Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to selecting the right engine oil for your vehicle, it’s not just about picking a reputable brand and the right viscosity. Understanding approval codes and their significance is crucial for making informed decisions about engine oil selection. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of approval codes for engine oil, exploring what they are, why they matter, and how they can impact your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
What is an Approval Code?
An approval code for engine oil is a specific designation that shows the oil meets the standards set by official authorities or vehicle manufacturers. These codes are developed to ensure that the engine oil meets the necessary requirements for optimal performance, protection, and compatibility with your vehicle’s engine.
Importance of Understanding Approval Codes
One of the primary reasons for understanding approval codes is to ensure that the engine oil you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s engine. Approval codes that have been issued by the official authorities guarantee that the oil meets the specific requirements, viscosity, and additives necessary for optimal performance, protection, and efficient lubrication. However, you might wonder who are the official authorities and how they work.
The Official Authorities
There are a few official authorities in today’s market and they are the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and etc, they all play a vital role in setting industry standards and issuing approval codes. Thus, vehicle manufacturers often establish their own approval codes specific to their engines, by taking their unique requirements and performance standards into account. But in this blog post, we will be focusing on the approval code set up by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Understanding Approval Code Formats
The API has developed its own API service categories and it has been widely recognized in the market. The image below shows the API service categories created by the API.
- API SLFor 2004 and older automotive engines.2004
- API SMFor 2010 and older automotive engines.2010
- API SNFor 2020 and older automotive engines.2020
- API SPLatest API Service Category. Protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).Current
API approval codes consist of two letters. The first letter represents the service category, indicating the type of engine for which the oil is intended (e.g., S for gasoline engines or C for diesel engines). The second letter denotes the quality level, with higher letters indicating improved performance which means when a new oil specification is introduced, it is designed to offer better performance compared to older specifications.
However, that doesn’t mean older engines can’t use the newest oil because most of the modern engine oil in today’s market are made to be backward compatible. Backward compatibility refers to the ability of an engine oil to be safely used in older or previous-generation engines without causing any negative effects. It ensures that newer oil specifications can still cater to older engine designs and requirements. For example, if the latest oil specification is API SN, it can likely be used in engines that require API SM, API SL, or even older specifications. But please be aware that a new car’s engine will not be compatible with the old engine oil so if your car is new then is best for you to consult a professional or you can WhatsApp us and we will answer all your questions.
Consequences of using non-approved engine oil
Using non-approved or incompatible engine oil can harm your engine’s performance and longevity. It may result in increased wear and tear, reduced fuel efficiency, compromised engine cleanliness, and potential damage to critical components. Therefore, understanding and adhering to approval codes is crucial to safeguard your engine’s health and maximize its performance. If you have any concerns, consult a professional or you can WhatsApp us and we will answer all your questions.
Labelling and Packaging Information
When examining engine oil products, pay close attention to the labeling and packaging information. Look for clear indications of approval codes, especially from official authorities like the API. These codes are often displayed prominently on the labels or packaging to help you quickly identify the suitability of the oil for your engine. Ensure that the approval codes align with the requirements of your vehicle before making a purchase.
Factors to Consider
Approval codes are just one aspect to consider when selecting engine oil. Other factors, such as viscosity, temperature range, and performance requirements, also play a crucial role. Factors such as climate (ignore this if you live in a country without four seasons), driving conditions, and the age of your engine should also be taken into account when choosing the right engine oil. Thus, it’s important to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or you can WhatsApp us and we will answer all your question.
Conclusion
Understanding approval codes for engine oil is very important for end users. These codes provide vital information about compatibility and performance. By selecting engine oils with the appropriate approval codes, you ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s engine, smooth operation, and protect its longevity and efficiency.
References
- Repairing Car | Image by jcomp on Freepik
