can be used for limited slip differential if they meet the requirements of the specifications MIL-L-2105D(in the US) or ZF TE-ML-05(in Europe). Then the class designation has additional characters, for example, API GL-5+ or API GL-5 SL. Oils for the most loaded gears operating in very difficult conditions (high sliding speeds and significant shock loads). Contains up to 10% high performance extreme pressure additives. Designed for hypoid gears with significant axle offset. Correspond to the highest level of operational properties.

API MT-1
Oils for highly loaded units. Designed for non-synchronized manual transmissions of powerful commercial vehicles (tractors and buses). Equivalent to oils, but with improved thermal stability.

API PG-2
Oils for transmissions of driving axles of powerful commercial vehicles (tractors and buses) and mobile equipment. Equivalent to oils, but with improved thermal stability and improved elastomer compatibility.

For mechanical gearboxes (except hypoid ones), oils and are mainly used; for hypoid final drive: API GL-4 - for medium loaded gears and API GL-5 - for heavily loaded gears, including hypoid gears with significant axle offset. Oil companies produce universal oils designed both for gearboxes with synchronizers and for heavily loaded hypoid gears.

Every motorist knows that the key to efficient and stable operation of an internal combustion engine is the use of high-quality motor lubricants. But the wide variety of protective material is sometimes misleading and makes it difficult to choose. The classification of motor oils is designed to make it easier to find the right fluid.

Let's try to figure out what classifications exist and what their marking can tell the motorist.

First of all, let's figure out what engine oils are by chemical composition. There are three main groups of motor oils: mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic.

Minerals are completely composed of natural ingredients. They are produced by direct distillation of petroleum products. Their use is rational in new engines that are not designed to operate under severe overload conditions. Mineral water is ideal for a temperate climate zone, where seasonal temperature changes are practically not noticeable. This feature is explained by the impossibility of the oil to maintain a stable working condition in high and low temperature conditions: at negative temperatures, the mineral base freezes and ceases to circulate evenly in the power plant, at positive temperatures it acquires high fluidity and quickly evaporates. The frequency of replacing such an oil varies within 5-7 thousand kilometers (provided that the car is not subjected to large overloads). The main advantages of such motor oils are their availability and low cost. The negative side, in addition to the impossibility of using the fluid under conditions of increased loads, is the large accumulation of environmentally harmful impurities contained in the exhaust gases. The designation of the mineral base on canister labels is rarely indicated.

Semi-synthetic oils contain natural and non-natural elements in their composition. They are produced by the synthesis of petroleum products and special chemical additives, the main role of which is to increase the resource of the vehicle's power unit.

Additives allow you to maintain the original properties of the fuel and lubricant for a long time, and also allow it to withstand temperature extremes. The main disadvantages of semi-synthetics include its “mineral side”: petroleum products can precipitate or soot, thereby polluting the working area. The oil is suitable for new petrol and diesel engines . Also, its use is also permissible in motors that have developed a small resource.

The synthetic base consists of ingredients that do not occur in their pure form in nature. The production process of synthetics involves a complex molecular-chemical synthesis aimed at improving the performance properties of the protective material. Such oil does not leave carbon deposits and does not contaminate the working mixture. Moreover, it contains detergent additives that gently clean the engine from dirt and soot. If you are accustomed to a sporty driving style or live in a region famous for sharp temperature changes, then it is better to “pamper” your iron friend with high-quality synthetics. It does not liquefy, does not thicken with time and climatic surges, but allows you to increase the engine resource where an ordinary mineral water would have completely “lost control over itself”. The frequency of replacing synthetics can reach up to 15 thousand kilometers. At the same time, its use is permissible in both new and old power units. The fact that the liquid in the canister refers to synthetics , informs the corresponding inscription on the label.

The determining parameter when choosing a motor fluid on a chemical basis should be the technical condition of the motor.

SAE engine oil classification

The characteristics of motor oils directly depend on their degree of viscosity. In this regard, the international classification of SAE motor oils was developed. It allows you to create a gradation of automotive fluids based on their degree of fluidity and resistance to high temperature conditions.

According to this classification, all motor oils are divided into three groups: winter, summer and all-weather.

Average oil performance ranges

Winter group designations include a number and a W next to it. The figure itself identifies the low-temperature limit, until which fuel and lubricants retain their consumer properties. The letter W symbolizes the winter season. Such fluids have a high degree of fluidity, which allows them to be instantly distributed over the working surface of a cold engine, providing it with easy starting. At temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius, such a liquid cannot be used - overheating will cause even more fluidity, as a result of which the liquid will simply begin to seep through the seals and gaskets, leaving the engine without proper protection.

