What is API motor oil?

The service rating of passenger car and commercial automotive motor oils is classified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The program certifies that engine oil meets certain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality and performance standards.

What oil has the highest API rating?

SM
The API’s current highest rating for motor oil is SM. This oil is intended for all gasoline engines currently in use and has been the standard since 2004. For diesel engines, the current top oil rating is CI-4.

Does the API matter on oil?

API’s Motor Oil Matters campaign ensures that drivers are using high-quality oil, specific to their engine needs. For more than 85 years, API has led the development of petroleum and petrochemical equipment and operating standards. Industry members and consumers are encouraged to notify API about questionable products.

Which oil is thicker when hot?

The viscosity of hot oil is measured using different test parameters than when the oil is cold, so the numbers after the “W” don’t relate to the numbers in front of the “W”. The difference between 10W-30 and a 10W-40 is the high temperature viscosity. Obviously, a 10W-40 is thicker than a 10W-30 at high temperature.

Is API SN plus oil synthetic?

Yes! The following Pennzoil products are all licensed by the American Petroleum Institute as complying with the specifications of the new API SN PLUS category: Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils – SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30.

What does API SL oil mean?

SL. 2001 Gasoline Engine Service. Category SL was adopted to describe engine oils for use in 2001. It is for use in service typical of gasoline engines in present and earlier passenger cars, sports utility vehicles, vans and light trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures.

Which is better 10W30 or 15w40?

Since 10W-30 is thinner than 15W-40, its film strength can be weaker and it can be more prone to oxidation. Therefore, high quality additives are needed to compensate for those weaknesses in order for 10W-30 to protect as well and last as long as 15W-40.

What does API stand for in motor oil?

The API designation in motor oil stands for the American Petroleum Institute. The API is the largest oil and gas industry trade organization. Among its many tasks, the API distributes more than 200,000 copies of its technical documents every year. These documents discuss the technical standards and requirements needed to achieve the standards.

What is the best engine oil?

Why it’s best: Castrol ‘s synthetic oils are recommended by many manufacturers and mechanics. Formerly known as Castrol Syntec, the new Castrol Edge with SPT (Syntec Power Technology) is one of the best synthetic engine oils for the money.

What does API oil mean?

API stands for the American Petroleum Institute, which is the major United States trade association for the oil and natural gas industry. The API represents about 400 corporations in the petroleum industry and helps to set standards for production, refinement, and distribution of petroleum products.

What is an API engine oil?

API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) is a voluntary licensing and certification program that authorizes engine oil marketers that meet specified requirements to use the API Engine Oil Quality Marks.