Each car owner should be able to decipher the engine oil marking applied to the product packaging, because the key to a durable and stable operation engine is the use of high quality which meets all the requirements of the manufacturer. Such serious requirements are made by them due to the fact that oils have to work in a wide range of temperature range and under great pressure.

From this article you will learn:

The engine oil label contains all necessary information for the right choice, you just need to be able to decipher it

In order to streamline and simplify the procedure for selecting oil for a particular type of engine according to the required characteristics and tasks assigned to it, a number of international standards have been developed. Global oil manufacturers use the following generally recognized classifications:

• ACEA;
• ILSAC;
• GOST.

Each type of oil labeling has its own history and market share, deciphering the meaning of which allows you to navigate the choice of the necessary lubricating fluid. Basically, we use three types of classification - these are API and ACEA, as well as, of course, GOST.

There are 2 main classes of motor oils, depending on the type of engine: gasoline or diesel, although there is also universal oil. The intended use is always indicated on the label. Any engine oil consists of a basic composition (), which is its basis, and certain additives. The basis of the lubricating fluid is an oil fraction, which is obtained during oil refining or artificially. Therefore, according to the chemical composition, they are divided into:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• synthetic.

On the canister, along with other markings, chemical is always indicated. composition.

What can be on the label of an oil canister:

1. Viscosity class SAE.
2. Specifications API and ACEA.
3. Tolerances automakers.
4. Barcode.
5. Batch number and production date.
6. Pseudo marking (not a generally recognized standard marking, but used as marketing ploy, for example, fully syntetic, HC, with the addition of smart molecules, etc.).
7. Special categories of motor oils.

To help you buy exactly the one that will suit your car engine best, we will decipher the most important marking engine oil.

Marking of engine oils according to SAE

The most important characteristic, which is indicated in the marking on the canister, is the viscosity coefficient according to SAE classification- this is international standard, which regulates at positive and sub-zero temperatures(boundary value).

According to SAE standard oils are denoted in the XW-Y format, where X and Y are some numbers. First number- this is a symbol for the minimum temperature at which oil is normally pumped through the channels, and the engine scrolls without difficulty. The letter W stands for English word Winter - winter.

Second number conditionally means the minimum and maximum value of the boundary of the high-temperature viscosity of the oil when it is heated to operating temperature(+100…+150°С). The higher the value of the number, the thicker it is when heated, and vice versa.

Therefore, oils are necessarily divided into three types depending on the viscosity:

• winter oils, they are more fluid and provide trouble-free engine starting in the cold season. In the notation SAE such oil will have the letter "W" (for example, 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, etc.). To understand the limit value, you need to subtract the number 35. In hot weather, such an oil is not able to provide a lubricating film and maintain the desired pressure in oil system due to the fact that at high temperature its fluidity is excessive;
• summer oils are used when the average daily temperature is not lower than 0 ° C, since its kinematic viscosity is high enough so that in hot weather the fluidity does not exceed the required value for good lubrication engine parts. At sub-zero temperatures, starting an engine with such a high viscosity is impossible. Designated summer stamps oils with a numerical value without letters (for example: 20, 30, 40, and so on; the larger the number, the higher the viscosity). The density of the composition is measured in centistokes at 100 degrees (for example, a value of 20 indicates a boundary density of 8-9 centistokes at an engine temperature of 100 ° C);
• multigrade oils the most popular, since they are able to work both at sub-zero and positive temperatures, the boundary value of which is indicated in the decoding of the SAE indicator. This oil has a dual designation (example: SAE 15W-40).

When choosing an oil viscosity (from those approved for use in your car engine), you need to be guided by the following rule: the greater the mileage / older the engine, the greater the high-temperature viscosity of the oil should be.

Viscosity characteristics are the very first and important element classification and labeling of motor oils, but not the only one - choosing oil purely by viscosity is not correct. Always it is necessary to choose the correct relation of properties oil and operating conditions.

Each oil, in addition to viscosity, has a different set of performance properties (detergent, antioxidant properties, anti-wear, susceptibility to various deposits, corrosiveness, and others). They allow you to determine the possible scope of their application.

In the API classification, the main indicators are: engine type, motor operating mode, operational properties oils, conditions of use and year of manufacture. The standard provides for the division of oils into two categories:

• Category "S" - shows intended for gasoline engines;
• Category "C" - indicates the purpose for diesel vehicles.

How to decipher the API marking?

As already found out, API designation may begin with the letter S or C, which will indicate the type of engine that can be filled in, and another letter of the oil class designation, showing the level of performance.

