Lubricating oils used by man for 3.5 thousand years. Even the simplest machines need them. Before the advent of oil and its products, vegetable and animal fats were used. For example, in the operation of steam engines, rapeseed oil was used. This material adheres well to metal surfaces and is not washed off with water and steam.
In 1859, petroleum products appeared, which served as the basis for the creation mineral oils... With the advent of polymer viscosity modifiers, a transition from summer and winter to all-season compositions became possible.
Types of engine oils
The product is a composition of materials. It consists of two parts: a base oil and an additive package. The latter provide a variety of product properties. Depending on the production method base oil it is divided into three types.
1. Mineral derived from oil (mineral).
2. Synthetic, obtained as a result of complex petrochemical synthesis. Synthetic engine oil is fully synthetic. The highest quality and most expensive.
3. Semi-synthetic, made on a mineral basis with the addition of highly effective synthetic components(semi-synthetic). A reasonable compromise in price / quality ratio.
Synthetic oils have a number of advantages over mineral oils.
Appointment
The main purpose of the lubricant is the formation of a thin and at the same time strong film on the surface of rubbing parts to prevent direct contact of their microroughnesses. This minimizes wear and tear.
Appointment motor oils: universal, for gasoline and diesel engines. Separate group - for two-stroke power plants... This is evidenced by the corresponding marking of engine oils: the value "diesel", "2T" or "2 tact". Its absence indicates a universal application.
Choice
How to choose The label contains many indicators, but the consumer is interested in two of them:
Quality level (whether it is suitable for a specific car);
Viscosity (whether suitable for a particular season and climate).
New, modern machines require a special approach.
The answers to two main questions are given by the marking of engine oil. Its decoding is in the generally accepted indexing system.
There are several of them. The three most commonly used are SAE, API and ACEA. Sometimes ILSAC is added to these.
SAE standard
The classification is based on viscosity characteristics. They are the main ones in this system.
The SAE (Association of Automotive Engineers of America) defines which viscosity range an engine oil belongs to.
Labeling uses this indicator, measured in conventional units. The larger it is, the higher the viscosity.
The standard establishes three groups of oils: summer, winter and all-season. The latter are the most common.
From the title different types it becomes clear that this marking, based on the SAE standard, can only tell one thing: whether the oil is suitable for use in a particular season in certain climatic conditions or not. Just this.
The standard specifies three groups of oils. They differ in seasonality of use.
1.0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W - winter oils. There are six of them. Parameter with index W (winter) - "winter". The smaller it is, the more effective the "cold" use. The minimum value is 0.
2.20, 30, 40, 50, 60 - summer oils. There are five of them. The unsigned parameter W is "summer". Shows viscosity retention with increasing temperature. The higher this parameter, the more efficient the use of oil in the heat. The maximum value is 60.
3.10W-50, etc. - all-season. Their number is 23.
For example, the 5W30 marking means that it is for all-season use. It is recommended for use in the air temperature range from -30 to +20 degrees.
So, what is the information that characterizes engine oil, SAE mark gives to the consumer?
This is information about the temperature characteristics of the environment, at which the following is ensured:
1. Scrolling crankshaft standard electric starter at cold start.
2. Mode of pumping oil through the engine lines. During a cold start, it must provide a pressure at which dry friction in the mates is excluded.
3. Reliable lubrication in summer in conditions of continuous operation in hard mode.
API classification
Developed by the American Petroleum Institute. API allows you to select oil for a car, depending on the year of its manufacture. After all, the process of improving machines, which consists in the release of faster, lighter and more perfect engines, is continuous.
The classification is focused on cars made in America.
Engine oil lettering adopted. The decoding is as follows. S (Service) - gasoline, C (Commercial) - diesel. Performance is denoted by the second letter of the marking, in order from A and further as quality improves. For example, the SJ class was introduced very recently. In doing so, he pushed SH. SJ classification is assigned to expensive and quality oils on a synthetic basis. They are designed for the most modern machines.
The cheaper SHs are inferior to the SJ in some parameters, they are ideal for cars produced in 1994-1989 and earlier. The SF class is focused on older low-speed and simple motors.
Multi-purpose engine oil: double markings, e.g .: SF / CC, CD / SF, etc. SF / CC - "more likely gasoline", CD / SF - "more likely diesel". An example is in the photo.
