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ACEA specifications – guidelines for European motor vehicles
Three main factors specifically influence the European market:
- Extended oil change intervals
- Fuel savings
- Exhaust gas composition
The different uses of the engine oils are identified by letters in the European ACEA 2012 classification:
- A/ B for passenger car gasoline & diesel engines
- C for passenger cars with diesel particulate filter
- E for commercial vehicle diesel engines
ACEA A/B
for gasoline & light diesel engine oils
| A1/ B1 | Shear-stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use with extended oil change intervals in passenger car gasoline engines and light van diesel engines. Specially developed low-friction oils with very low viscosity and a high temperature and shear viscosity of 2.6 mPa*s for xW / 20 and 2.9 to 3.5 mPa*s for all other viscosity grades. These oils are not suitable for some vehicle engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| A3/ B3 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use in high performance gasoline and diesel engines and light van diesel engines and/or for extended oil drain intervals specified by engine manufacturers and/or for all-season use of low viscosity oils and/or for severe service conditions defined by engine manufacturers. |
| A3/B4 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils recommended for use in high quality gasoline and direct injection diesel engines, but also for applications as described under A3/B3. |
| A5/B5 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils designed for use in extended oil drain intervals in high performance gasoline and diesel engines and light van diesel engines to allow the use of low friction, low viscosity oils with a high temperature and shear stability (HTHS) 2.9 to 3.5 mPa*s. These oils are not suitable for some vehicle engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
ACEA C
Oils suitable for catalytic converters
| C1 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use as catalyst suitable oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance passenger cars and light van diesel and gasoline engines, low friction, low viscosity and low SAPS values with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa*s. These oils support DPF and TWC longevity and save fuel. These oils have the lowest SAPS limit and are not suitable for some engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| C2 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use as catalyst suitable oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance passenger cars and light van diesel and gasoline engines, low friction, low viscosity and minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa*s. These oils support DPF and TWC longevity and save fuel. These oils are not suitable for some engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| C3 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use as catalyst suitable oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance passenger cars and light van diesel and gasoline engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 mPa*s. These oils support the longevity of the DPF and TWC. These oils are not suitable for some engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| C4 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils for use as catalyst suitable oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance passenger cars and light van diesel and gasoline engines, which have low SAPS values with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 mPa*s. These oils support the longevity of the DPF and TWC. These oils are not suitable for some engines. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
Abbreviations: SAPS : sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur; DPF : diesel particulate filter, TWC : Three way catalyst; HTHS : High temperature / High shear rate viscosity.
ACEA E
for heavy duty diesel engines for commercial vehicles
| E4 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils, which guarantee excellent piston cleanliness, wear protection, efficient prevention of soot deposits and stable lubricity. Recommended for use in heavy duty diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission standards under very severe conditions. Extremely long service intervals are possible, depending on manufacturer specifications. These oils are designed for engines without particulate filters and for some EGR engines and some engines with SCR NOx reduction system. The application recommendations of the engine manufacturers may vary. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| E6 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils, which guarantee excellent piston cleanliness, wear protection, efficient prevention of soot deposits and stable lubricity. Recommended for use in heavy duty diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission standards under very severe conditions. Extremely long service intervals are possible, depending on manufacturer specifications. These oils are designed for EGR engines with or without particulate filters and for engines with SCR NOx reduction system. E6 is prescribed for engines equipped with particulate filters and has been developed for use in combination with low sulfur fuels. The application recommendations of the engine manufacturers may vary. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| E7 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils that control piston cleanliness and prevent bore polishing. They are also characterized by high wear protection, low deposits in the turbocharger and stable lubricity. Recommended for use in heavy duty diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission standards under very severe conditions. Extremely long service intervals are possible, depending on manufacturer specifications. These oils are designed for engines without particulate filters and for most EGR engines and most engines with SCR NOx reduction system. The application recommendations of the engine manufacturers may vary. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
| E9 | Shear stable “STAY in GRADE” oils that control piston cleanliness and prevent bore polishing. They are also characterized by high wear protection, low deposits in the turbocharger and stable lubricity. Recommended for use in heavy duty diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission standards under very severe conditions. Extremely long service intervals are possible, depending on manufacturer specifications. These oils are designed for engines with or without particulate filters, most EGR engines and for most engines with SCR NOx reduction systems. E9 is mandatory for engines equipped with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low sulfur fuels. The application recommendations of the engine manufacturers may vary. Vehicle manuals or dealers must be consulted in case of doubt. Special approval of the manufacturer required. |
The API classifications were developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) with the Engine Oil Licensing And Certification System (EOLCS).
