What does SL engine oil mean?
2 Answers
SL engine oil refers to the grade of motor oil. The functions of SL engine oil are as follows: 1. Anti-friction: When the engine is running, the oil forms a film on the surfaces of various components inside the engine, preventing direct contact and friction between them. 2. Cleaning: It refers to cleaning carbon, oil stains, and other residues produced by combustion, either by decomposing them in the oil or removing them through the oil filter. Engine oil can clean the engine and remove impurities left in the filter, protecting metal surfaces from acid corrosion formed during combustion. At the same time, engine oil can also carry away combustion residues (carbon deposits), combustion by-products, or oxidation products of the lubricating oil (low-temperature sludge), and quickly settle them to the bottom of the oil pan.
As someone who frequently maintains my own car, I think asking what SL motor oil means is a great question. SL is actually a motor oil classification standard established by the American Petroleum Institute (API), representing the oil's quality grade. Specifically, SL-grade oil is designed for car engines manufactured in the early 2000s, providing certain protection under high temperatures and helping to reduce wear and carbon deposits. However, this standard is somewhat outdated now, as many newer cars use higher-grade SN or SP oils. Using SL oil isn't bad, but if your car is a newer model, you should check the owner's manual recommendations and avoid arbitrarily using older standard oils, as this may lead to reduced engine performance or increased fuel consumption. Regular oil changes are crucial – replacing it with the appropriate grade every 5,000-8,000 kilometers will keep your car running longer and smoother. By the way, when choosing motor oil, checking the viscosity (like numbers such as 5W-30) is also important, as it should match the season and driving habits.
