What does oil A3B4 mean?
4 Answers
A3B4 is one of the certification standards of the European Union. 'A' represents gasoline engines for passenger cars, 'B' represents diesel engines for passenger cars, and the numbers represent the oil grade. A3B4 is a relatively high-grade mainline lubricant, which is a catalytic type of gasoline and light-duty diesel engine oil. The differences between A3B4 and SN are as follows: 1. Different certifying associations: Essentially, they are grades certified by two different associations—one by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and the other by the American Petroleum Institute (API). 2. Different types of oil represented: A3B4 is an oil standard established by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), representing gasoline engine oils; while SN is an oil certification table by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Although they are two different oil certification standards, there is a certain relationship between ACEA and API. For example, A3B4 is only equivalent to the SL grade of API, so compared to SN, SN is relatively more advanced.
When it comes to engine oil A3B4, I’ve been driving European cars for years, so I’m very familiar with this stuff. It’s actually a standard code for engine oil set by the European ACEA association, mainly suitable for high-performance gasoline and light diesel engines, such as turbocharged vehicles. My Audi A4 specifically requires A3B4 oil because this type of oil offers superior protection under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, reducing engine deposits and wear while ensuring smoother operation. Compared to newer fuel-efficient standards like A5B5, A3B4 is thicker and more wear-resistant, making it especially suitable for aggressive driving or older cars. Using lower-spec oil may cause piston ring sticking or power loss, so I always carefully check the packaging label to ensure it has ACEA A3B4 certification before an oil change. This way, my car runs smoothly for years without major issues, giving me peace of mind and saving money on maintenance. Always check your vehicle’s manual to confirm compatibility—don’t cheap out and risk engine trouble.
I'm a DIY car maintenance enthusiast and have changed A3B4 engine oil several times, so I'm quite familiar with it. This is a grade in the ACEA classification, representing high-performance oil specifically designed for both gasoline and diesel engines. For example, my Passat diesel version relies on it to withstand high-load operation—this oil has good viscosity stability and doesn't break down easily under high temperatures. When buying branded oil, I only look for the ACEA certification mark, and doing the oil change myself is hassle-free. Compared to A1B1 or A5B5, A3B4 has stronger shear resistance, protecting bearings and pistons, making it suitable for mountain climbing and off-roading. If not changed on time or if other oils are misused, seals may leak, leading to high repair costs. I recommend checking the oil every 5,000 km to ensure the correct specification—this ensures long-term peace of mind and extends engine life. When it comes to cars, using the right oil avoids major repair headaches.
Performance driving enthusiasts know that ACEA A3B4 is a high-performance certification code for both gasoline and diesel engines. As someone who drives a modified hot hatch, I must use A3B4 oil—it protects the engine during acceleration, reduces friction for sharper response, and prevents overheating issues. Using lower-spec oil by mistake leads to power loss and rapid wear. Choosing ACEA A3B4 oil ensures stable and reliable engine performance.
