What does the oil grade SN mean?
2 Answers
SN grade is currently the highest grade of engine oil. Below is a detailed introduction to engine oil quality grades: 1. API is the abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute. The API grade represents the quality grade of engine oil. It uses codes to describe the working capability of engine oil. The grades are divided into SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, and SN, with the later letters indicating progressively higher grades. SN grade is currently the highest-level engine oil. SJ was the standard in the 1990s, SL was the standard in 2001, SM was the standard in 2004, and SN became the standard in 2010. 2. As the highest-grade engine oil, SN-grade oil generally falls under the category of fully synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oils are mostly SL or SM grade, but some also reach SN grade. Among international brands, most engine oils are above SF grade. For example, Shell Helix Ultra is API-SM grade, while Shell Helix Red is API-SG grade, indicating that Helix Ultra has a higher quality grade than Helix Red.
The SN oil grade refers to one of the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API), specifically designed for gasoline engines, particularly models from 2011 and later. From my experience with cars, SN oil provides stronger engine protection, such as reducing friction and wear, helping control the emission system, and preventing catalytic converter clogging. Compared to the older SM standard, SN includes more additives, improving high-temperature performance and fuel efficiency. When buying oil, always check the API certification on the label; if it doesn’t match your vehicle model, it may cause engine knocking or increased fuel consumption issues. Regular changes, around every 5,000 kilometers, ensure that using the correct grade extends engine life while also saving fuel and being eco-friendly. Remember not to overlook the recommendations in the owner’s manual to avoid unnecessary trips to the repair shop.