Due to the dynamic development of diesel engines, they become more complex: they are equipped with a turbocharger, etc. Special solutions are required for such power plants. Therefore, leading manufacturers include diesel oils in their assortment. These compositions receive the special "Diesel" label.
A separate group includes oils for gasoline power plants with an energy saving function. They have additional designation EU (Energy Conserving).
Classification by the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA)
It is characterized by more stringent requirements for the quality of oils. This is due to the fact that Europe has specific operating conditions for cars and slightly different engine designs.
ACEA classification characterizes the performance of engine oil at high temperatures.
ACEA distinguishes four classes labeled A, B, C, E. Designed for gasoline, diesel engines, as well as power plants equipped with converters.
The classification into a separate group distinguishes energy-saving oils. They have some peculiarities. When used, fuel economy is achieved by reducing the thickness of the oil film at high operating temperatures. Some, mostly Japanese, engines are designed specifically for these brands. Energy saving oils are used only when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. So, BMW and Mercedes-Benz advise not to use them at all on cars of these brands.
What does the ACEA engine oil label mean? Classes A and B are labeled the same in terms of energy efficiency. What does it mean? Classes A1, A5, B1 and B5 are energy efficient. The rest are standard oils. These are A2, A3, B2, B3 and B4. Energy efficient oils are not used in older vehicles. They require more reliable protection.
Double markings like A3 / B4 are used to denote general purpose oils (gasoline or diesel).
A significant part of American and some European automakers recommend compositions corresponding to ACEA A3 / B4 for their cars, while Japanese concerns - ACEA A1 / B2 or A5 / B5.
ILSAC classification
The brainchild of two Associations of Automobile Manufacturers - Japan and America. Has three classes of oils, providing energy saving and intended for passenger cars gasoline cars... Markings: GF-1, GF-2 and GF-3.
These oils are optimally suited for cars from the Land of the Rising Sun. For American, those matched by ILSAC are equivalent to API.
API and ACEA classifications establish performance indicators oils. Moreover, their values are the minimum permissible. Despite the fact that manufacturers of oils and additives coordinate their requirements with car manufacturers, they are not always satisfied with the latter. Tests according to standard methods cannot fully take into account the peculiarities of the operation of new modern engines... Therefore, car manufacturers reserve the right to formulate their specifications for special requirements.
When testing oils on their engines, they either select them, guided by one of the generally accepted classifications, or develop their own standards indicating the brands that are most suitable and allowed for use.
The specifications of the automakers must be indicated on the packaging next to the marking of the performance class. This requirement is met without fail.
All over the world, a unified marking of engine oil has been adopted. Decoding it gives an unambiguous answer to the question about the scope of the product.
Let's look at an example. So, the marking of engine oil 5W40.
This is a synthetic composition for all-season operation at air temperatures from -30 to +35 degrees.
According to API CJ-4 classification, the oil is used for vehicles manufactured after 2006 and equipped with high-speed diesel engines that meet the 2007 emission standards. It is used when operating on fuel that contains no more than 0.05% sulfur. Effective for vehicles with exhaust gas recirculation. When operating on high quality fuel containing no more than 0.0015% sulfur, it provides increased mileage before replacement.
Thus, the marking of 5W40 engine oil indicated on the packaging contains a sufficient amount of information to determine its suitability for operation on specific models cars.
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) is an association of European car manufacturers. This abbreviation stands for the European automotive community. It includes fifteen companies that produce motor oil in large volumes. Nine years ago, the community created a special standard that allows car oils to be divided into subgroups, reminiscent of GOST. SpecificationACEA classifies all oily fluids according to their properties and parameters.
Into classification ACEA oils there are three categories:
- The first includes oils designed for cars, vans, minibuses.
- The second category includes lubricants that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst.
- Oils from the third category are used in highly loaded diesel engines.
Class 1
Any class included in the ACEA specification includes four groups of oils. Their markings consist of letters and numbers. Class 1 includes greases A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, A5 / B5. These oils can be used for gasoline engines, lightly loaded diesel engines, minibuses.
Designation of tolerance on the canister A1 / B1 have a long service life. Such consumables are low-viscosity, fluid. You can get acquainted with their characteristics in detail by looking in the operating manual that comes with the car.
A3 / B3 are designed to be loaded into high-powered engines. These motor oils can be used all year round. Automakers say they don't need to be changed frequently.
