How Many Types of Motor Oil Certification Standards Are There?
4 Answers
There are three types of motor oil certification standards: 1. API: API is the abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute. Established in 1919, API was the first national-level commercial association in the United States and one of the earliest and most successful standard-setting chambers of commerce worldwide. 2. ACEA: The full name is Association des Constructeurs Européens, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It is the certification standard for automotive lubricants set by the European automotive manufacturing industry. Technically, it is more stringent than the well-known American API standard, making the ACEA standard a valuable reference for car owners when selecting motor oil. The ACEA classification system has been in effect since January 1996, replacing the CCMC classification system. 3. ILSAC: The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) was established in the early 1990s, jointly initiated by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). In October 1990, ILSAC issued the GF-1 test specification for gasoline engine oils.
When I first bought a car, I was also confused about oil certifications. Later, I asked at a repair shop and found there are several mainstream standards. First is the American API standard, like SP grade, which many Japanese and American cars use. Then there's ILSAC's GF-6, which focuses more on energy efficiency and environmental protection. In Europe, there's the ACEA standard, such as A5/B5 for German cars. Some manufacturers also have their own certifications, like special specifications for BMW or Mercedes. These certifications are quite important because using the wrong oil can affect engine lifespan or fuel consumption. When choosing oil, I always check which standard the manual recommends and compare prices, feeling that it's best not to go for the cheapest option.
As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, let me tell you that engine oil certifications are actually divided into several major systems. API is the basic standard, with SP grade being very common in new cars nowadays. ILSAC focuses more on fuel economy and is suitable for small-displacement engines. ACEA is divided into A/B and C series, commonly used by German cars. Additionally, many luxury car brands have their own certifications, like Audi and Porsche which have very strict requirements. When choosing oil, don't just look at the brand - you need to check if the certification matches your engine, otherwise it may cause carbon buildup or cylinder scoring. Personally, I always check the oil bottle label before changing oil to ensure it meets the car's requirements, and I also inspect the filter cleanliness to avoid wasted effort.
I've been driving for over ten years, and changing engine oil has become a habit. There are several certification standards: The American API like SN or SP grades, which have strong global applicability. ILSAC's GF-6 is suitable for fuel-efficient models. European ACEA such as A3/B4 is used for high-performance engines. Manufacturer-specific certifications are also common, like certain specifications from Toyota or Ford. Using the right certification can improve acceleration response and reduce abnormal noises. During regular maintenance, the technician suggested referring to the original manual to choose the oil, which is simple and reliable.
