Engine oil:
Used to lubricate internal combustion engines The primary purpose is to
lubricate moving parts, and it also cleans, prevents wear, improves
performance, and cools the engine by keeping heat away from moving
parts;
Choosing the right engine oil involves understanding various
specifications, including viscosity ratings, industry standards, and
manufacturer recommendations.
This guide provides an in-depth explanation of engine oil specification
charts, their importance, and how to interpret them to ensure optimal
engine performance.
Why Engine Oil Specifications Matter
Using the wrong engine oil can lead to poor fuel efficiency, increased engine wear,
and even severe damage. An oil specification chart helps prevent these issues by
ensuring that only the appropriate oil types are used. The specifications take into
account factors such as:
Viscosity requirements (based on climate and engine type)
Additive packages (detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents)
Industry standards (API, ACEA, ILSAC)
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approvals
What does an engine oil made of?
All motor vehicles require lubrication to ensure the engine’s excellent performance.
But what are engine oils made of? Whether it is synthetic, mineral, or semi synthetic,
an engine oil is always made of base oil – crude petroleum or polymers – and
additives with their unique compositions. To know more, let’s explore the three
types.
Mineral engine oils
Mineral engine oils are derived from crude petroleum. After being extracted and
conveyed to a refinery, crude oil undergoes several refining processes to remove as
much impurities as possible. Mineral oils contain hydrocarbon, oxygenated or non-
oxygenated, and may also contain sulphur or nitrogen. Additives are added after the
refining processes to improve performance.
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Synthetic oils
are created chemically in the laboratory but can also come from refined petroleum.
Refining synthetic oils is a more complex process than for mineral oils because it
involves modifying the structure of the hydrocarbon molecules. The purpose of this
process is to retain only the best molecules and eventually produce the best oils.
There are also additives added in the process. Because of the composition and
production complexity, synthetic oils are also considered high-end oils with higher
performance compared to mineral oils.
Semi-synthetic oils
Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, but different semi-
synthetic products may have different mix compositions. Some semi-synthetic
products are composed of 30% synthetic oils. In some others, they contain just 1%
of synthetic, although still labelled as semi-synthetic.
WHAT DOES AN ENGINE OIL MADE OF? | TotalEnergies in Indonesia
International standards used in classification of engine oils.
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).
API (American Petroleum Institute).
ACEA -French-(Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles).
ILSAC (International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee).
3- Key Components of an Engine Oil Specification
1. Viscosity Ratings (SAE Grades)
Viscosity refers to an oil’s resistance to flow and is categorized using the SAE
(Society of Automotive Engineers) grading system. The most common viscosity
grades found in an oil specification chart include:
Single-Grade Oils (e.g., SAE 30) – Used in specific applications where
temperature variations are minimal.
Multi-Grade Oils (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) – Designed to perform well in both cold
and hot temperatures.
In multi-grade oils, the first number (e.g., 5W) represents the oil’s flow in cold
conditions (W stands for winter), while the second number (e.g., 30) indicates its
viscosity at operating temperatures.
2. API (American Petroleum Institute) Classification
The API classification ensures that engine oil meets minimum performance and
protection standards. The two main categories include:
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API S-Series (Spark-Ignited Engines) – For gasoline engines (e.g., API SN,
API SP)
API C-Series (Compression-Ignited Engines) – For diesel engines (e.g., API
CK-4, API FA-4)
Modern vehicles often require API SP-rated oils due to their improved fuel economy
and emission control properties.
3. ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles)
Ratings
ACEA ratings are primarily used in Europe and provide stricter performance criteria
than API. They are divided into three categories:
ACEA A/B – For gasoline and light-duty diesel engines (e.g., ACEA A3/B4)
ACEA C – Low-SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) oils for modern
engines with after-treatment systems (e.g., ACEA C3)
ACEA E – Heavy-duty diesel engine oils (e.g., ACEA E9)
4. ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Ratings
ILSAC certification is often used in North America and is closely related to API
classifications. Common ILSAC ratings include:
ILSAC GF-6A – Designed for improved fuel efficiency and engine cleanliness.