ACEA A3 / B4 are suitable for filling into highly accelerated internal combustion engines, incorporating a direct fuel injection system.
The A5 / B5 can be used in high performance engines for extended drain intervals. Such lubricants are fluid enough that they cannot be poured into certain engines.
Class 2
For high performance engines that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst, there is a special category in the ACEA engine oil classification. The oils that it contains are used in gasoline / diesel internal combustion engines. Lubricants prolong the operating life of soot filters and three-way catalysts.
C1 contain the minimum amount of sulfur and phosphorus compounds, and have a small ash content of sulphates. Low-viscosity oils are designed to reduce fuel consumption.
ACEA C3 is similar in its characteristics to C2, but more viscous.
C4 are similar to C1, but more viscous. The content of sulfur, phosphorus elements, ash content of sulfates is minimal.
It should be remembered that the ACEA quality tolerances describe fairly specialized lubricants that are intended for use in certain motors. However, this does not mean that one should ignore the recommendations of the automaker. The manufacturer knows best what kind of petroleum product needs to be poured into his machine.
Class 3
Car oils belonging to this class are marked with the letter E and are poured into highly loaded diesel engines. They cannot be used in petrol / gas engines. In addition to ensuring lubrication of parts, these consumables clean the piston assemblies. Usually they are poured into internal combustion engines certified according to "Euro-1/2/3/4/5". Also, these greases extend drain intervals.
E4 offer the ability to reduce wear on motor parts. The additives they contain help to reduce the formation of soot deposits. In view of this motor oil, it is possible to use it in power units not equipped with a soot filter, but equipped with EGR, SCR. In this case, the lubrication will reduce the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases.
The E6 are similar to the E4, but are intended for use in powertrains that include soot filters.
E7 polish engine parts internal combustion... They ensure the smoothness of the piston cylinders. Lubricants are poured into engines that are not equipped with soot filters. The presence / absence of ERG / SCR is irrelevant.
E8 is used in powertrains equipped with soot filters. In terms of their characteristics, these oils are close to E7.
Selection of car oil
When choosing a fresh consumable for a car, you must first of all take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer. Before filling the car with a car oil that differs from the recommended one, be sure to consult with an employee of the service center. Remember that by pouring an unsuitable oil product into the engine, you give the automaker the right to refuse warranty repairs.
In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to understand how the oil markings are deciphered. It is not enough to be able to decipher the markings, it is necessary to understand what the characteristics of this or that oil product are. It is possible to get acquainted with the parameters of lubricants by looking at special tables.
ACEA specification can only be viewed as a source additional information about the type and characteristics of the car oil. This standard designed to make it easier for drivers to choose lubricating fluids... For example, if a lubricant recommended by your car manufacturer is not available in stores, you can choose another one that belongs to the same ACEA class.
On almost every engine oil canister label, you can find information about its viscosity grade, specifications and automakers' approvals. Let's try to decipher the meaning of engine oil markings:
What may be on the oil canister label:
- SAE viscosity grade. As you know, one of the most important quality characteristics of the oil is its viscosity. It is on it that the degree of oil distribution over the friction surfaces depends, and, ultimately, the engine resource. For ubiquitous oils, the first number (next to W) is the winter class, after the hyphen "summer" class. The lower the numbers, the more liquid the oil. The correct lubrication of the engine depends on the viscosity grade, especially during starting and warming up the engine at negative temperatures. Thinner oil works better in freezing temperatures and saves fuel by 2%. More thick butter more reliable when the engine overheats, in hot climates and for old worn out engines. The most common classes that are safe for any engine are 5W-30 and 5W-40. In extremely low temperatures (-40 and below), oils 0w-20 and 0w-30 are recommended. For old and worn out: 15w-40. Be careful with oils of grades 0w-40 and 0w-50, they can be dangerous to your engine.
