What Grade is SM Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Engine oil grades are classified into SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, and SN levels. The further back the letter is in the alphabet, the higher the grade. SM engine oil is just below SN in quality and is one of the three most common grades of engine oil today. Introduction to engine oil: 1. Base oil is the main component of engine oil, determining its basic properties. Additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil's performance, giving it certain new properties, making them an important part of engine oil. 2. Engine oil serves to lubricate and reduce friction in the engine, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption and buffering.
I've studied oil grades for many years. SM refers to the API standard's gasoline engine oil classification, where S stands for Spark ignition (gasoline vehicles), and M is one of the alphabetical sequence grades. Introduced around 2004, it offers better oxidation resistance, cleaning capability, and low-temperature protection compared to the older SL grade, making it suitable for modern engines. If you look at an oil bottle, you'll find the API SM mark, indicating it can reduce engine wear, lower noise, and prevent sludge buildup. Most gasoline vehicles from 2000 to 2010 use SM or SN grade oils—just check your owner's manual to confirm. Avoid using lower-grade oil as it may affect performance; regular oil changes are key, typically every 5,000-8,000 kilometers, to maintain engine health and extend its lifespan. While newer SP-grade oils are available now, SM remains cost-effective and reliable—just remember to pair it with the correct viscosity, such as 5W-30, for optimal performance.