Summer motor oil in its marking contains only two-digit numbers. These figures conditionally indicate the high-temperature limit, after which the deterioration of the technical parameters of the oil occurs. The summer group has a high degree of viscosity, which makes it possible to prevent excessive fluidity of fuels and lubricants in conditions of positive temperatures. At temperatures below 0, its viscosity index increases, so the use of summer oil in winter is simply impossible.

International standards also provide for the third group of fuels and lubricants - all-weather. This category is the most rational in terms of its use: motorists do not have to study the weather forecast for the coming days to guess when to make a seasonal replacement.

Recognizing a universal car oil is simple: its label indicates a marking containing two numbers and a letter between them. The combination of summer and winter values informs the car owner about the possibility of year-round use of the oil fluid: the first digit indicates the range of negative temperatures, the second - the range of positive ones.

Knowing what the decoding of motor oils is, you can accurately recognize them on the shelves of car dealerships.

Marking engine oils according to API classification performs three roles at once:

It informs the car owner about which type of engine the fluid is applicable to.
Reports the performance of the engine fuel and lubricant.
Warns which engine year of manufacture such a lubricant can be used.

The marking of motor oils consists of the following designations:

an EC letter code (optional) following the API classification name indicates which class of energy-saving motor fluids the product belongs to.
the Roman numeral after the abbreviation informs about the possibility of saving fuel.
the letters "C" or "S" mean diesel and gasoline engines, respectively.
after the letters “C” or “S” there are letters from A to N, characterizing the quality class of the motor fluid. And the further the classifier is removed from the beginning of the alphabet, the higher the quality of the fuel and lubricant.

You can find out what the letter codes for the classification of API motor oils mean from the table below.

Classification of engine oils according to ACEA

Another classification of motor oils was developed by the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. It is worth noting that before the start of sales of a new product in the European market, manufacturers of motor fluids must obtain an ACEA certificate without fail.

The marking of motor oils gives an idea not only in what type of engine it can be used; the decoding shows whether the lubricant saves fuel consumption or not.

On motor fluid containers, you can find designations with the letters A, B, C or E:

Engine oil in the engine

The letter "A" means that the use of oil is designed for a gasoline engine.
The letter "B" indicates that liquid is poured into diesel engines of cars.
The letter "C" indicates the use of oil in engines (gasoline and diesel), with an installed catalyst.
The letter "E" means that fuel and lubricants is applicable for trucks equipped with a diesel power plant.

In addition to the letter, the ACEA marking also contains numbers.

There are ten main classes of motor products according to the ACEA classification:

A1 / B1 - this group is used in those motors that allow the use of an oil-viscous protective film at high temperature and high shear rate.
A3 / B3 - the main properties of this class are a large interchange interval, high resistance to destruction and instant adaptation to temperature changes. Such advantages allow the use of oils of the second group in motors subjected to regular overloads.
A3 / B4 - the third group also has high technical characteristics, with the only difference being that such oils are used in highly accelerated gasoline units and diesel units with direct fuel mixture injection.
A5 / B5 - a distinctive feature of fuels and lubricants of the fourth class - significant fuel savings.
C1 - oils with a high degree of environmental friendliness. Their composition contains a low content of sulfur and phosphorus, which significantly reduces the toxicity of exhaust gases.

Engine oil

C2 - engine oils of the group are poured into engines equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. Due to the uniqueness of the oil composition, the resource of these parts, when using fluids marked C2, is significantly increased. There are also significant savings in fuel consumption.
C3 is a group of oils designed for modern power units that meet the latest environmental safety standards.
C4 - class of fuels and lubricants, developed in 2004. According to ACEA requirements, oil with classifier C4 is poured into Euro-4 engines. Of the positive aspects, it is worth noting the low content of harmful impurities and the ability to increase the resource of a three-component vehicle catalyst.
E6 - motor oils of the ninth grade have not only high resistance to mechanical degradation, but also “have excellent immunity” to aging. It is necessary to pour such a liquid into diesel engines of trucks operating under conditions of large overloads. Despite constant temperature fluctuations, fuel and lubricants perfectly retains its consumer properties and effectively protects the engine from wear.
E7 is a class applicable in diesel “truck” engines that meet the requirements of Euro-1, 2, 3 and 4.

Classification of motor oils according to ILSAC

Ilsac is a classification developed by engineers in America and Japan. It includes five groups of motor oils, the technical characteristics of which correspond to the API classification:

the GF-1 label is not currently in use. Corresponds to the API SH classifier, i.e. designed for engines manufactured from 1995 to 1996,
GF-2 marking is analogous to API SJ, i.e. engine oil of this standard can be poured into an engine manufactured between 1997 and 2000. Viscosity characteristics of the group correspond to oils 0W-20 and 5W-20,
marking GF-3 - "reflection" of API SL. The use of fuels and lubricants with such a classifier is permissible in an engine produced from 2001 to 2003,
GF-4 marking corresponds to API SM, i.e. suitable for engines manufactured after 2004,
the GF-5 marking is an analogue of API SN and is intended for modern automotive engines equipped with the latest exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.