According to this classification, the decoding of the marking of motor oils is carried out as follows:

• abbreviation EC, which is located immediately after the API, stand for energy-saving oils;
• Roman numerals after this abbreviation talking about fuel economy;
• letter S(Service) denotes applications oils for gasoline engines;
• letter C(Commercial) are denoted by ;
• after one of these letters follows performance level indicated by letters from A(lowest level) to N and further (the higher alphabet order the second letter in the designation, the higher the oil class);
• universal oil has letters of both categories through an oblique line (for example: API SL / CF);
• API marking for diesel engines is divided into two-stroke (number 2 at the end) and 4-stroke (number 4).

Those motor oils, which have passed the API/SAE test and meet the requirements of the current quality categories, are indicated on the labels with a round graphic symbol. At the top there is an inscription - "API" (API Service), in the middle is the degree of viscosity according to SAE, as well as possible degree energy saving.

When using oil according to “its own” specification, wear and the risk of engine breakdown are reduced, oil “waste” is reduced, fuel consumption is reduced, noise is reduced, and driving performance engine (especially low temperatures), as well as extending the life of the catalyst and exhaust aftertreatment system.

Classifications ACEA, GOST, ILSAC and how to decipher the designation

The ACEA classification was developed by the Association European car manufacturers. It indicates the performance properties, purposes and category of engine oil. ACEA classes are also divided into diesel and gasoline.

The latest edition of the standard provides for the division of oils into 3 categories and 12 classes:

• A/B – petrol and diesel engines cars, vans, minibuses (A1/B1-12, A3/B3-12, A3/B4-12, A5/B5-12);
• C – gasoline and diesel engines with catalytic converter exhaust gases (C1-12, C2-12, C3-12, C4-12);
• E – diesel engines trucks (E4-12, E6-12, E7-12, E9-12).

In the ACEA designation, in addition to the engine oil class, the year of its entry into force, as well as the edition number (when there were updates technical requirements). Domestic oils are also certified according to GOST.

Classification of motor oils according to GOST

According to GOST 17479.1-85 engine oils divided into:

• classes according to kinematic viscosity;
• performance groups.

By kinematic viscosity oils are divided into the following classes:

• summer - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24;
• winter - 3, 4, 5, 6;
• all-season - 3/8, 4/6, 4/8, 4/10, 5/10, 5/12, 5/14, 6/10, 6/14, 6/16 (the first digit indicates the winter class, the second for summer).

In all listed classes, the larger the numerical value, the greater the viscosity.

By area of ​​application all engine oils are divided into 6 groups - they are designated from the letter "A" to "E".

Index “1” indicates oils intended for gasoline engines, index “2” for diesel engines, and oils without an index indicate its versatility.

Classification of motor oils according to ILSAC

ILSAC is a joint invention of Japan and America, the international committee for standardization and approbation of motor oils has issued five motor oil standards: ILSAC GF-1, ILSAC GF-2, ILSAC GF-3, ILSAC GF-4 and ILSAC GF-5. They are completely similar to API classes, the only difference is that the oils corresponding to the ILSAC classification are energy-saving and all-weather. This classification is best suited for Japanese cars.

Conformity ILSAC categories regarding the API:

• GF-1(obsolete) - oil quality requirements similar API categories SH; by viscosity SAE 0W-XX, 5W-XX, 10W-XX, where XX-30, 40, 50.60.
• GF-2- meets the requirement by quality API oils SJ, and in terms of viscosity SAE 0W-20, 5W-20.
• GF-3- is analogue of API SL category and has been in operation since 2001.
• ILSAC GF-4 and GF-5- respectively analogues SM and SN.

In addition, within the standard ISLAC for Japanese cars with turbocharged diesel engines, separately used JASO DX-1 class. This marking automotive oils provides engines modern cars with high environmental parameters and built-in turbines.

AT API classifications and ACEA have formulated minimum basic requirements that are agreed between oil and additive manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers. Since engine designs different brands differ from each other, the operating conditions of the oil in them are not quite the same. Some major engine manufacturers have developed their own classification system motor oils, so-called permits, which completes the system ACEA classifications , with its own test engines and tests in field conditions. Engine manufacturers such as VW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Renault, BMW, GM, Porsche and Fiat predominantly use their own approvals when selecting engine oils. Specifications are always present in the car's operating instructions, and their numbers are applied to the oil packaging, next to the designation of its performance class.

Let's consider and decipher the most popular and frequently used tolerances present in the designations on cans of motor oils.

