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What is the difference between SN and SL engine oil?

2 Answers

SavannahLynn

07/28/25 5:39pm

The most obvious difference is the grade level. In engine oil labeling, SL refers to the oil grade. API is the abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute, and the API grade represents the quality level of engine oil. It uses simple codes to describe the working capability of engine oil. The oil grades range from SA to SN, with each subsequent letter indicating a higher grade. The most obvious difference is the grade level. There are four main differences between SN and SL engine oil: 1. Different antioxidant and anti-wear performance under high-temperature and high-speed operation conditions: In the same TEOST MHT high-temperature deposit test, the SN standard requires no more than 35 milligrams; SN has higher high-temperature cleanliness than SL, making it especially suitable for turbocharged engines. SN-grade oil has higher oxidation stability and anti-wear properties. Since SN oil contains lower levels of phosphorus and zinc compared to SL oil, it reduces wear on the three-way catalytic converter. 2. Different environmental protection levels: Engine oils are classified by environmental protection level, with higher letters indicating higher environmental protection grades. Therefore, SL oil has a lower environmental protection level than SN, and the highest environmental protection level is SN-grade oil. 3. Different grades: The grades are SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, and SN, so SN has higher quality than SL. 4. The number of SL-grade oils available for sale is fewer than SN.

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LaElaina

08/11/25 11:46pm

I see significant differences between the API SN and SL motor oil standards. SL is an old 2001 version suitable for vintage car engines with looser emission controls. SN was upgraded in 2010 to optimize fuel economy, reduce phosphorus content to protect catalytic converters, and minimize carbon deposits and wear. Modern engines like turbocharged vehicles perform more reliably with SN-grade oil while saving fuel costs. For daily oil selection, always refer to your vehicle manual's recommendation - avoid using SL-grade in new cars as it may damage catalytic converters, leading to costly repairs. It's best to directly choose SN or the newer SP-grade for better compatibility and easier maintenance, ensuring smoother engine performance.

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