- Specifications... The specifications were designed to make oil selection easier for motorists and professionals alike. When using oil according to its "own" specification, wear and tear and the risk of engine breakdown are reduced, the "waste" of oil, fuel consumption is reduced, noise is reduced, and the driving characteristics of the engine are improved (especially when low temperatures), and also increases the service life of the catalyst, and the exhaust cleaning system. Most common grades (American and Asian gasoline engines from 2010) (high performance oils for modern gasoline and light diesel engines)
- Car manufacturer approvals. A system of tolerances is also common among European manufacturers. In the marking hierarchy, tolerance is at the highest level. The presence of an admission means that the oil in one form or another has passed "quality control" within the manufacturer of your car and is recommended by them for use on certain models and in certain conditions. Examples of approvals: MB-APPROVAL 229.5,
- Barcode. Often, the country of production is not indicated on the label, however, by the first digits of the barcode, you can always determine exactly where the oil was made. See the table of the first digits of the most common barcodes:
- Batch number and production date. The batch number is usually indicated on the oil can itself (not on the label), this is unique number which is assigned to the batch lubricant produced in one day on one mixer. The date of production may also be indicated there. Although the oils have a shelf life of three whole years, it will not be superfluous to make sure that the product is not stitched. If you have any suspicions about, you need to send the batch number and a photo of the label to the manufacturer, in the overwhelming majority of cases your appeal will be considered and you will receive a prompt response.
- Pseudo-labeling. In most cases, engine oil manufacturers add a large amount of information to the label, which is not a generally recognized standard marking, but should distinguish this oil from others, show its benefits. Usually this marking does not have any technical roots and is the fruit of the creativity of marketers who exploit our misconceptions with you. Examples: fully syntetic, HC, cleansing, ester, smart molecule, antiwear, etc.
- Special categories of motor oils. There are motor oils of special, mainly industrial use. As a rule, these oils are seriously different from ordinary automobile oils, they differ in characteristics, they are not allowed to be used for other purposes. Examples: marine, aviation oils, for gas-piston stationary engines, tractor oils.
Now let's take a closer look at these groups.
Oil viscosity marking
The viscosity of the oil is determined at high temperatures and high shear rates of rubbing surfaces, characterized by three indicators - dynamic, kinematic, and also the viscosity index. Let's say the change in dynamic viscosity shows how the engine oil will behave under pressure. It is measured in poise (P). Kinematic viscosity characterizes the change in oil properties under the action of forces, for example, centrifugal, and is measured in centistokes (cSt) or mm2 / s. But the viscosity index gives an estimate of the dependence of the oil viscosity on temperature. The wider the temperature range in which the required fluidity and viscosity of the oil must be ensured, the higher its index must be. Only then can the engine oil be considered high quality.
According to the viscosity characteristics, oils are usually divided into all-season, summer and winter.
All-season oils include:
SAE 0W-30, SAE 0W-40, SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 15W-40, SAE 20W-40.
When marking multigrade oils, two viscosity numbers must be present, the first is the viscosity at low temperatures, the second at high temperatures.
Summer, most viscous, oils of classes:
SAE 20, SAE 30, SAE 40, SAE 50, SAE 60.
The number after SAE indicates the degree of viscosity, the higher it is, the higher the viscosity of a particular oil.
Winter, less viscous, oils of classes:
SAE 0W, SAE 5W, SAE 10W, SAE 15W, SAE 20W.
Winter engine oils must contain the letter W - winter.
Specialized oils (summer, winter) are currently practically not found on the consumer market, they were gradually replaced by multigrade oils, but this does not mean at all that you can use any of the multigrade engine oils offered on the market.
To choose the right oil for a particular engine, you need to take into account a number of factors.
1. Requirements of the car manufacturer stated in the operating instructions (service book).
The design of the motors can be very different from each other. When developing new motors, designers are guided by a certain oil viscosity. Therefore, different models- different power of oil pumps, diameter of passage channels, size of honing, different parameters for heat removal. Therefore, before buying engine oil, take a look at the instruction manual, in extreme cases, use one of the advocates of oil on the website Shell, Mobile, Castrol, etc. All of them select oil according to the Olislager system, where the requirements of automakers are clogged and the selection of oils follows them.
2. Climatic conditions of vehicle operation.
Quite simple the colder the temperature environment, the lower the viscosity class of the engine oil should be (the number after the letters SAE):
Approximate temperature limits for oils different classes by SAE 3. Service life and current state of the engine.
At long term When using a vehicle, the clearances in the engine friction pairs are significantly increased, which requires the use of a more viscous oil to ensure a satisfactory pressure in the lubrication system. This is especially important in summer, when the car's engine can reach its maximum temperatures.
For old worn out engines, the resource of which is coming to an end, it is recommended to use engine oils, the class of which is higher than indicated in the service book. These can be classes SAE 15W-40, SAE 20W-40, for very old engines it is better to dwell on the classes: SAE 15W-50, SAE 20W-50. Attention, when filling with higher grade oil, pay attention to the temperature. Viscous oil in severe frost - may not become a medicine, but a poison that will kill the engine.