Engine oil , poured into a turbocharged engine, according to the Ilsac classification, it is marked DX-1.

A distinctive feature of the American-Japanese standard is that all products that fall into the above classes of motor oils have energy-saving properties and can be used at any time of the year.

Classification of motor oils according to GOST

In accordance with GOST 17479.1-85, the designation of motor fluids includes the capital letter “M”, numbers characterizing the kinematic viscosity class of fuels and lubricants, and capital letters indicating that the lubricant belongs to one or another group according to operational parameters.

The numbers 3, 4, 5, 6 are used to designate winter motor oils; for summer - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16.20 and 24. Moreover, the larger the number, the higher the viscosity of the protective film. Universal lubricants in their marking have indicators of both seasons, written through a fractional line (for example, 3/8).
GOST provides for 6 groups classified according to the scope of use. Designations include the letter A, B, C, D, D or E and a number. Index 1 implies use in gasoline power plants, index 2 - in diesel ones. If there is no numerical indicator next to the letter, then the tool is universal for all motors.

Outcome

Deciphering motor oils can tell a lot to a motorist. The main thing is to remember the main parameters, according to which the choice of high-quality material will be made in the future.

It should be remembered that, despite the huge number of recommendations in the field of application of one or another type of motor lubricant, the main preference should be given to the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer. Before releasing a model for sale, manufacturing companies empirically select the most effective fuel and lubricant that can extend the operating period of the power plant.

Whatever motor oils are, their characteristics can adversely affect the condition of your vehicle's engine. Therefore, before experimenting with your machine, take a look at its instruction manual.

Lubricants for various machines have been used by people for more than 150 years. Since they produced two types of raw materials (vegetable origin, and oil), there was no special classification.

A thick consistency (for example, tar) was used to lubricate the wheel hubs, more liquid options were poured into crankcases with moving mechanisms.

The further development of engine building made ever higher demands on consumables. There were standards for compatibility with types of internal combustion engines, applicability to various conditions, and even quality. For example, the classification of engine oils according to API.

Today, any lubricant contains up to 10 different certificates, approvals and classifiers. Our material will help you understand the numbers and abbreviations.

What is an API?

API - American Petroleum Institute (American Fuel Institute), develops specifications, standards and classifiers for engine oils for internal combustion engines. The oil industry has developed rapidly, technological opportunities have appeared to produce lubricants with various properties. Automakers, continuously improving their units, began to impose increased requirements on engine and transmission oils.

In order not to tie oil brands to automotive brands, the largest players in the consumables market decided to develop a unified system of standards.

The task was not just to bring the relationship of car factories and oil refineries to a common denominator (acting within the framework of free competition). The buyer of lubricants also had to have the right to freely choose the manufacturer.

API and ILSAC engine oil classifications - video seminar

The first universally recognized standards were the norms of the technical unions SAE and ASTM. But these designations spoke only about the basic (rather technological) properties of the lubricant.

There was a need not only to bind technical fluids to certain types of motors, but also to develop a quality system. The buyer must understand in which case he pays more, and what benefits he gets.

The so-called “quality classifier” was developed by the US Petroleum Institute (API for short). The first mention of the API system for motor oil appeared in the late 60s, when, together with the technical unions SAE and ASTM, a single standard was developed that works within the framework of ASTM D 4485 and SAE J183 APR96.

Then, over the course of 15 years, the system was adapted to the GOSTs of various countries, research was carried out with the participation of leading engineers from the unions of automobile manufacturers (AAMA) and engines (EMA). As a result, two methods were gradually introduced, in which the specification of oils according to API was "legalized":

EOLCS engine oil licensing and certification system;
SMA Code of Practice.

The specification of oils according to API is recognized not only in North America. Since the mid-80s, most countries have been using these standards, not to mention auto concerns.

This is convenient for the buyer: entering the store, you can easily navigate. Just look at the technical specifications (SAE) and API quality standard. Information is on the label of any lubricant.

Some countries have a national system of standards: for example, the Russian GOST. According to international conventions, all systems of quality standards are compatible with each other and have an equal semantic load.

For example:

SC / CA (American API standard) = B (Russian GOST);
CD (American API standard) = D2 (Russian GOST).

The main indicators that the manufacturer puts into the alphanumeric designation of the API standard:

The first letter in the classification indicates the type of fuel. S - gasoline, C - diesel. Consumables for diesel fuel are also suitable for commercial vehicles (tractors, combines, excavators, etc.), including diesel engines.

