What is the SP grade of engine oil?
2 Answers
SP is the highest grade of engine oil. Below are the specific details about engine oil specifications: 1. API Grade: API stands for the American Petroleum Institute, and the API grade represents the quality level of engine oil. Codes are used to describe the working capability of engine oil. The grades are classified as SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, and SN, with the letter further down the alphabet indicating a higher grade. SP grade is currently the highest level of engine oil. SJ was the standard in the 1990s, SL was the standard in 2001, SM in 2004, and SN in 2010. 2. Engine Oil Grade: SP-grade engine oil, being the highest grade, generally falls under the category of fully synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oils are usually at SL or SM grades, with some at SN grade. Among international brands, engine oil grades are mostly SF grade and above.
I used to wonder what the SP grade meant when changing engine oil, until I learned it's the latest gasoline engine oil standard by the American Petroleum Institute, representing the current highest specification. After using SP-grade oil, I noticed my car accelerates more smoothly with significantly less vibration. SP shows improvement over the older SN grade, specifically designed for modern turbocharged vehicles to prevent low-speed pre-ignition issues and avoid knocking damage to components. It enhances wear resistance and high-temperature stability, making it ideal for post-2020 vehicles like my Honda Civic, whose manual recommends SP-grade oil. Regular oil changes with this grade can extend engine life and reduce frequent repairs. At service shops, mechanics instantly recognize the label, but it's also convenient for DIY purchases—just look for "API SP" on the bottle. Overall, SP stands as the most advanced oil for daily driving.