For the general public, the technical aspects of motor vehicle lubricants can seem complex and confusing, making it difficult to identify the right oil for their needs. However, in reality, it’s not as hard as it seems. This time, PanaOIL will thoroughly explain the API Service, which helps differentiate the characteristics and functions of motor vehicle lubricants.
What is API Service?
API Service is a grading system for motor oils created by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This categorization is widely used for engine oil products available in the market. In other words, once you understand oil classification based on API Service, you can easily identify the quality and characteristics of the oil, even determining the right oil for your vehicle.
API Service is divided into two categories: one for gasoline engines and another for diesel engines.
API Service for Gasoline Engine Lubricants
To date, there are twelve categories of API Service for gasoline engine oils. The naming convention is straightforward, using the letter “S”, combined with another letter following alphabetical order for each category. Here’s a breakdown:
- SN
API Service SN is suitable for all current and earlier engine technologies, meaning it can be used for all gasoline-powered vehicles. Oils with the SN category, especially those meeting the ILSAC GF-5 classification, offer better high-temperature deposit control, protection for turbochargers, improved fuel economy, and allow engines using ethanol-blended fuels (up to E85) to function optimally. - SM
This oil can be used for engines from 2010 and earlier. - SL
This oil can be used for engines from 2004 and earlier. - SJ
This oil can be used for engines from 2001 and earlier. - SH
This oil can be used for engines from 1996 and earlier. - SG
This oil can be used for engines from 1993 and earlier. - SF
This oil can be used for engines from 1988 and earlier. - SE
This oil can be used for engines from 1979 and earlier. - SD
This oil can be used for engines from 1971 and earlier. - SC
This oil can be used for engines from 1967 and earlier. - SB and SA
These categories are no longer recommended.
API Service for Diesel Engine Lubricants
For diesel engines, there are twelve API Service categories as well. However, while gasoline engine oils use the letter “S,” API Service for diesel engine oils uses the letter “C.” Below are the categories:
- CI-4
Released in 2002, it is intended for high-speed, four-stroke engines. Formulated to maintain engine durability, it can be used to replace CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. - CH-4
Released in 1998, it is intended for high-speed, four-stroke engines. It can be used to replace CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils. - CG-4
Released in 1995, it is intended for high-speed, heavy-duty engines using fuel with sulfur content up to 0.5%. It can replace CD, CE, and CF-4 oils. - CF-4
Released in 1990, it is intended for high-speed, four-stroke engines with turbochargers or naturally aspirated systems. It can replace CD and CE oils. - CF-2
Released in 1994, it is intended for two-stroke engines. It can replace CD-II oils. - CF
Released in 1994, it is intended for off-road vehicles, indirect-injection diesel engines, and other diesel engines using fuel with sulfur content above 0.05%. It can replace CD oils. - CD-II
Released in 1987, it is intended for two-stroke engines. - CD
Released in 1955, it is intended for engines with turbochargers or naturally aspirated systems. - CC
This category was released for engines introduced in 1961. - CB and CA
These categories are no longer recommended.
Dual API Service
Most modern vehicle oils have a dual API Service rating. For example, PanaOIL Cruiser Advance Plus 15W-40 CI-4/SL. This means the oil’s primary use is for diesel engines requiring CI-4 oil, but in emergencies, it can also be used in gasoline engines that need SL-rated oil.
Consult Your Needs, Now!
Now that you understand API Service categories for motor vehicles, it doesn’t seem so hard, does it?
Once you’ve got everything figured out, it’s time to choose the best oil for your needs. PanaOIL offers a range of motor vehicle lubricants that ensure maximum and efficient protection for your business needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Access more information about PanaOIL products and distributors at www.specta.co.id for the best protection for your vehicle’s engine! PanaOIL, Think Efficient!
Source: Technical Team of PT Pana Oil Indonesia
ID: BPOI160901
