Classification of motor oil (Vesta 2180)

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification classifies oils by viscosity and divides them into winter, summer and all-season. The viscosity of winter oil is indicated by a number with the letter W, which means winter (winter), for example, 5W, and summer oil only by a number without a letter, for example, 40. Modern oils are mostly produced all-season, which allows them to be used all year round in various climatic conditions. The viscosity class of all-season oil is marked with an alphanumeric index consisting of two values, indicating "winter" and "summer" viscosity, for example, 5W40. The number before the letter indicates the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures and essentially characterizes the ability to start the engine in frost, and after 40 - the viscosity index of the oil at a temperature of 100°C, that is, when the engine is warmed up. The SAE viscosity classification of oils has effectively become an international standard.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) classification determines the performance properties of oil. Motor oils in Ney are divided into classes, which are designated by Latin letters. The first letter characterizes the purpose of the motor oil: for a diesel or gasoline engine. Oil for a gasoline engine is designated by the letter S (Service), and for a diesel engine - C (Commercial). Oil for diesel engines, in turn, can be intended for two-stroke or four-stroke engines. The second letter in the class designation characterizes the "quality" of the oil, that is, its compliance with certain technical requirements. After the development and certification of a new class of motor oil with improved properties, it is assigned the next letter of the Latin alphabet. The closer to the end of the alphabet the second letter in the group designation is located, the higher the requirements the oil will meet. The latest certified class of motor oils for gasoline engines - SN - was adopted in 2010, for diesel engines - CJ-4 - was adopted in 2010. As new classes of oil appear, the previous ones are gradually cancelled. Motor oils of class SH/CE and "older" have been discontinued.



Universal motor oil, which can be used in both petrol and diesel engines, has double marking, indicating the oil quality group for each engine type. The number 2 or 4 in the diesel oil group designation indicates the number of strokes in the engine for which this oil is intended. If the oil has energy-saving properties, its designation will include the letters FE or EC after the group (Fuel Economy or Energy Conserving respectively). After the letters there may also be a Roman numeral, which indicates the conditional amount of savings (II – energy savings up to 2.7%, without a number – 1.7%).

The classification of motor oil according to API has become widespread.

The classification of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA - Association des Constructers Europeans des Automobiles) also determines the performance properties of motor oil.

Motor oils by purpose (for diesel or petrol engine) are divided into groups, which are designated by the Latin letters A, B, C and E. The letter A designates oil for a gasoline engine, B - for a diesel engine of a passenger car and E - for a diesel engine of a truck. The letter C designates oils for diesel and petrol engines that meet Euro 4 standards. The number after the letter indicates the class of performance requirements that the oil meets. The higher the number, the higher the oil class. Two more digits after the dash present in the oil marking indicate the year of adoption of the relevant operational requirements to which the oil complies.



Classification of the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). This standard was developed jointly by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and the American Automobile Manufacturers Association. Currently, the standard provides for three classes of oils for gasoline engines, which are designated by two letters GF and numbers 1-5. The highest performance requirements are for class GF-5. All motor oils certified by ILSAC are energy-saving.

There are also other standards for motor oil classifications. Thus, car manufacturers often develop additional requirements for motor oil and use their own internal oil class markings. Domestic oil manufacturers sometimes apply viscosity markings in accordance with GOST, but at the same time duplicate them with SAE markings.

The oil's markings indicating its properties are placed on the packaging.