VAG approvals for passenger cars

VW 500.00- energy-saving engine oil (SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, etc.), VW 501.01- all-season, designed for use in conventional gasoline engines manufactured before 2000, and VW 502.00 - for turbocharged ones.

Tolerance VW 503.00 stipulates that this oil for gasoline engines with SAE viscosity 0W-30 and with a fast replacement interval (up to 30 thousand km), and if exhaust system with a three-way converter, then oil with a VW 504.00 approval is poured into the engine of such a car.

For Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda cars with diesel engines, a group of oils with tolerances is provided VW 505.00 for TDI engines, produced before 2000; VW 505.01 Recommended for PDE engines with unit injector.

Energy-saving motor oil, viscosity grade 0W-30, approved VW 506.00 has an extended replacement interval (for V6 TDI engines up to 30 thousand km, 4-cylinder TDI up to 50 thousand). Recommended for use for diesel engines new generation (after 2002 release). For turbocharged engines and a PD-TDI unit injector, it is recommended to fill in oil with a tolerance VW 506.01 having the same extended drain interval.

Approvals for Mercedes passenger cars

The Mercedes-Benz automaker also has its own approvals. For example, engine oil with the designation MB 229.1 Designed for diesel and gasoline engines manufactured since 1997. Tolerance MB 229.31 put into effect later and complies SAE specifications 0W-, SAE 5W- with additional requirements that limit the content of sulfur and phosphorus. MB 229.5- this is energy saving oil with extended service life, both for diesel and gasoline engines.

BMW engine oil approvals

BMW Longlife-98 this approval has motor oils intended for pouring into the engine of cars manufactured since 1998. An extended service replacement interval is provided. Conforms to the basic requirements of ACEA A3/B3. For engines manufactured at the end of 2001, it is recommended to use oil with a tolerance BMW Longlife-01. Specification BMW Longlife-01FE provides for the use of motor oil when operating in difficult conditions. BMW Longlife-04 approved for use in modern motors BMW.

Engine oil approvals for Renault

Tolerance Renault RN0700 was introduced in 2007 and meets the basic requirements: ACEA A3/B4 or ACEA A5/B5. Renault RN0710 meets the requirements of ACEA A3/B4, and Renault RN 0720 by ACEA C3 plus optional Renault. Approval RN0720 designed for use in diesel engines latest generation with particulate filters.

Approval for Ford vehicles

SAE 5W-30 approved engine oil Ford WSS-M2C913-A, intended for primary and service replacement. This oil complies with ILSAC GF-2, ACEA A1-98 and B1-98 classifications and additional requirements Ford.

Oil with approval Ford M2C913-B intended for initial filling or service replacement in gasoline and diesel engines. Also meets all requirements of ILSAC GF-2 and GF-3, ACEA A1-98 and B1-98.

Tolerance Ford WSS-M2C913-D was introduced in 2012, oils with this tolerance are recommended for all diesel Ford engines with the exception of Ford models Ka TDCi built before 2009 and engines built between 2000 and 2006. Provides for extended drain intervals and refueling with bio-diesel or high-sulphur fuels.

approved oil Ford WSS-M2C934-A provides for an increase in the drain interval and is intended for filling in cars with a diesel engine and particulate filter(DPF). Oil according to specification Ford WSS-M2C948-B, based on ACEA class C2 (for gasoline and diesel engines with a catalyst). This tolerance requires an oil with a viscosity of 5W-20 and reduced soot formation.

When choosing an oil, there are a few things to keep in mind: right choice necessary chemical composition(mineral water, synthetics, semi-synthetics), viscosity classification parameter, and know the necessary requirements for a set of additives (determined in API and ACEA classifications). Also, the label should contain information for which brands of cars it is suitable this product. It is equally important to pay attention to additional designations engine oil. For example, marking long life indicates that the oil is suitable for machines with increased service interval replacements. Also, among the features of some compositions, one can single out compatibility with engines that have a turbocharger, an intercooler, cooling of recirculation gases, control of timing phases and valve lift.

Buying engine oil suitable for a particular car is quite simple, given some features. vehicle(e.g. mileage, total technical condition), the climate of the region in which it is operated, as well as the instructions of the manufacturer, since most often the engine is produced for any specific type of motor oil.

It is also worth considering conventions related to some classification systems for motor oils, for example, SAE, API. The marking can be seen on any packaging with lubricating fluid - 0w, SL, A5 / B5. Each classification distinguishes types of lubricants based on their compliance with standards. So API divides oils based on what type of engine they are intended for - gasoline or diesel. Given the markings, you can choose the right engine oil.

