What is the SP grade classification?
3 Answers
Engine oil SP represents the quality grade of engine oil. SG, SJ, SL, SM, and the subsequent SP are all grades of gasoline engine oil, with SP being the highest grade for gasoline engine oil. Precautions for changing engine oil are as follows: 1. Different engine oils should not be mixed: If changing from mid-to-high-grade engine oil to regular engine oil, the original engine oil should be completely drained, and the lubrication system should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid mixing. 2. Pay attention to the timing of oil changes: The timing for oil changes is generally based on mileage and time. For example, conventional mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months, semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers, and full-synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers. This standard is indeed correct, but it should also be adjusted according to actual road conditions. 3. Be mindful of the amount of oil added: The oil level should be slightly below the mark on the dipstick, and it should not be overfilled. Engine oil is extremely important for engine operation as it carries the dual functions of lubrication and heat dissipation. Therefore, the engine should never be short of oil at any time. However, adding too much oil (exceeding the upper limit on the dipstick) has adverse consequences. Excessive oil increases the rotational resistance of the crankshaft, reduces the engine's output power, and the excess oil may enter the combustion chamber and participate in combustion, causing the vehicle to burn oil, emit blue smoke, and increase fuel consumption.
When you mention the SP grade, the first thing that comes to my mind is that automotive oil standard. It's actually the API classification developed by the American Petroleum Institute, with SP being the current mainstream grade that has replaced the older SN grade. Every time I buy engine oil, I specifically look for this SP designation because it directly relates to engine protection. SP-grade oil provides better protection against low-speed pre-ignition issues, making it more suitable for turbocharged vehicles. Take my family SUV for example - after switching to SP oil, I've noticed reduced fuel consumption, quieter operation, and smoother engine performance. When selecting oil, you also need to pay attention to viscosity matching, like 5W-30. If the viscosity doesn't match, even the highest grade won't work properly. I recommend checking for the SP certification label on oil bottles during every maintenance service to avoid engine damage from counterfeit products. Don't try to save money by buying old SN-grade stock either - the performance difference is significant. Oil change intervals matter too - most vehicles should get an oil change every 6 months or 8,000 kilometers.
From my experience in car repair, the SP grade is a benchmark indicator of oil quality, representing the new high point in the API certification system. It offers improved wear resistance and cleaning capabilities compared to the previous SN standard, making it suitable for modern engines like direct injection or hybrid systems. I always remind car owners to check for the SP label on oil bottles—don’t assume any oil will do. For example, SP-grade oil better handles cylinder carbon buildup and reduces the risk of engine knocking. When choosing oil, always refer to your vehicle’s manual. German cars, for instance, often prefer SP-grade oil paired with higher viscosity. Using lower-grade oil can lead to overheating and engine wear. Whenever I help someone change their oil, I test the API standard to ensure the viscosity (e.g., 5W-20) is a perfect match—don’t cut corners and risk problems. After an oil change, always check the oil level to maintain proper levels and extend engine life. This is a crucial step during maintenance.