4. Fuel economy or racing driving style?
If savings of 1-2% are important for you and in your service book it is allowed to use low-viscosity oils (0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30) - pay attention to the oil brands of this SAE class. On the contrary, if you don't care about fuel economy and you like to squeeze the pedal to the floor, choose as thick oil as possible from what is allowed for your engine. Thick film between rubbing parts - will reduce wear, and prevent possible breakdowns caused by extreme operating conditions.
API and ACEA specifications
In addition to viscosity designations, there are other letter designations on the labels, starting with letters. This marking dates back to the United States, which is why the requirements to fill in oil corresponding to a certain API class you will find primarily in American and Asian car brands... Here's a breakdown of the API labeling. API classification divides oils into two main categories:
- S (Service) indicates that this oil is intended for gasoline engines passenger cars, vans and light trucks;
- Oil category C (Commercial) is used in diesel engines commercial vehicles.
After the letter S is the "version" of the specification A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, L, N (each specification improvement is indicated by a new letter of the Latin alphabet). As a general rule, the later the specification, the higher the level of the oil's basic performance properties. Only oils with the latest specifications are suitable for the latest engines... On the contrary, there are conflicting opinions. Despite the fact that the API assures of backward compatibility, many owners of retro cars use oils of the earlier and even canceled categories.
US Standardized API Marking After the letter C (diesel), the level of the basic operational properties of the oil is indicated, which is indicated by the letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J. Additionally, after the letter designation, a number can be placed indicating the type of diesel engine: 2 - two-stroke, 4 - four-stroke. Currently, the following classes are mainly used: CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, CJ-4. Oils of later categories, more expensive and intended primarily for vehicles with an exhaust aftertreatment system (catalyst, EGR, particulate filter)
In the USA, a certain type of API marking is required, shown in the illustration. (1) - API category (2) Viscosity grade (3) Designation - that the oil is environmentally friendly / resource-saving. A special API commission regularly checks oil in stores, identifies and punishes those who violate the label, and those whose oil does not meet the level of the declared specification.
In addition to the above, an abbreviation may be present in the designation of engine oil - the classification of the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. According to the specifics of this classification, oils are divided into three classes: A / B - for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars, C - for gasoline and diesel engines equipped with a catalyst, E - for diesel engines of trucks. The letter designation is followed by a category - a figure that characterizes the level of basic operational properties of this oil... Also at the end of the specification - the year the category was adopted may be given.
Other specifications
Rarely enough, mostly in Japanese cars you may find specifications Global DHD and... The creation of these specifications was an attempt to combine the API and ACEA requirements with those of the Japanese automakers. However, this idea did not receive much development and the second version did not appear. For Japanese and Korean motorcycles, the specification is widespread . For 2-stroke engines (FA, FB, FC, FD as properties increase, and for four-stroke MA and MB). For jet ski and snowmobile engines - refer to specification NMMA.
Now you can easily understand the peculiarities of marking on the labels of canisters with engine oils. If, nevertheless, something is not clear and you still have questions - ask in the comments, I will definitely answer. Attention: due to the large amount of automatic spam, comments on pre-moderation, i.e. your question will be posted when I answer it (I do this about once a week). If you want to receive a recommendation on the brand of oil, please indicate the car model, engine characteristics (diesel or gasoline, volume, model, year), operating conditions, what kind of oil is being poured now, what recommendations are written in the service book).
This is the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. This organization was created to lobby for the interests of car manufacturers. One of the activities of ACEA was the release of requirements for the use of motor oils in engines of companies belonging to this organization.
Today the composition of its members is very impressive: BMW, DAF, Daimler-Crysler, Fiat, Ford, GM-Europe, Jaguar Land rover, MAN, Porshe, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault, SAAB-Scania, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
The last revision of the ACEA motor oils classification was adopted in 2004. From this year on, motor oils for diesel and gasoline engines of passenger cars have been combined by ACEA into one category. But, due to the fact that not all the newest motor oils, which are classified according to the new edition of ACEA, can be used in engines of earlier years of production, manufacturers of motor oils still often write on the packages of engine oil the previously assigned quality classes according to the previous edition of 2002 ...
