What do API oil ratings mean?

What do API oil ratings mean?

The service rating of passenger car and commercial automotive motor oils is classified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The program certifies that an oil meets certain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality and performance standards. It specifies the viscosity grade required for your car’s engine.

What are oil grades?

Oil grades relate to an oil product’s performance at operating temperature (about 212 degrees Fahrenheit in your engine). You might be familiar with terms such as “30-weight” or “10W-30” oil. Those numbers refer to the grade. The higher the number, the thicker the oil. The lower the number, the thinner.

What is the highest API oil 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.

How do you read oil ratings?

The first number in the oil classification refers to a cold weather viscosity. The lower this number is, the less viscous your oil will be at low temperatures. For example, a 5W- motor oil will flow better at lower temperatures than a 15W- motor oil.

What is cj4 oil?

API Service Category CJ-4 describes oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2007 model year on-highway exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model years. CJ-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval.

Is JASO MA2 better than Ma?

JASO MA: This is the standard specification for oils that are used within one oil system (where the engine, gearbox and clutch use the same oil). JASO MA2: This is a higher standard specification for modern motorcycles. These oils are suitable for use in motorcycles that have catalytic converters in the exhaust system.

How do I choose oil grade?

Always choose an oil from a brand that displays the starburst symbol that indicates the oil has been tested by the American Petroleum Institute (API). You’ll also notice a two-character service designation on the container. API’s latest service standards are SP for gasoline engines and CK-4 for diesels.

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 is the best oil to use?

If you need to use any oil for frying or baking, saturated fats are the best, including animal fats, butter and lard. Healthiest vegetable and nut oils include unrefined walnut, macadamia nut, avocado, olive or sesame oil.

What is the best brand of motor oil?

Quick Answer. Some of the best brands of motor oil, according to PepBoys.com, include Pennzoil, Castrol, Mobil 1, Valvoline and Royal Purple . Peak, Shell, Quaker State and Motorcraft are also top motor oil brands.

How is Motor Oil graded?

Motor oil grades are based on a rating that classifies oil by viscosity , with oils that have a higher viscosity creating a better seal and lubricant for moving parts, but also putting more stress on the engine since parts must work harder to move thicker oil.