The additional abbreviation EC refers to the energy-saving properties of the oil. Such a lubricant has a high fluidity, which significantly reduces the resistance between rubbing parts.

The second letter (today from A to N) defines that very quality. The farther the letter is from the beginning of the alphabet, the higher it is. It is by this symbol, in contrast to the manufacturer's advertising messages, that the buyer determines what the high (or low) cost of the consumable is set for.

Let's consider each of the classifications in more detail:

API engine oil classification for gasoline engines

The modern gasoline classification of engine oil according to API is indicated by symbol combinations from SA to SN. Car factories set tolerances in the following order: each next class of oil is compatible with the previous one, backward compatibility is undesirable.

This means that an API SG engine can be filled with SN oil. But SF oil cannot be filled in instead of SL.
The decryption API looks like this:

API class	Applicability Status	Aggregate Compatibility
SM	current	Introduced into circulation since 2004, and is suitable for all modern gasoline-powered engines, including high-speed turbo units.
SL	current	Applied since 2001, has the function of energy saving, designed for an extended replacement interval. This class replaces the letter K, to eliminate confusion with the internal classification of Korean oils.
SJ	current	Introduced since 1996, it has 2 subclasses. Since 2001, oils have been certified in the API SJ / EC energy saving category.
SH	outdated	The classification is classified as conditionally valid. After its introduction in 1992, it was subjected to additional certification for the energy saving class. With the designations API SH / EC and API SH / ECII, it can be used in modern engines without turbocharging.
SG	outdated	The class was introduced in 1988 and is compatible with engines manufactured before 1993. It has good anti-wear properties. For older engines, it is better suited than engine oil of more recent categories.
SF	outdated	Available for units older than 1988. Good compatibility with leaded gasoline. For motors operating on a two-stroke cycle - the best ratio of lubricating properties.
SE	outdated	High-class oil for work in the conditions of the big loading (the forced motors). Compatible with units manufactured between 1972 and 1980.
SD	outdated	Suitable for motors with a high load, the degree of forcing is medium. Years of production of units - 1967-1971.
SC	outdated	Suitable for motors with a high load, but without forcing. Years of production of units - 1964-1967.
SB	outdated	It is intended for motors operating with an average load, can only be used according to the direct instructions of the manufacturer of the units.
SA	outdated	It is intended for gasoline engines operating under low load and may only be used on the direct instructions of the manufacturer of the units.

Video lecture - Classification of motor oils according to SAE and API

API Oil Quality Classes for Diesel Engines

The classification of diesel engine oils allows you to accurately identify consumables by type of fuel. The API designation begins with the Latin letter C.
The table of automotive oils for heavy fuel is as follows:

API class	Applicability Status	Aggregate Compatibility
CJ-4	current	The standard was developed for motors from 2007 of release. The main emphasis in certification is made on the compliance of ash content and sulfur content.
CI-4PLUS	current	In addition to the main characteristics of the content of harmful elements, these oils do not oxidize under high load, and also do not evaporate "to waste".
CI-4	current	The standard was certified in 2002 to comply with stricter environmental regulations. High fluidity allows to work in conditions of low ambient temperatures.
CH-4	current	This API oil class is designed for engines manufactured prior to 1998. In principle, it meets modern standards, but it strongly depends on the quality of diesel fuel. It contains additives that prevent valve wear.
CG-4	outdated	Mainly used for heavy commercial vehicles. The certificate implies universality in terms of fuel quality, but in practice it is better to fill the engine with high-quality diesel fuel.
CF-4	outdated	Universal oil for diesel and gasoline engines operating on a four-stroke cycle. Compatible with units manufactured before 1990.
CF-2	outdated	Applicability - two-stroke motors operating under high loads.
CE	outdated	The standard is compatible with diesel engines manufactured before 1983. Works well on high pressure turbo engines.
CD	outdated	Introduced at the turn of the 50-60s for operation on agricultural machinery. It is still used on older units.
CC	outdated	Introduced in 1961, almost never used.
CB	outdated	A slightly improved formula of the previous API CA standard
CA	outdated	Designed for lightly loaded simple aspirated.

What is the difference between gasoline and diesel engine oils?

The specification of engine oils according to API does not allow the use of consumables in different engines. Modern units are very different (under working conditions) depending on the fuel.

Temperature conditions, shock loads, the presence of soot or ethylene - all this is taken into account in the classifier formula. Some manufacturers average applicability standards and produce consumables that can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines. This marking contains the symbols C and S.

However, the buyer should be aware that universal oils are inferior in quality to specialized lubricants.