Is SP Grade Engine Oil Not Necessarily Better Than SN?

[AbelRose]

SP engine oil has a higher grade, therefore it is better. The difference between SN and SP engine oil: At certain temperatures, the thickness and viscosity of the two grades of engine oil differ. SN engine oil has relatively less phosphorus content. SP engine oil has a higher viscosity value, thicker oil film, and provides better protective performance. SP is currently the highest grade of gasoline engine oil. The higher the grade of the engine oil, the higher its various technical indicators, which can significantly extend the engine's service life, prolong the oil change interval, and maintenance cycle. Introduction to engine oil: Engine oil mainly contains anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear of moving parts, remove sludge and varnish from the engine, neutralize acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation, improve the sealing of piston rings, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.

[OMia]

I've driven several cars and found that SP engine oil indeed has some upgrades in certain aspects, such as better fuel economy and carbon deposit prevention compared to SN. But that doesn't mean all cars need SP. Some new car manuals recommend SP, but if you're driving a used car or an economy model, SN might be more suitable because it's cheaper and still adequate. Don't blindly chase the latest; you need to consider the engine's requirements. For example, my older city commuter car runs just fine with SN, and switching to SP didn't bring any noticeable improvement—just wasted money. Always change oil according to the manual, not just based on the grade. Also consider your driving habits and road conditions, as improper use could harm the engine. In short, SP has its advantages but isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; choose based on actual needs and budget.

[LaLena]

I believe choosing engine oil should be about cost-effectiveness. The SP grade sounds advanced, but it's usually much more expensive without necessarily being significantly better than SN. As a frequent road-tripper, I prioritize durability and value for money. For many older engines, using SP is overkill—SN provides sufficient protection. The key is to check the API standard and your vehicle model. For low-mileage daily driving, SN is perfectly adequate. Don't fall for marketing hype—always consult your owner's manual before changing oil. Some repair shops also recommend selecting oil based on temperature and season, not just the grade. In short, SP isn't inherently superior—what suits your needs is what truly matters.

[DelAlyssa]

I'm concerned about environmental protection and fuel consumption, and I've noticed that SP-grade engine oil is designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing friction to help save fuel, which is great for city driving. However, SN-grade oil is also reliable. If the car has a standard naturally aspirated engine and isn't high-performance, SN might be sufficient, and an upgrade may not be necessary. When choosing, consider the environmental impact—SP theoretically has lower emissions, but based on personal experience, for frequent short trips, the difference is minimal. The key is to listen to professional advice and avoid making random changes.