What is the difference between SN and SM engine oil?
1 Answers
The main difference between SM and SN grade engine oils lies in their viscosity or thickness (phosphorus content) at certain temperatures, with SN grade oil having relatively lower phosphorus content compared to the older SM standard. Below is relevant information about engine oil grades: API (American Petroleum Institute) is the abbreviation for the American Petroleum Association. API grades represent the quality classification of engine oils, using simple codes to describe an oil's performance capabilities. Engine oil grades progress from SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, to SN, with each subsequent letter indicating a higher grade.