General information about the ACEA classification

The combination of letters itself is an abbreviation of the French name European Association Auto engineers. This organization is the European counterpart of the Society of Automotive Engineers in the US. Also, the classification itself is a European version of the API motor oil specification.

The acea classification is valid in the latest version, which was adopted in 2004. In this edition, lubricants for passenger car engines running on gasoline and diesel have been combined into one category. But due to the fact that some of the modern motor oils cannot be used in power units manufactured before 2004, most manufacturing companies label their lubricants according to the old 2002 edition.

Each company that advertises its oils and applies symbols related to this classification to packages must conduct product quality tests according to the requirements of EELQMS (this organization was created to establish the compliance of lubricants with this classification - it is she who conducts and registers such examinations).

Engine oil, its specifications and designations

Explanation of symbols

The 2004 edition subdivides lubricants for engines in three classes:

• A|B - a category of lubricants intended for use in passenger car engines running on gasoline or diesel fuel. This class includes the previously existing categories A and B (the first - for engines on gasoline, the second - on diesel). Now there are four types of lubricants: A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, ACEA A5 / B5;
• C- new category, which combined lubricating fluids for both diesel and gasoline engines that meet the requirements for environmentally friendly exhaust emissions. Lubricants in this category can be used in engines with particulate filters. By the way, it was the tightening of environmental requirements that influenced the revision of the old classification as amended in 2002. Now there are three types of oils: C1, C2, C3;
• E - a category that combines lubricating fluids for loaded heavy diesel engines trucks. The oldest category, existing since 1995. AT new edition minor changes were made - two types of motor oils were added: E6, E7. Also 2 obsolete ones were excluded.

Example: ACEA A5 / B5 - the letter indicates that the lubricant belongs to a particular class, and the number indicates the quality level.

Characteristics of the types of motor oils according to this classification

• A1 - oil with low level viscosity, at high temperature operation can reduce fuel consumption. Used only when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer;
• A2 - lubricant with medium operational characteristics. It is used in engines running on gasoline. The usual frequency of substance replacement;
• A3 - have excellent working properties. They are used as universal seasonal lubricants with low viscosity. Does not require frequent replacement substances;
• B1 - the oil has a low viscosity, at high temperature operation it can reduce fuel consumption. Used only when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer;
• B2 - mainly used in diesel engines with indirect injection;
• B3 - mainly used in diesel engines with indirect injection, does not require frequent replacement of the substance, has a low viscosity level, can be used as a universal all-weather lubricant;
• B4 - used in diesel engines with direct injection, if there is a manufacturer's recommendation;
• E1 - are used in diesel engines with and without supercharging with operation not above the average level;
• E2 - used in diesel engines with and without supercharging with high level operation;
• E3 - have excellent anti-burn and cleaning properties, protect against wear, do not require frequent changes;
• E4 - used in high-speed diesel engines with a very high level of operation. It has improved properties compared to the previous class.

This classification engine oils places higher demands on products than the classification API specifications.

The 2004 edition includes the following engine oil classes:

• A1 / B1 - used in passenger cars with gasoline or diesel engines, allowing the use of low viscosity lubricants that reduce friction. Used according to the manufacturer's recommendation;
• A3 / B3 - have a set of properties that help to reliably protect the engine from wear, corrosion and acidity. It is used in passenger cars running on gasoline or diesel;
• A3 / B4 - have the same properties as the previous class, but are intended for gasoline engines and diesel engines with direct injection;
• A5 / B5 - used in gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars. A5 / B5 are used as recommended by the manufacturer power unit. A5 / B5 has increased resistance to aging, therefore, it will not be necessary to change the lubricant often;
• C1 - used in gasoline and diesel engines equipped with filter systems. Used according to the manufacturer's recommendation;
• C2 - have the same properties as the previous class. They also help reduce fuel consumption and clean filtration systems;
• C3 - resistant to mechanical stress, have properties similar to the previous class, can increase the service life of filtration systems;
• E6 - used in diesel engines that meet the latest environmental requirements, which means they are used with fuel with a sulfur content of about 0.005%;
• E7 - used in diesel engines that meet the latest environmental requirements, resistant to mechanical stress, protect against wear, incompatible with particulate filters.

Amendments as amended in 2004

• Combining engine oils for engines running on gasoline and diesel into one group (ACEA A5 / B5);
• The emergence of a new class of lubricants - C - for engines with filtration systems (ACEA C3);
• Two new types of E greases have appeared and two have been retired (E6, E7 and E2, E4).