Manual for engine oils
1. performance level:
Gasoline engine oil categories (for cars, vans and light trucks (e.g. Sprinter) with gasoline engines): Oils designed for gasoline engines are classified under API “S” (Service) categories. See description of valid (current) and expired (obsolete) API service categories. Diesel engine oil categories (for heavy duty trucks and vehicles with diesel engines): Oils designed for diesel engines are classified under API “C” (Commercial) categories. See description of valid and expired API service categories.
2. viscosity grade:
Is a measure of viscosity and fluidity at certain temperatures. Vehicle regulations may vary. Manufacturer’s recommendations, according to the prescribed SAE viscosity grade must be observed.
3. energy saving:
The “Resource Conserving” and “Energy Conserving” designations apply to vehicles with gasoline engines in passenger cars, vans and light commercial vehicles. Extensive use of these oils can lead to across-the-board fuel savings throughout the fleet.
4. multiple levels of performance:
Lubricants developed for diesel engines may also be suitable for gasoline engines under certain circumstances. For these oils, category “C” applies first, followed by category “S”. Category “C” oils were originally developed for diesel engines and therefore may not meet all vehicle manufacturers’ requirements for gasoline engine lubricants.
Manual for SAE viscosity grade of passenger car engine oils
Multigrade oils such as SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 are widely used because they are thin enough to be fluid at low temperatures and thick enough to provide satisfactory performance at high temperatures. It must be noted that vehicle requirements may vary.
The use recommendations of the vehicle manufacturers regarding the SAE viscosity grade for the engine oil must be observed.
The valid and previous API classifications are listed here. Vehicle owners should check the information in the owner’s manual before consulting this information. Engine oils can have more than one performance grade. For vehicle gasoline engines, the latest API class contains the requirements of each previous. If a vehicle owner’s manual recommends an oil with API SJ or SL, an API SM may provide full protection. For diesel engines, the latest category usually – but not always – includes the performance requirements of an earlier category.
| Lowest expected outdoor temperature: | Typical SAE viscosity for passenger car engine oils: |
| 0°C (32°F) | 0W-20
0W-30 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 10W-40 20W-50 |
| -18°C (0°F) | 0W-20
0W-30 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 10W-40 |
| Below -18°C (0°F) | 0W-20
0W-30 5W-20 5W-30 |
API S
for passenger car OTTOMOTORS (service classes)
| SN | Valid
Introduced in 2010, oils with SN have improved high-temperature protection of pistons from deposits and offer greater seal compatibility. API SN oils with “Resource Conserving” meet ILSAC GF-5 specifications and are characterized by improved fuel economy, turbocharger protection and emission control system compatibility. They provide protection for engines using fuels containing ethanol up to E85. |
| SM | Valid
For vehicle engines up to 2010 and older. |
| SL | Valid
For vehicle engines up to 2004 and older. |
| SJ | Valid
For vehicle engines up to 2001 and older. |
| SH | Expired
For vehicle engines up to 1996 and older. |
| SG | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1993. May not provide adequate protection against debris. |
| SF | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1988. May not provide adequate protection against debris. |
| SE | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1979. |
| SD | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1971. When used in modern engines, insufficient performance or damage may occur. |
| SC | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1967. When used in modern engines, insufficient performance or damage may occur. |
| SB | Expired
CAUTION: Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1951. When used in modern engines, insufficient performance or damage may occur. |
| SA | Expired
ATTENTION: Does not contain additives. Cannot be used in gasoline-powered engines built after 1930. When used in modern engines, insufficient performance or damage may occur. |
API C
for DIESEL ENGINES (Commercial classes)
| FA-4 | Valid
Describes certain XW-30 oils specifically designed for use in select high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits beginning with the 2017 model year. These oils are formulated for highway use with diesel fuel and sulfur levels up to 15 ppm. Follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations when using API FA-4 engine oils. API FA-4 oils are formulated in an HTHS range of 2.9 cP-3.2cP to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These oils are particularly effective in permanently maintaining emission control systems where particulate filters and other advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems are used. API FA-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oxidation, loss of viscosity due to shear and foaming, as well as protection against catalyst fouling or plugging, particulate filter blockage, engine wear, piston deposits, loss of high and low temperature properties and soot related viscosity increase. API FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4 and CH-4 oils. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine if API FA-4 oils are suitable for use. API FA- 4 oils are not recommended for use with fuels containing more than 15 ppm sulfur. For fuels with a sulfur content greater than 15 ppm, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. |
| CK-4 | Valid