Please note that any car oil manufacturer that uses in its advertising and packaging ACEA standards, must necessarily carry out the necessary tests in accordance with the requirements of the organization responsible for the conformity of the quality of engine oils to ACEA standards.
What do numbers and letters mean in ACEA classes?
In the latest edition of ACEA (2004), motor oils are divided into three categories:
A / B- motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines. This category includes all previously developed classes A and B (until 2004, A - motor oils for gasoline engines, B - for diesel). Today there are four classes in this category: A1 / B1-04, A3 / B3-04, A3 / B4-04, A5 / B5-04.
WITH – new class- car oils for diesel and gasoline engines that meet the latest toughened environmental requirements exhaust gases Euro-4 (revised 2005). These engine oils are compatible with catalysts and particulate filters... Actually, it was the innovations in the European environmental requirements that became the reason for the reconstruction of the ACEA classification. Today there are three classes in this new category: C1-04, C2-04, C3-04.
E- motor oils for heavy duty diesel engines loaded. This category has existed since the very introduction of the classification (since 1995). In 2004, cosmetic changes were made, 2 new classes E6 and E7 were added, and two other, obsolete classes were excluded.
Description of classes and categories
| A1 / B1 | Oils for use in gasoline and light diesel engines Vehicle, in which it is possible to use oils that reduce friction, oil-viscous at high temperatures and high shear rates (from 2.9 to 3.5 mPa · s). These oils may not be suitable for lubricating some engines. It is necessary to be guided by the instruction manual and reference books. |
| A3 / B3 | High performance oils resistant to mechanical degradation, intended for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles and / or for applications with extended oil change intervals in accordance with the recommendations of engine manufacturers, and / or for use in particularly severe operating conditions , and / or multigrade application of low-viscosity oils. |
| A3 / B4 | High performance oils resistant to mechanical degradation, intended for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines with direct injection fuel. |
| A5 / B5 | Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, intended for use with extended oil change intervals in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles, in which it is possible to use oils that reduce friction, low viscosity at high temperatures and high shear rates (from 2.9 to 3, 5 mPa s). These oils may not be suitable for the lubrication of some engines. It is necessary to follow the instruction manual and reference books. |
| C1 | Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, intended for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. They are suitable for engines where the use of oils that reduce friction, oil viscous at high temperatures and high shear rate (2.9 mPa · s) is possible. These oils have the lowest sulfated ash and the lowest phosphorus and sulfur content and may not be suitable for lubricating some engines. It is necessary to be guided by the instruction manual and reference books. |
| C2 | Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, intended for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. They are suitable for engines where the use of oils that reduce friction, oil viscous at high temperatures and high shear rate (2.9 mPa · s) is possible. These oils extend the life of the particulate filters and catalysts and provide fuel savings. It is necessary to follow the instruction manual and reference books. |
| C3 | Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas neutralization units, designed for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts, increase the service life of the latter. |
| C4 | motor oils for diesel and gasoline engines that meet the latest toughened Euro-4 emission standards (as amended in 2005). Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, designed for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles requiring SAPS (reduced content of sulphated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) and minimum HTHS viscosity (3.5mPa.s), equipped with DPF particulate filters and TWC three-way catalysts increase the service life of the latter. |
| E6 | Resistant to mechanical degradation and aging of oils, ensuring high piston cleanliness, low wear and preventing the negative effect of soot on oil properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines operating in especially severe operating conditions that meet the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3 and Euro-4 in terms of emissions toxic substances, and efficient at significantly extended oil change intervals in accordance with the recommendations of the car manufacturers. They are applicable with or without particulate filters and for EGR engines with a nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst system. Oils of this category should be used in combination with low-sulfur diesel fuel(sulfur content is not more than 0.005%). |
| E7 | Resistant to mechanical degradation and aging of oils, ensuring high piston cleanliness, low wear and preventing the negative effect of soot on oil properties. Recommended for use in high-speed diesel engines operating in especially severe operating conditions, meeting the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3 and Euro-4 for the emission of toxic substances, and operating at significantly extended intervals between oil changes in accordance with the recommendations of the car manufacturers ... They have high antiwear properties, resistance to aging, prevent the formation of deposits in the turbocharger and the negative effect of soot on the properties of the oil. They are applicable in vehicles without particulate filters and in most engines with exhaust gas recirculation and a nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst system. |
ACEA- an association created by the largest European manufacturers (Alfa Romeo, BMW, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Renault, Volkswagen, Daimler Benz, British Leyland, Daf).
