What is the China VI Engine Oil Certification Standard?
3 Answers
China VI engine oil certification standards require the oil to have low sulfur and low ash content properties, with ash content mandated to be ≤0.5% or 0.8%. Relevant information about engine oil is as follows: Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), serves multiple functions including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leakage prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Composition: Engine oil consists of two main components - base oil and additives. Base oil forms the primary constituent of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance deficiencies of base oil, imparting new characteristics, making them essential components of lubricating oil.
I've been driving for over ten years and have some insights into motor oil certification standards. The China VI oil certification is mainly designed to align with the country's Phase VI emission regulations, controlling pollutant emissions. The core standards are based on the European ACEA classifications, such as ACEA C3 and C5, which require oils to have low ash, sulfur, and phosphorus content—known as low-SAPS formulations. This helps protect the engine and reduces the risk of clogging in exhaust after-treatment systems like DPF or GPF. When I choose oil, I always check if the bottle has these certifications or the API SP certification, as it’s compatible with China VI standards. This isn’t just about compliance—it also extends engine life and improves fuel efficiency, saving money. Avoid using outdated oils, as they can cause issues during emissions tests or even damage expensive after-treatment systems. I recommend consulting your mechanic or checking the vehicle manual during maintenance to ensure the oil meets standards. Also, synthetic oils are a good choice for better wear protection.
As someone who frequently works on car repairs, I understand the importance of the China VI oil certification. The standards mainly follow the ACEA C series, such as C5 or C6, which are designed with low SAPS formulations to prevent sulfate ash from clogging diesel particulate filters or gasoline filters. This is because China VI vehicles have strict emission controls, and the oil must balance lubrication with protecting catalytic converters. The API SP certification is also suitable for gasoline vehicles, offering stronger anti-wear performance. When checking for customers, I remind them to check the oil label and avoid buying low-standard oil just to save money, as it can lead to excessive emissions, engine carbon buildup, or increased noise. Related topics include matching oil to the vehicle model and season; for example, in cold regions, using low-viscosity C-series oil ensures smoother operation. During maintenance, it's best to visit a reputable shop for oil changes and check every 5,000 kilometers or so to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. By the way, most new cars specify the certification standard in the manual—following it is the safest approach.