ILSAC GF-6B – A newer standard specifically for lower-viscosity oils (e.g.,
0W-16).
5. OEM Approvals and Manufacturer-Specific Standards
Many vehicle manufacturers have their own engine oil specifications, which
are often more stringent than industry-wide standards. Some notable OEM
approvals include:
General Motors (GM dexos1, dexos2)
Volkswagen (VW 502.00, VW 507.00)
BMW (Longlife-01, Longlife-04)
Mercedes-Benz (MB 229.51, MB 229.71)
Always check the owner’s manual to see if a particular OEM specification is required
for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Specification Chart
Viscosity API ACEA ILSAC
OEM Approvals
Grade Rating Rating Rating
0W-20 API SP ACEA C5 ILSAC GF- Honda, Toyota, GM dexos1
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Viscosity API ACEA ILSAC
OEM Approvals
Grade Rating Rating Rating
6A
ACEA ILSAC GF- Ford WSS-M2C913-C, VW
5W-30 API SP
A5/B5 6A 504.00/507.00
API SN ACEA
10W-30 ILSAC GF-5 Chrysler MS-6395, GM 6094M
Plus A3/B4
ACEA Not
10W-40 API SN BMW Longlife-01, MB 229.5
A3/B4 Required
Not
15W-40 API CK-4 ACEA E7 Caterpillar ECF-2, Volvo VDS-4
Required
ACEA Not Older high-performance engines,
20W-50 API SN
A3/B4 Required motorcycles
How to Read an Engine Oil Specification Chart
A typical engine oil specification chart contains various columns detailing different
attributes of the recommended oils. Here’s an example of what a chart might look
like:
Viscosity API ACEA ILSAC
OEM Approvals
Grade Rating Rating Rating
ILSAC GF-
0W-20 API SP ACEA C5 Honda, Toyota, GM dexos1
6A
ACEA ILSAC GF- Ford WSS-M2C913-C, VW
5W-30 API SP
A5/B5 6A 504.00/507.00
ACEA Not
10W-40 API SN BMW Longlife-01, MB 229.5
A3/B4 Required
Not
15W-40 API CK-4 ACEA E7 Caterpillar ECF-2, Volvo VDS-4
Required
Choosing the Right Engine Oil Based on the Chart
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To select the best engine oil for your vehicle, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Owner’s Manual – The manual will specify the recommended
viscosity and any required OEM approvals.
2. Consider Your Driving Conditions – If you drive in extreme temperatures,
opt for an oil with better cold or high-heat performance.
3. Look at Industry Standards – Ensure that the oil meets the latest API,
ACEA, or ILSAC standards for your engine type.
4. Verify OEM Approvals – If your vehicle manufacturer requires a specific
certification, ensure the oil has it.
5. Choose Quality Brands – Stick to reputable oil brands such as Mobil 1,
Castrol, Shell, and Valvoline to guarantee high-quality lubrication.
The Impact of Using the Wrong Engine Oil
Using an incorrect oil specification can lead to several issues, including:
Increased engine wear – A mismatch in viscosity can lead to improper lubrication.
Reduced fuel efficiency – Thicker oils create more resistance, reducing MPG.
Sludge buildup – Incompatible additives can cause deposits in the engine.
Emission system damage – High-SAPS oils can clog catalytic converters and
DPFs.
Voided warranty – Some manufacturers require specific oil specifications for
warranty coverage.
FAQs
1- What is the recommended engine oil specification?
The recommended engine oil specification depends on the vehicle manufacturer’s
requirements, which are listed in the owner’s manual. The specification includes:
Viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40)
API classification (e.g., API SP, SN Plus)
ACEA ratings (e.g., ACEA C3, A5/B5)
ILSAC certification (e.g., GF-6A, GF-6B)
OEM approvals (e.g., GM dexos1, VW 504.00/507.00, BMW Longlife-04)
2- Which oil is thicker, 5W-30 or 10W-30?
