What does aplsp engine oil mean?
3 Answers
aplsp engine oil refers to engine oil that meets the SP grade standard of the American Petroleum Institute. Here is some related knowledge about engine oil grades: Engine oil grades: In the API quality grades, engine oils starting with "S" are specifically for gasoline engines. There are a total of 13 engine oil quality grades from SA to SP. Engine oil quality: With each increment in the letter grade, the performance of the engine oil is superior to the previous one. These engine oils differ in their thickness or viscosity (phosphorus content) at certain temperatures. Choosing engine oil grades: It's not necessarily true that a higher grade is always better. It's best to use the engine oil grade specified for your engine. Of course, if you frequently drive in congested urban environments, using a higher grade engine oil can be beneficial (more environmentally friendly and economical).
API SP engine oil is essentially the new generation of standard engine oil, specifically designed for modern vehicles, and particularly suitable for cars produced after 2020. I used it during my last oil change and noticed that the engine runs exceptionally smoothly with reduced noise. It adheres to the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute, abbreviated as Service Category SP, primarily aimed at preventing low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI). It also protects turbochargers and timing chains, extending engine life. Compared to older standards like SN, SP offers better cleaning performance and high-temperature protection, reducing carbon buildup and wear. I recommend all new car owners switch to this oil—don’t opt for cheaper, older-grade oils. Choosing a full synthetic oil yields even better results, and regular maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by 5% to 10%.
As someone who frequently changes my own oil, I feel API SP oil is a game-changer. Its core purpose is to provide superior protection for high-compression engines, addressing the complex demands of modern vehicles. When purchasing oil, look for the API SP label on the bottle – pairing it with ILSAC GF-6A standards is ideal. Never use older SN-grade oil, as it may lead to low-speed pre-ignition and damage timing systems. I regularly switch to SP synthetic oil, which extends drain intervals and significantly reduces sludge buildup. The process is straightforward: drain hot engine oil, refill with fresh oil, and check the filter – it's cost-effective and reassuring. Proper maintenance like this can add tens of thousands of miles to your engine's lifespan, protecting its heart.