It was founded as a result of the merger of CCMC with ATIEL. The CCMC specifications, which have now been superseded by ACEA, classify products as G for gasoline, PD for light and D for heavy diesel engines.
ACEA specifications have been developed to improve quality, productivity and environmental friendliness.
Acceptance of the ACEA specifications implies:
- Commissioning of new innovative materials, in comparison with currently used
- Analysis and certification of quality levels of each formula used
- Manufacturers' commitment not to change approved formulas
- Plant certification ISO 9001/2
- Compliance of manufacturers with ATIEL standards, the organization, together with the CCMC, defined the methods and parameters for the basis of ACEA certificates
The tests required by the ACEA specifications are added to the formulated CCMC and make them more stringent.
The following letters classify the engine types:
[A] - gasoline engines
[B] - light diesel engines
[C] - engines with devices for reducing the amount of exhaust
[E] - heavy diesel engines
Digital categories indicate different ways applications associated with a certain class of engines indicated by the letters. ACEA specifications were last updated in February 2002.
Responsibility for choice the desired category ACEA lies with the engine manufacturer.
Oils belonging to a certain category may also meet the requirements of another, but in specific engines oil of a certain category and class must be filled.
The year reference serves only for industrial purposes, giving information about the level and quality of the materials used. More recent revisions of the specifications mean that new tests have been performed or new requirements have been introduced into a category. At the same time, the editions retain backward compatibility, the new ones will always fully support the level of the old ones, except for the cases when a new category is introduced.
Petrol engines
A1 Gasoline engine oil with low viscosity, friction and high temperature. These oils are not suitable for use in some engines. For more information, see the car's service book. Fuel economy oils are described.
A2 Canceled
A3 Stable oil for use in high-performance engines with extended oil drain intervals, where the manufacturer also recommends oils with a low viscosity and a wide temperature range
A4 Not used
A5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for engines with extended oil drain intervals requiring oil with low viscosity and high operating temperatures. May not be suitable for some engine types, see the car's service book for more information.
Light diesel engines
B1 Oil for light vehicle diesel engines that require low viscosity and friction oils and high operating temperatures. This oil may not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information, see the car's service book.
B2 Canceled
B3 Stable oil for use in high performance diesel engines for light vehicles with extended oil change intervals, where the manufacturer also recommends oils with a low viscosity and a wide temperature range
B4 Same as B3 specification but for direct injection engines
B5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for diesel engines of light vehicles with extended oil intervals, which require oil with low viscosity and high application temperature. May not be suitable for some engine types, see the car's service book for more information.
Diesel Engines with Emissions Reduction Devices
C1 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require a low viscosity, low ash and HTHS over 2.9 oil. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the very low requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C2 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters that also require an oil with a low ash content and an HTHS greater than 2.9. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the very low requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C3 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the very low requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
C4 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require an oil with a low ash content and HTHS above 3.5. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the very low requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book
Heavy diesel engines
E1 Deprecated.
E2 Oil for general use in diesel engines, including supercharged ones, designed to operate under normal and extreme conditions, with normal oil change intervals.
E3 This category of lubricants provides effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for engines meeting the emission requirements of EURO-I or EURO-II in severe operating conditions. Also suitable for extended oil drain intervals.
E4 Stable oils that provide effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for high-performance engines meeting the emission requirements of EURO-I, EURO-II and EURO-III in severe operating conditions, such as strongly extended oil change intervals.
E5 Stable oils for effective cleaning of pores. It also provides control of friction and the amount of deposits on the supercharger. The level of varnish control and lubricant stability meets the E3 specifications. Recommended for high power motors
E6 Stable oil for excellent piston cleaning, sludge control and lubrication stability. Recommended for the highest efficiency engines meeting the EURO I-IV requirements harmful emissions and operating under the most severe conditions such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. The E6 specifications are especially recommended for engines equipped with particle filters and are designed for use in combination with low sulfur diesel fuel. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, therefore, if in doubt, refer to the service book.
E7 Stable oil providing excellent piston cleaning and cylinder polishing. Provides reduced wear, sludge control and lubricant stability. Recommended for the highest efficiency engines meeting EURO I-IV emission requirements and operating under the most severe conditions such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, therefore, if in doubt, refer to the service book.
