What does SP stand for in engine oil?

2 Answers
OSamuel
07/25/25 1:51pm
SP in engine oil represents the quality grade of the oil. Related information: 1. Grades: SG, SJ, SL, and SM are all grades of gasoline engine oil, with SM being the highest grade currently available. The higher the grade of the oil, the better its technical indicators, which can significantly extend the engine's service life, prolong oil change intervals and maintenance cycles, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs. 2. Standards: The numbers in engine oil represent the American Petroleum Institute's grading standard for oil quality: S stands for gasoline engine oil, L stands for the grade, ranging from API SA, SB, SC, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, to SL, with later letters indicating higher oil quality; C stands for diesel engine oil, F stands for the grade, ranging from API CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CF4, CG4, to CH4, with higher oil quality indicated by later letters. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, which sets the viscosity grade standards for lubricating oils.
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VanIsabela
08/11/25 8:54pm
As someone who frequently tinkers with my little sports car, when I see the SP marking on engine oil, it reminds me that it represents the API (American Petroleum Institute) oil service category specifically designed for gasoline engines. SP is currently the latest standard, one level higher than the previous SN grade, with its main advantages being better fuel economy, cleaner engine internal deposits, and enhanced anti-wear protection. For example, after using SP-grade oil, I noticed smoother starts, quieter engine noise, and significantly reduced fuel consumption. It's not about complex technical jargon but rather the addition of special additives that help reduce friction, keeping the engine running more efficiently in the long term. If you're a new car owner, choosing oil with the SP label is definitely worth it because modern engines are more precise and require advanced protection to prevent carbon buildup issues. Also, when buying oil, just look for the API certification mark on the packaging for easy identification. In short, SP represents a reliable quality standard that keeps my beloved car trouble-free and saves me money.
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