Describes oils designed for use with high-speed, 4-stroke diesel engines to meet emissions requirements starting with the 2017 model year under “in-highway” and “tier4” emissions standards, as well as those of previous years. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels containing up to 500 ppm sulfur. However, the use of these oils with more than 15 ppm sulfur content in the fuel may affect the durability of the exhaust aftertreatment system and / or the oil change interval. API CK-4 oils are particularly effective in maintaining emission control systems in perpetuity where particulate filters and other advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems are used. API CK-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear and foaming, as well as protection against catalyst fouling or plugging, particulate filter blockage, engine wear, piston deposits, loss of high and low temperature properties and soot related viscosity increase. API CK-4 oils exceed the requirement criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4 and CH-4 and can effectively lubricate engines when these API service categories are required. When using CK-4 oil with more than 15 ppm sulfur content in the fuel, the vehicle/engine manufacturer must be consulted regarding oil change intervals. |
| CJ-4 | Valid
Designed for high-speed, 4-stroke diesel engines to meet “in-highway” and “tier4” emissions standards beginning with the 2010 model year, as well as those of previous years. CJ-4 oils are designed for use in all diesel fuel applications with sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with fuel containing more than 15 ppm (0.0015%) requires the following by weight) sulfur content an exhaust aftertreatment system and/or affects oil change intervals. CJ-4 oils are particularly effective with an active exhaust emissions control system where particulate filters and other preferred exhaust aftertreatment systems are used. Optimum protection is provided for the control of catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blockage, engine wear, piston deposits, low and high temperature stability, soot deposition, oxidative thickening, foaming and viscosity loss due to shear force. API CJ-4 oils exceed the requirement criteria of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines when these API service categories are required. If CJ-4 oil is used with fuel containing more than 15 ppm sulfur, the vehicle manufacturer must be consulted regarding oil change intervals. |
| CI-4 | Valid
Introduced 2002. Designed for high-speed 4-stroke engines to meet exhaust emission requirements from 2004, introduced in 2002. CI-4 oils have been formulated to ensure the life of engines with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and are suitable for use with diesel fuels with sulfur content up to 0.5%. They can be used in place of API CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils are also suitable for the CI-4 PLUS specification. |
| CH-4 | Valid
Introduced 1998. For high-speed 4-stroke engines built to meet 1998 emissions standards. CH-4 oils are specially formulated for use with diesel fuels with a sulfur content up to 0.5%. Can be used in place of API CD, CE, CF-4 and CG-4 oils. |
| CG-4 | Expired
Introduced 1995. For certain heavy duty high speed 4-stroke engines containing fuel with less than 0.5% sulfur. CG-4 oils are recommended for engines that meet 1994 emission standards. Can be used in place of API CD, CE and CF-4 oils. |
| CF-4 | Expired
Introduced 1990. For high-speed 4-stroke, air-cooled engines and engines with turbochargers. They can be used instead of CD and CE oils. |
| CF-2 | Expired
Introduced 1994. For certain heavy duty 2-stroke engines. Can be used instead of CD-II oils. |
API C
for DIESEL ENGINES (Commercial classes)
| CF | Expired
Introduced 1994. For off-road vehicles, indirect injection and other diesel engines including those using fuel with more than 0.5% sulfur content. Can be used instead of CD oils. |
| CE | Expired
CAUTION: Not applicable to most diesel engine vehicles built after 1994. |
| D-I | Expired
CAUTION: Not applicable to most diesel engine vehicles built after 1994. |
| CD | Expired
CAUTION: Not applicable to most diesel engine vehicles built after 1994. |
| CC | Expired
ATTENTION: Not applicable for diesel engines built after 1990. |
| CB | Expired
ATTENTION: Not applicable for diesel engines built after 1961. |
| CA | Expired
ATTENTION: Not applicable for diesel engines built after 1959. |
API EC
Fuel Economy Oils (Energy Conserving)
| EC 1 | min. 1.5% fuel economy compared to SAE 20W-30 reference oil in 82’s Buick gasoline engine VG, 3.8 Ltr,SEQ VI test. |
| EC II | as API EC 1, but min. 2.7% fuel savings. |
| EC | Replaces API EC 1 & II. Only in conjunction with API SJ. Fuel economy: OW-20, 5W-20 > 1.4%; OW-XX, 5W-XX > 1.1%; 10W-XX, other > 0.5%; SEQ VI A test: 93’s Ford V8, 4.6 ltrs, reference oil 5W-30. |
The ILSAC (International Standardization and Approval Committee), together with another American institute and the JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), uses the API classifications as the basis for its own ILSAC standard:
| GF-5 | Valid
Introduced in October 2010 and developed to provide improved high-temperature protection against deposits on pistons and turbochargers. More stringent sludge control, improved fuel economy, improved emission control system compatibility, improved seal compatibility and protection of engines running on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85. |
| GF-4 | leaked
Use GF-5 where GF-4 is required. |
| GF-3 | leaked
Use GF-5 where GF-3 is required. |
| GF-2 | leaked
Use GF-5 where GF-2 is required. |
| GF-1 | leaked
Use GF-5 where GF-1 is required. |
MIL specifications
(Military Standard for USA):
| MIL-L | Lubricating oils |
| MIL-G | Greases, hydraulic oils |