10W-30 is thicker than 5W-30 in cold temperatures because the first number
represents cold viscosity. At operating temperature, both oils have the same
thickness (30-weight). However, 5W-30 flows better in cold conditions, making it
ideal for colder climates.
3- Which oil is thicker, 10W-30 or 15W-40?
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15W-40 is thicker than 10W-30 at all temperatures.
15W means it has higher viscosity in cold temperatures compared to 10W.
40-weight means it is thicker at high temperatures than 30-weight oil.
15W-40 is typically used in diesel engines or heavy-duty applications,
while 10W-30 is more common for gasoline engines.
4- What do the letters mean on engine oil?
The letters in engine oil viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30) stand for:
W = Winter (indicates oil’s performance in cold temperatures).
The first number (before “W”) = Cold temperature viscosity (lower number =
better cold flow).
The second number (after “W”) = Viscosity at high operating temperatures
(higher number = thicker oil when hot).
For example, in 5W-30, the “5W” means it flows well in cold
temperatures, and “30” means it maintains good thickness at high
temperatures.
5- What are the SAE grades of oil?
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) grades define engine oil viscosity.
The most common SAE viscosity grades include:
Single-grade oils: SAE 30, SAE 40, SAE 50 (mainly used in older engines
and specific applications).
Multi-grade oils: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 (used in
modern engines for better performance in various temperatures).
6- Which motor oil is thicker, 5W-30 or 10W-40?
10W-40 is thicker than 5W-30 at both cold and high temperatures.
10W vs. 5W: 10W is thicker in cold conditions than 5W.
40 vs. 30: 40-weight oil is thicker at high temperatures than 30-weight oil.
10W-40 is usually used in older or high-performance engines, while
5W-30 is common in modern engines for better fuel efficiency.
7- What happens if I put 10W-30 instead of 5W-30?
If you use 10W-30 instead of 5W-30, it may cause:
Slower cold starts in cold climates (10W is thicker than 5W in cold
temperatures).
Reduced fuel efficiency due to increased resistance at startup.
Potential warranty issues if your manufacturer specifically requires 5W-30.
However, in warm climates, the difference is minimal, and your engine
should run without problems.
8- What happens if I use 10W-30 instead of 10W-40?
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If you use 10W-30 instead of 10W-40, it will result in:
Thinner oil at high temperatures, which may reduce protection in high-
heat or high-load conditions.
Slightly better fuel efficiency since thinner oil reduces engine resistance.
Potential issues in high-performance or older engines that require thicker
oil for better lubrication.
The difference is small for most vehicles, but 10W-40 may be preferred for
extra protection in high-performance or high-mileage engines.
9- What happens if I use 10W-40 instead of 5W-30?
If you use 10W-40 instead of 5W-30, you may experience:
Thicker oil at cold temperatures leads to harder cold starts and slower oil
circulation.
Reduced fuel efficiency due to increased engine resistance.
Potential oil pressure issues in modern engines, which are designed for
thinner oils like 5W-30.
If your engine requires 5W-30, it’s best to stick with it unless your
owner’s manual permits 10W-40 in certain conditions (e.g., high temperatures
or high-mileage engines)
Final word
Using an engine oil specification chart is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s
performance, fuel economy, and longevity. By paying close attention to viscosity
ratings, industry classifications, and OEM approvals, you can make an informed
decision when selecting the best engine oil for your vehicle.
Recommended
Engine Oil Thickness Chart(A to Z Guide)
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Engine Oil Temperature Chart(Complete Guide)
Engine Oil Grades Chart(Grade A to Z Guide)
Ryan Gary
With a solid foundation of 20 years in the mechanical industry and a
Mechanical Engineering degree, Ryan Gary brings a deep understanding of
automotive systems to Engine Oil Journal.
Driven by a passion for vehicles and a commitment to providing accurate
information, he created this platform to empower drivers to make informed
decisions about engine oil care.
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