Comparison of this classification and specification of oils according to API

As mentioned above, the API is significantly inferior in the severity of engine oil certification. So, API classes correspond only to early editions of the classification of motor acea oils. For example, ACEA A3 -98 corresponds to SJ, but there is no longer an analogue of A3-02. B5 -01 corresponds to the CH-4 class, but B5 -02 does not have a similar oil according to API either.

Thus, we can say that the classification of oils according to the API specification imposes lower requirements on the quality of the product, which means that it significantly loses to this classification.

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My life is not only connected with cars, namely repair and maintenance. But I also have hobbies like all men. My hobby is fishing.

I started a personal blog where I share my experience. I try a lot various methods and ways to increase the catch. If interested, you can read. Nothing more, just my personal experience.

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Gasoline engine maintenance classifications

SA- SG	Canceled due to lack of anti-friction additives
SH	Introduced in 1993, repeats the SG class but with higher requirements
SJ	Meets the requirements of car manufacturers from 1998-2000
SL	Meets the requirements of car manufacturers from 2001-2004
SM	Meets the requirements of car manufacturers of 2004-2011 years of release. Engine oils type XW-20 and XW-30 (low temperature limit) have increased standard requirements
SN	Meets the requirements of car manufacturers from 2011 release. Features limited phosphorus content for compatibility with exhaust aftertreatment systems and comprehensive energy savings. Similar to ILSAC CF5 (low viscosity oils will be classified together)

Diesel engine maintenance classification

CC- CE	Deprecated as deprecated
CF	Suitable for off-road diesel engines with indirect injection, as well as for engines using fuels with a high sulfur content. Can be used for oil change API standard CD
CF-2	For heavy-duty two-stroke diesel engines manufactured since 1994
CF-4	For the operation of four-stroke diesel engines produced since 1988, operating under severe conditions and reducing emissions.
CG-4	Heavy Duty four-stroke engines, produced since 1994 and meeting emission standards (less than 0.5 sulfur in fuel)
CH-4	For high performance 4-stroke engines manufactured since 1998 and meeting emission standards (less than 0.5% sulfur in the fuel).
CI-4	For high performance 4-stroke engines equipped with EGR cooling (December 2001 production) and using fuels with low content sulfur.

ACEA - engine oil specifications for gasoline (A), diesel (B) passenger car engines, as well as engines equipped with an exhaust gas aftertreatment system (C).

- A1/B1: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with more than low odds friction and low viscosity.HTHS( stability viscosity characteristic oils in extreme conditions, at very high temperature) with a viscosity of 2.6 to 3.5 MPa.
- A3/B3: low viscosity engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with extended oil change intervals for year-round use.HTHS viscosity ≥ 3.5 MPa. Exceeds A1/B1 and A2/B2 for piston cleanliness and oxidation resistance.
- A3/B4: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with direct injection.Higher requirements for direct injection diesel engines (designated B4). HTHS viscosity ≥ 3.5 MPa.
- A5/B5: Motor oils for high performance petrol and diesel engines with oil change intervals. Designed for oils with low friction and low viscosity. HTHS ≥ 2.9.

-C1 : High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with a particulate filter. Low friction, low viscosity, Low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) and HTHS 2.9 MPa.

- C2: High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with a particulate filter. With low friction, low viscosity and HTHS 2.9 MPa.These oils help extend the life of the catalyst and filter.

- C3: High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with a particulate filter.These oils help extend the life of the catalyst and filter.

Specification for Diesel Truck Engines

E4 Recommended for diesel engines that meet Euro I - IV emissions. Operating under very severe conditions, or with greatly extended oil change intervals. Suitable for engines without particulate filters.
- E6: High performance engine oils with excellent cleaning properties to prevent wear and soot.Recommended for diesel engines that meet Euro I - IV emissions. Working in very severe conditions, and greatly extended oil change intervals. They are suitable for engines with and without exhaust system. Recommended for diesel particulate filter engines when using low sulfur fuel (<50).
- E7 : High performance oils with excellent piston cleanliness control.In addition, they must meet the requirements for a high degree of protection against wear, the formation of deposits in the turbocharger and the formation of soot. Recommended for Euro I - IV diesel engines operating under very severe conditions or with greatly extended oil change intervals. E7 oils are recommended for engines without diesel particulate filters, for most EGR engines and most engines with SCR NOx systems.
- E9 : Engine oils for engines with/without diesel particulate filter, most EGR engines and most SCR NOx engines.Sulphated ash content max. 1%.